Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies
Minister in your community with real-world pastoral training.
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Grow as a Servant Leader for God’s Kingdom
At North Central University, students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies will develop a rigorous and theological understanding of pastoral leadership that will grow their ministry and prepare them for a calling to church work. Students build effective leadership skills and gain practical experience both through study abroad opportunities, student-led organizations, or student leadership positions on campus and in the community.
The Pastoral Studies degree is set apart by a desire and intention to see the lives of students make a tangible impact on the world and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. A hunger for learning, both academically and spiritually, will motivate you to grow and experience active learning inside and outside of the classroom. Choose from five concentration tracks to support your pastoral vocation.
- On Campus: Complete this 124-credit program on campus as part of our Christian community.
- Affordable Tuition: Explore generous financial aid options available to all residential traditional undergraduate students.
- Christ-Centered Curriculum: Define and refine your faith at NCU, where classes and student life are rooted in Scripture and nurtured in community.
The College of Church Leadership is a program where you as a student are surrounded by individuals who constantly want to dive deeper into faith and are constantly wanting to learn more about the Bible! That’s been amazing to me!”
Olivia, ’25
Pastoral Studies
Why Study Pastoral Studies at NCU?
North Central University’s tight-knit Christian community and spiritual environment in the heart of Minneapolis provides a multitude of opportunities to minister to the people around you and receive essential coaching and leadership from professors who deeply care about their students as godly and strategic future leaders and individuals.
Our focus on experiential learning in local churches as well as our dedication to developing future pastors as healthy individuals and family members sets NCU apart. We know that your calling to ministry can be part of a long-term career, so we want you to have the balance and personal devotion with God to support resilient faith in the real world.
Students may choose to minor in Pastoral Ministries to pair with a different major.
View the Academic Catalog for a full list of admission requirements and course listings.
Program Highlights
Gain Real-Wold Experience
Join On-Campus Ministries
Study Abroad in the Holy Lands
Gain Real-Wold Experience
Intern with local ministries and churches in the Twin Cities to put down roots while preparing to live out your postgraduate calling.
Join On-Campus Ministries
Connect with peers and other ministry-focused students through residence hall discipleship meetups, chapel, and campus organizations like RENDER and Praise Gathering.
Study Abroad in the Holy Lands
Experience a trip to the Holy Lands where students can visit ancient sites in Israel and Jordan. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of biblical contexts and geography.
Concentration Tracks
Pastoral Leadership
Prepare to lead and guide Chistian communities by focusing on significant issues and relevant practices that foster healthy churches. You may choose an internship to fulfill some of the requirements of this track.
Church Administration
Prepare for organizing and administrating Christian communities through classes in management, marketing, accounting, and entrepreneurship.
Pastoral Counseling
Prepare to disciple and counsel individuals and families with an emphasis in psychological methods and pastoral ministry best practices.
Biblical Studies
Develop a deeper and broader knowledge of the Bible and its interpretation, application, and scholarship within the Christian tradition.
Church Ministry
Build your own elective specialization track choosing 12 credits from all of the course offerings in the Pastoral Studies major.
Career Outcomes
A pastoral ministry degree prepares students to work in their local church as a member of clergy, as well as for ministry and leadership roles in cause-driven organizations, Christian education, healthcare, and non-religious administrative roles.1 Transferable skills include mentoring, critical thinking, community building, public speaking, analyzing and understanding complex texts and concepts, and strong interpersonal communication.
Our graduates succeed in a variety of jobs and careers. Here are some possibilities:
- Hospice and hospital chaplain
- Pastor
- Bible Instructor
- Christian Administrator
- Church Planter
- Evangelist
- Military Chaplain
- Ministry Worker
Where Our Alumni Work and Intern*
- River Valley
- West Wood Church
- Cedar Valley
- Grace Church
- Eagle Brook
- Many more!
*This includes alumni internships of multiple programs offered by the College of Church Leadership.
Learn From Industry Experts
Seasoned, credentialed faculty share their expansive pastoral experience and a commitment to support students as you pursue your calling.
Explore Related Programs
Not sure how your calling translates into a degree? These programs may interest you:
B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies
B.S. in Church Leadership
B.S. in Worship Leadership
FAQs
Can a B.A. in Pastoral Studies prepare me to be a pastor?
Yes, the pastoral studies program at NCU can prepare you for ministry as a pastor or for a number of other full-time and volunteer leadership roles. Depending on the specialization track you choose, you may also feel confident pursuing roles in church administration, teaching biblical studies in various settings, or continuing your education. Whichever track you take, you will graduate with the skills and understanding to serve and shepherd a Christian congregation.
This program is comprehensive and practical, meaning it provides a strong foundation ministry-related knowledge and best practices that you can implement in a pastoral role right away. Many students find that it helps them discern their calling and refine the next steps in their ministry and education, such as graduate or seminary programs. Explore NCU’s church leadership programs for furthering your church work training.
Can I enroll in this program if I’m not Assemblies of God?
Yes! We welcome ministry-minded Christians to consider this program as a step toward their God-given calling. NCU is affiliated with Assemblies of God and teaches from that perspective. You will be trained for Pentecostal ministry and administration, but you can apply what you learn in other denominational and organizational settings.
How is B.A. in Pastoral Studies different from the B.S. in Church Leadership?
The primary difference between these two bachelor’s degrees is that Pastoral Studies has a stronger focus on preparing students for the vocation and profession of pastor. This includes developing skills such as preaching and teaching, evangelism and discipleship, pastoral counseling, and officiating important spiritual events and observances, as well as tending to one’s own spiritual development and family as a pastor.
Although the Church Leadership program could prepare you for a pastoral role, the focus of that program also includes administrative and organizational management, nonprofit leadership, and other operational skills needed in other leadership vocations within the church.
We recommend discussing the options with an admissions counselor to help you determine which program is right for you. Please call Admissions at 800-289-6222 or email admissions@northcentral.edu.
Citations
Sources: 1Bureau of Labor Statistics, Clergy, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes212011.htm (viewed Nov. 13, 2025).