Pre-Ministerial

Program Coordinator/Contact

A. James Murphy, Associate Professor of Religion and Associate Director
School of American and Global Studies
Lincoln Hall 131, Box 2212
605-688-4687

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 (B.A./B.S.)  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.

Suggested Majors

• Communication Studies (B.A./B.S.)  
• English (B.A.)  
• History (B.A./B.S.)  
• Human Development and Family Studies (B.S.)  
• Interdisciplinary Studies (B.A./B.S.)  
• Psychology (B.A./B.S.)  
• Sociology (B.A./B.S.)