Academics & Programs
Degrees, Certificates, and Fields of Study at North Park Theological Seminary
Our Approach to Academics: We Study to Grow
Head, Heart, and Hands—Our Holistic Philosophy
We approach Scripture and theology with academic rigor, learning from the best Christian scholarship of the present, the past, and the globe. Ministers of the Gospel also need emotional maturity, spiritual growth, and discernment for action.
Whether preparing for pastoral ministry, advanced degrees, or to enhance our personal faith, academics at North Park engages the head, the heart and the hands—for God’s glory and neighbor’s good.
Flexible Learning Formats
Online or In Person?
Part Time or Full Time?
A challenge of graduate education can be planning studies alongside daily work, ministry, and family.
We’ve designed educational pathways that are flexible to fit real life, while keeping the relational, interactive moments that theological formation demands.
What We Study
Our fields of study cover traditional categories of theological education in Biblical Studies, Theology, and Ministry, with a emphasis on our values of holistic formation and cultural humility
Biblical Interpretation
From original languages to applying prophetic literature to the preaching of today, we believe in the centrality of the word of God.
Spiritual Formation
We cultivate prayer and life in the Spirit. We map our spiritual journey. We retreat to listen and discern. We embody our faith across personal health, relationships, and vocation.
Christian History & Theology
We engage the history of Christian thought, worship, and ethics from the early church to today—with attention to both global and North American Christianity.
Ministry
We practice the essential skills of leadership, preaching, gospel communication, and pastoral care and counseling.
Intercultural Agility
We develop cultural exegesis and humility—from understanding world religions to engaging racial righteousness & reconciliation.
Nonprofit Leadership
For seminarians who want enhanced training in executive leadership, nonprofit finance and fundraising, marketing, and organizational leadership—we partner with the North Park University School of Business and Nonprofit Management.
Contextual Learning
Also known as field education, we train in practical spaces where theological knowledge can flow to heart and hands. Ministry internships, vocational reflection, clinical pastoral education—all guided by experienced pastors.
Featured Courses
BIBL 6254 The Parables of Jesus
Walk into the parables Jesus taught, with attention to hermeneutical issues, the political, social, and religious context, and their proclamation in the church, both ancient and today.
HSTY 5220 Global Christianity (17th—21st century)
Trace the expansion of the church from Europe into the Americas, Africa, and Asia as well as the division of the church into myriad denominational traditions. Attention is given to the theological, political, and economic contexts, and to the question of unity in diversity.
SPFM 5211 Intercultural Spirituality: Praying Together
Seminar: Experience of community and engagement with cultures other than one’s own through the lens of prayer. The Lord’s Prayer as a common and biblical Christian prayer will frame the conversation as we explore divides of community, culture, and history.
THEO 5130 Christian Ethics
An introduction to the methods and topics of moral reflection and action in their biblical, historical, and theological context. The course focuses on new life in Christ as embodied in the church for the world.
Degrees & Certificates
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