Where Calling Becomes Preparation

If you’re considering a future in ministry, chaplaincy, mission work, or faith-based leadership, the Pre-Ministry Pathway at Southwestern University provides a flexible academic framework grounded in the liberal arts. Because ministry today spans preaching, teaching, counseling, justice work, community leadership, and spiritual formation, students from any major can pursue this pathway. Recent Southwestern graduates preparing for ministry have majored in religion, environmental studies, education, history, psychology, sociology, philosophy, music, English, and more.

The strength of a Southwestern liberal arts education—broad inquiry, ethical reflection, critical thinking, and engagement with diverse communities—aligns directly with the skills needed for ministerial leadership. This foundation also reflects the broad commitments found in the United Methodist Social Principles, which highlight four interrelated forms of community: the Community of All Creation, the Economic Community, the Social Community, and the Political Community. A Southwestern education engages students across these dimensions, preparing them to think deeply about justice, care, and leadership in diverse ministry contexts while offering guidance, mentoring, and experiences that help clarify next steps toward seminary or other ministry-oriented graduate programs.

Students work with faculty and the Office of Spiritual Life to shape a path that aligns with both their theological curiosity and their professional goals.

Core Courses

The courses listed below provide a strong foundation for seminary preparation and ministry leadership:

  • REL19-204: Christian Traditions
  • REL19-814 Doing Religion
  • One of the following:
    • REL19-214: Native American Traditions
    • REL19-224 Jewish Traditions
    • REL19-274 Hindu Traditions
    • REL19-284 Buddhist Traditions
  • One of the following:
    • REL19-334 Apocalypse and Dystopia
    • REL19-344 Animals and Religion
  • REL 19-941, 942, 943, 944: Academic Internship in Religion & Culture ( Typically completed with a local congregation or ministry partner.)

Suggested Courses

To develop additional skills helpful in ministry-based careers, students are also encouraged to consider:

  • COM75-154 Public Speaking
  • PSY33-104 Principles of Psychology
  • BUS30-214 Foundations of Business
  • One Music Literature (MUL) course:
    • MUL80-114 Introduction to Music Literature
    • MUL80-214 Music History 900-1800
    • MUL80-314 Music History since 1800
    • MUL80-414 Advanced Topics in Music History and Literature
    • MUL80-702 Diction in Vocal Music

Experience That Supports Discernment

Mentorship and hands-on learning are central components of ministry preparation. Students in the Pre-Ministry Pathway have opportunities to:

    • Complete internship placements
    • Develop leadership within campus ministry
    • Attend seminary fairs and vocational exploration events
    • Participate in service, mission, advocacy, or formation programs
    • Engage in spiritual formation and discernment groups
    • Connect with clergy, lay leaders, and alumni

These opportunities are offered in collaboration with the University Chaplain and the Center for Career & Professional Development.

Scholarships

Students preparing for ministry may be eligible for dedicated scholarship support.

Explore Pre-Ministry Scholarships

Contacts