What is the difference between a Bible College and a Seminary?
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In the US, a Bible college is typically a 2 year or 4 year school that specializes in Christian undergraduate education. (typically with programs like Biblical Studies, youth ministry, things like that, rather than traditional math/science/teaching programs you'd find at say a Christian liberal arts school)
A seminary is typically a graduate school that specializes in training people for the ministry (pastorate, counseling etc).
A school that advertised as both may offer a double degree or cater to people seeking either a four year degree in something bible related, or people heading into the ministry. Doing both is good synergy and they may be able to save a pastor some time (get under grad and seminary done in 5 years instead of 6 or something).
Upvote:-2
The dictionary states that seminary is "a college that prepares students to be priests, ministers, or rabbis." In addition to this, Wikipedia gives some of the same definitions regarding seminary... I wondered about this some years ago before going to a university, that had a bible college that I attended. I received my four year degree in Practical Theology and will be going back for my MDiv. I also asked some of my religion professors this question as well. All in all, if a person is attending a bible college for a ministry degree that prepares them for ministry (pastors, ministers, priests, etc.) they are in seminary. Doesn't matter if its a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate's degree. Hopefully this response helps. Please excuse typos...
Upvote:0
A “bible college” is like a community college or small liberal arts college, offering a bachelors degree or certificate.
Seminaries are for professional formation of clergy or ministers, and might also be called a “divinity school” especially if attached to a university.
Upvote:2
I've recently figured this out for myself. Bible Colleges typically offer Bachelor degrees, which some are accredited and some are not. Then, seminary is usually always referring to a graduate program in Biblical-focused areas. I've still heard of people who have gone straight into "seminary" from high school, to which I cannot explain but most likely not accredited. I'd assume some places might take advantage of the loose term "seminary" just like "bible colleges" not always being accredited.
To provide some context, I attend North Central University in Minneapolis. NCU is accredited for a ton of Bible and liberal art bachelor degrees and they also offer an accredited graduate/masters degree in strategic leadership. While NCU offers an accredited grad program, I'd assume we're not a "seminary" due to the fact we don't offer grad programs within the biblical studies-ralm, but general leadership.
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