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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 aspire to teach religious studies or support mission efforts in various corners of the world, your pre-seminary degree from University of the Cumberlands could be the steppingstone you need to advance your studies and pursue a career in ministry. Our pre-seminary program enriches general studies by putting an emphasis on seminary topics like theology, biblical interpretation, world religions, and more.  

As a pre-seminary major at Cumberlands, you’ll be equipped with the tools needed for leadership in faith communities, worship functions, and both youth and adult ministries, activities, and education. Your pre-seminary studies will ultimately prepare you to answer your personal calling to serve others while also leading you toward an incredibly fulfilling career. 

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

$55,550

Average Salary

5%

Industry Growth

#1

Online Christian College in KY

#6

in U.S., Affordability
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. Cumberlands 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

University of the Cumberlands’ 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 Cumberlands, 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

Bachelor of Science in Religion – Christian Ministries Track

Core Courses (13 semester hours) 

MSMN 138 Understanding Cultures or MSMN 239 Exploring World Religions 

MSMN 234 Interpreting the Bible 

MSMN 235 Developing Our Spiritual Life 

MSMN 236 Introducing Christian Theology 

MSMN 410 Transitioning to Christian Ministry 

 

Additional Required Courses (9 semester hours) 

MSMN 334 Caring for Others 

MSMN 337 Ministering to Individuals and Families 

MSMN 493 Practicing Ministry Skills 

 

Electives (9 semester hours) – from any other MSMN courses 

Bachelor of Science in Religion – Youth Ministries Track 

Core Courses (13 semester hours) 

MSMN 138 Understanding Cultures or MSMN 239 Exploring World Religions 

MSMN 234 Interpreting the Bible 

MSMN 235 Developing Our Spiritual Life 

MSMN 236 Introducing Christian Theology 

MSMN 410 Transitioning to Christian Ministry 

 

Additional Required Courses (9 semester hours) 

MSMN 237 Examining Marriage and Family 

MSMN 336 Ministering to Youth 

MSMN 337 Ministering to Individuals and Families 

 

Biblical Studies (3 semester hours from the following) 

MSMN 331 Focusing on the Old Testament 

MSMN 332 Focusing on the New Testament 

 

Electives (6 semester hours) – from any other MSMN courses 

A Bachelor of Arts degree requires completing the same courses as a Bachelor of Science with the addition of completing one foreign language sequence through the intermediate level.

 

FREN 131     Elementary French I

FREN 132     Elementary French II

FREN 231     Intermediate French I

FREN 232     Intermediate French II

 

SPAN 131     Elementary Spanish I

SPAN 132     Elementary Spanish II

SPAN 231     Intermediate Spanish I

SPAN 232     Intermediate Spanish II

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

Through an emphasis on seminary topics in areas such as theology, biblical interpretation, and world religions, our pre-seminary degree program prepares students for advanced studies and careers in the field of ministry.  

Whether you aspire to serve your vocation in a church setting, classroom or across the globe, a pre-seminary degree can give you great fluidity in answering the calling God has given you. You’ll be prepared for a career in a variety of fields, from pastoral work to counseling to executive management and beyond.  

Earning a degree with a pre-seminary focus builds the foundational understanding needed to be successful as you advance your education in seminary studies – to ultimately progress toward a fulfilling and rewarding career. Benefits of pursuing your pre-seminary degree at University of the Cumberlands include expanded career opportunities, dedicated advisors, and meeting your seminary requirements, should you choose to enroll in an accredited seminary program. 

University of the Cumberlands’ pre-seminary program prepares you to pursue advanced seminary studies with important missions and ministry courses under your belt, as well as a well-rounded education in English, social sciences, history, and more. 

In addition to “Faith in Action” being a motto we live by, it’s also a publication we produce that is focused on Cumberlands students who serve. Our university strives to be an institution that consistently puts faith into action, demonstrating it through humble service to our local community and the Appalachian region. Just as Christ modeled and encouraged servant leadership, we inspire and equip students to do the same through various ministries and outreach activities. 

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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