High School
In high school, prospective Protestant ministers should study history and religion, plus English and speech to improve their teaching and oration skills. Music and fine arts classes will help strengthen their understanding and appreciation of the liturgy. Knowledge of a foreign language may help ministers better serve the needs of their congregations.
Postsecondary Training
While some denominations require little more than a high school education or Bible study, the majority of Protestant groups require a bachelor's degree plus several years of specialized theological training.
An undergraduate degree in the liberal arts is the typical college program for prospective clergy, although entrants come from a range of academic backgrounds. Course work should include English, foreign languages, philosophy, the natural sciences, psychology, history, social sciences, and comparative religions, as well as fine arts and music.
Seminary curriculum generally covers four areas: history, theology, the Bible, and practical ministry techniques. Practical ministry techniques include counseling, preaching, church administration, and religious education. In addition to classroom study and examinations, the seminary student serves at least one year as an intern to gain practical experience in leading services and performing other ministerial duties.
In general, the major Protestant denominations have their own schools of theological training, but many of these schools admit students of other denominations. There are also several interdenominational colleges and theological schools that give training for the ministry. This may be augmented by training in the denomination in which the student will be ordained. The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada accredits more than 270 graduate schools in ministry and theology. Accredited schools require a bachelor's degree, or its equivalent, for admission. After three years of study and an internship, students earn a Master of Divinity degree.