ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ

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Explore all Undergraduate Programs

Pre-Seminary

Designed to give you the undergraduate preparation you need to pursue a fulfilling professional vocation in Christian missions and ministry.

students discuss scripture inside church
students discuss scripture inside church

Types

Pre-Professional

Location

On-Campus

Credits

62*

Cost

$9,875

Answering the call to share the Gospel and serve others in Christ’s name.

Whether you feel called to teach religious studies, serve in local churches, or support mission work around the world, the Pre-Seminary program at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ provides a strong foundation for your future ministry. This undergraduate degree emphasizes theology, biblical interpretation, world religions, and other key areas that prepare you for seminary training and advanced theological study. By combining a broad liberal arts education with specialized coursework, the program equips you to grow academically and spiritually while preparing for leadership in faith-based organizations.

As a pre-seminary major, you’ll gain the knowledge, communication skills, and ministry experience needed to serve effectively in youth ministry, adult ministry, worship leadership, and faith community education. With opportunities to study in Kentucky, across the United States, or abroad through mission-focused activities, this program positions you to pursue your personal calling while preparing for graduate-level seminary programs. A pre-seminary degree from ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ is more than an education—it’s a pathway to service, leadership, and a deeply fulfilling career in ministry.

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.

To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog. 

General Education Requirements

Pre-Seminary Program

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’ pre-seminary degree program encourages and guides students on their journey to full-time Christian service, including post-graduate coursework in an accredited seminary program. The curriculum within this program provides several tracks that enable you to develop your interests in particular areas of ministry and religious vocation. You can explore your interests and hone your skills at the same time. 

While we recognize that full-time vocational ministry may include serving in the local church, in foreign missions, and any number of related positions, we also recognize that serving Christ goes well beyond a few designated careers. The world needs God-honoring people working in a variety of disciplines. At ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, you’ll receive a broad-based general education curriculum that, combined with courses that focus on various aspects of Christianity and ministry, provides excellent preparation for you to step into many different careers. You’ll be equipped to get hired by anyone – but also have a sound understanding of the One you’re ultimately working for. 

Course Requirements

Take the Next Step

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission and Goals

The mission of the Department of Missions and Ministry at UC is to provide a high-quality, service-minded academic foundation that will fully prepare you to attend seminary and minister effectively, both as an undergraduate student and into your future.

Boldly share the Gospel with others. 
Enroll in seminary. 
Teach others about God, scripture, and Biblical doctrine. 
Embody practical Godly living and help create a healthy church culture. 
Pursue God’s call on your life wisely, flexibly, and with unshakeable faith. 
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Pre-Seminary Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Pastor: $55,550

Pastor: $55,550

Conduct religious worship and perform other spiritual functions associated with beliefs and practices of religious faith or denomination. Provide spiritual and moral guidance and assistance to members. 

Director of Religious Activities: $49,380

Director of Religious Activities: $49,380

Coordinate or design programs and conduct outreach to promote religious education or activities of a denominational group. May provide counseling, guidance, and leadership relative to marital, health, financial, and religious problems. 

Religious Education Coordinator: $63,740

Religious Education Coordinator: $63,740

Instructional coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards. They develop instructional material, implement it, and assess its effectiveness. 

Religious Studies Professor: $79,640

Religious Studies Professor: $79,640

Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level. 

Family Counselor: $49,880

Family Counselor: $49,880

Marriage and family therapists help people manage and overcome problems with family and other relationships. 

Missionary: $60,050 

Missionary: $60,050 

A missionary ministers and evangelizes in different countries around the world in a variety of ways – whatever God calls you to do, wherever He tells you to do it.  

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts in our Pre-Seminary Program

Get to know your future pre-seminary professors.

Dr. Joshua Hutchens

Dr. Joshua Hutchens

Adjunct Professor
Missions & Ministries

Dr. Joshua Hutchens

Contact Information

joshua.hutchens [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Dr. Kirby Clark

Dr. Kirby Clark

Adjunct Professor
Missions & Ministries

Dr. Kirby Clark

Contact Information

kirby.clark [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Ray Umphrey

Dr. Ray Umphrey

Adjunct Professor
Missions & Ministries
Christian Studies

Dr. Ray Umphrey

Contact Information

ray.umphrey [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
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