What is a Theological Seminary?

A theological seminary is an institution of higher learning used to educate and prepare individuals for ordination as clergy or other religious ministry. Throughout its progression since the Reformation, the theological seminary has shifted its focus from purely preparatory study to academic disciplines which foster a more congregational, non-ordained focus. Seminaries offer a diversified range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, at the core of which remains Christian teachings and faith.

Theological seminaries were solely used for the purpose of training clergy from about the 4th century until the advent of the Middle Ages in the 5th century, when the Catholic Church became the unifying entity of religious teaching and monasticism gained popularity. During this time, the training of clergy became intertwined with monasticism and occurred exclusively within monastery walls. The traditional role of the theological seminary fell out of favor and soon became obsolete. Following the Reformation, however, the theological seminary re-emerged alongside the formation of the various denominations.

After the Council of Trent in the 1500s, Roman Catholicism was revitalized and its influence directly affected how theological seminaries were structured and overseen, which became known as the Tridentine model. Seminaries soon adopted the Tridentine model and became residential institutions, like monasteries, directly supervised by elder clergy. Individual obedience was strictly enforced as students were taught philosophy and theology as part of their preparation for ministry.

The Tridentine model was adopted throughout Europe and eventually made its way to America. As the various denominations adopted the seminary model, they adapted it as well. Though numerous theological seminaries structure their institutions according to the Tridentine model, the overall prominence of Catholicism as manifested by the importance of philosophical study has ebbed.

Catholic theological seminaries, whose sole function is to train clergy, follow strict guidelines and principles regarding the ordination process. Established by the Vatican and the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, seminaries in the US have guidelines that state that individuals must complete a four-year degree in philosophy and four years of graduate work in theology. To be ordained as a deacon requires an additional five years of specialized study.

In a theological seminary, religious and academic training can be dependent on denomination, such as Pentecostal, Mormon, Evangelical and fundamentalist; however, all study emphasizes four key areas of purpose: intellectual, pastoral, human, and spiritual. Areas of study may include Christian education, theology, philosophy, and pastoral ministry. Depending on accreditation, seminaries offer specialized certification programs and award bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Graduate programs are diverse, and include Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master of Theological Study (Th.M.), and Cross-Cultural Ministries (M.A./CM) degrees.