The formal educational requirement for professional ministry in the United Methodist Church is usually (1) a Master of Divinity for those seeking to become pastors or elders in other ministry settings or (2) a master's degree in a specialized area for those entering the order of deacon or applying for certification. (3) Local pastors must pursue the "course of study" at a seminary while serving their parishes.
A few exceptions are allowed in special circumstances.
Go to our Contacts Page and send us email if you have a question about how the educational requirement applies to your individual situation.
Earning your degree at a United Methodist seminary is not an absolute requirement. The Dakotas Board of Ordained Ministry does recognize degrees from institutions that the United Methodist University Senate recognizes. However, a degree from one of the thirteen official United Methodist seminaries has a number of advantages that representatives of these schools will be happy to describe.
What Financial assistance is available?
What are the 13 official United Methodist Seminaries?