(Pre-) Ministerial

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Program Coordinator/Contact
A. James Murphy, Assistant Professor
Department of History, Political Science, Philosophy, and Religion
West Hall 118
605-688-5732
E-mail: arthur.murphy@sdstate.edu

Pre-Professional Interest Area Information
Almost all theological seminaries require some undergraduate education; most require a college degree. The best preparation for ministerial study is a thorough and broad exposure to culture—ancient and modern—literature and language, the arts and the history of ideas. Students also need to develop solid analytic abilities, facility in developing logically rigorous and sound arguments, and skills in written and oral expression. To do so, they may choose majors in the humanities or social sciences, focusing electives in religion and philosophy or select an Interdisciplinary Studies Major with cores in religion and philosophy. Consult the pre-ministerial and major advisor to create an individualized plan of study based on the entry requirements of the ministerial program of choice.

Possible Majors
English
History
Human Development and Family Studies
Interdisciplinary Studies
Psychology
Sociology

Suggested Coursework

REL 213 - Introduction to Religion * Credits: 3
REL 224 - Old Testament * (COM) Credits: 3
REL 225 - New Testament *(COM) Credits: 3
REL 237 - Religion in American Culture * Credits: 3
REL 238 - Native American Religions * Credits: 3
REL 250 - World Religions * (COM) (G) Credits: 3
REL 331 - Women and Religion Credits: 3
REL 454-554 - Environmental Ethics ** Credits: 3
REL 353 - Geography of Religion Credits: 3
REL 360 - Moral and Ethical Perspectives on Death and Dying Credits: 3
REL 470 - Philosophy of Religion ** (COM) Credits: 3
REL 402 - History of Western Religious Thought II Credits: 3
REL 401-501 - History of Western Religious Thought I Credits: 3
PHIL 100 - Introduction to Philosophy * (COM) Credits: 3
PHIL 200 - Introduction to Logic * (COM) Credits: 3
PHIL 215 - Introduction to Social-Political Philosophy * Credits: 3
PHIL 220 - Introduction to Ethics * (COM) Credits: 3
PHIL 313 - Great Philosophers Credits: 2-3
PHIL 320 - Professional Ethics Credits: 3
PHIL 383 - Bioethics ** (G) Credits: 4
PHIL 480 - Ethics of Globalization** Credits: 3
SPCM 215 - Public Speaking (COM) * Credits: 3
SPCM 201 - Interpersonal Communication (COM) Credits: 3