5 Questions for Pastors Considering Graduate Education

If you’re a pastor who’s thinking about going back to school, you may be wondering if a graduate degree is truly worth the time, money and effort involved. Even if you’re convinced of the benefits, you might be unsure if pursuing higher education can be manageable for a full-time ministry leader.

At Christian Life School of Theology Global (CLSTG), we believe that continual growth and learning are essential for anyone in leadership, and our goal is to make high-quality Christian education accessible to adult learners.

Here are five common questions you may be asking yourself as a pastor considering graduate education:

1. Why do you need an advanced degree?

In a culture where moral absolutes are constantly challenged and postmodernism is on the rise, you must be prepared to answer the questions of our pluralistic society. Graduate studies deepen one’s understanding of common objections to the faith and provide biblical answers to questions being asked in today’s churches.

Advanced training is necessary if you want to stay ahead of the ever-changing philosophies of our culture. A graduate degree also establishes credibility with the people you are leading.

2. How long will it take?

A master’s or doctorate may sound like a huge undertaking, but with our online programs at CLSTG, you can work at a pace that fits your lifestyle. How quickly you complete each course depends on your schedule. Our convenient open-enrollment system means there are no “semester” start dates to wait for, so you can get started right away.

Each one of our courses provides 10 hours of lectures, study guides and exams. To complete one course per month, you can expect to invest a couple of hours two days a week. A Master of Theology requires 171 credit hours, while a Doctor of Theology requires 300.

3. How much will it cost?

At CLSTG, we’re committed to making Christian graduate studies affordable. Our Master of Theology and Doctor of Theology programs are among the best values in Christian higher education. We keep our tuition and fees low to help reduce the financial barriers to realizing your full potential in Christ. Visit our Admissions page to view current tuition rates.

4. Is realistic to pursue a degree while juggling the demands of ministry?

We understand the unique challenges faced by graduate students with families, careers and other non-negotiable responsibilities. Maximum flexibility is one of our core values, and our graduate degree programs can be customized to meet your unique educational and spiritual needs. Our on-demand education model allows you to work toward your degree while balancing other commitments.

5. What master’s and doctoral programs are available for pastors?

We offer master’s and doctoral degrees in Theology and Sacred Studies. While the requirements differ for each program, a wide variety of concentrations are available, and you can select the courses that interest you most.

Our mission is to equip you with the resources and knowledge necessary to fulfill your Kingdom calling. CLSTG online courses are taught by some of the world’s leading theologians, pastors and teachers, so you can be sure you’re receiving a top-notch Christian education with the flexible scheduling you need.

Apply today and start working toward your graduate degree!