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Pre-Seminary Outcomes & Career Options
The completion of the pre-ministerial track, in conjunction with a baccalaureate degree in a major of one’s choice, qualifies the graduate for acceptance into professional programs such as seminary or graduate school. With competition strong for the limited openings in the traditional pastoral ministry, the completion of such professional training on the graduate level is an increasing requisite for successful placement. With additional education, ministers can specialize in hospital chaplaincy, or focus on teaching (with educational credentials), youth ministry, administration, or other specialized ministries. The Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies provides a particularly compatible complement to the Pre-Ministry track.
Educational Qualifications
The successful completion of a graduate or professional degree is an increasing pattern in the preparation for pastoral ministry in the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. Ordination typically follows a period of successful ministry thereafter.
Job Outlook
Openings in the traditional pastoral ministry are limited, although opportunities continue to arise especially for those who have completed graduate/ professional training. Alternatives include youth counseling, family relations, secondary teaching, and various chaplaincy careers.
Entering Salary
Sources:
Academic program information adapted from:
La Sierra University. (2016-2017). Undergraduate Academic Bulletin. Retrieved from http://www.lasierra.edu/bulletin
Career information adapted from:
California Career Resource Network. (2014). California CareerZone. Retrieved from https://www.cacareerzone.org
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Anthropologists and Archeologists, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/anthropologists-and-archeologists.htm (visited October 13, 2016).