Curriculum

Seminaries and graduate schools of theology generally stress a broadly based liberal arts education and a core background in the academic discipline of religion. 

The American Association of Theological Schools recommends the following areas of study as the best preparation for theological studies:

• English language and literature
• History, including non-Western culture
• Philosophy
• Natural sciences
• Social sciences—especially psychology and sociology
• The fine arts
• Biblical and modern languages
• Religion—both Western and Eastern

In addition, pre-ministerial students are strongly encouraged to acquire reading skills in Classical or New Testament (Koiné) Greek; and study a language likely to be spoken by those whom they may be called to serve (e.g., Spanish for those with an interest in urban ministries).