New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

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New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Degree Program(s) Offered

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary appears in our ranking of the 50 Most Affordable Master’s in Theology Degree Programs Online.

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary blends scholarship, practicality, accessibility and a sense of urgency in order to create graduates who intend to minister others. Faculty consists of top scholars who also serve or have served in ministry. The Seminary offers students strong academics with a ministry praxis and courses that include Disciple Making, Supervised Ministry and partnerships in churches throughout the area. Programs are available on campus, at 17 extension centers scattered across the Southeast, and online.

The Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry is available fully online. It is a 126-credit hour degree designed to prepare those who wish to enter ministry in a variety of settings. The program includes a 42-credit hour Christian Ministry core. In addition, students choose two minors which may include Biblical Studies, Pastoral Ministry, Christian Education, Church Ministry or Youth Ministry. The program is available on campus, online or in a hybrid version. Students learn to interpret and communicate the Bible accurately while being prepared to lead, serve and equip churches. Students also gain an understanding of theological and historical truth.

The Bachelor of Arts in Music with an Emphasis in Worship trains students in basic music competencies designed to lead worship. Students gain basic music skills in singing, instruments and applying music theory. In addition, they learn how to interpret and communicate theological and historical truth accurately. The program is only available on campus or at one of New Orleans Baptist Seminary’s 17 satellite locations. It is not offered online although some courses required for the program may be available online. Students must also take at least 8 hours of Ensembles and may choose from Handbell, Seminary Chorus, the Seminarians, Ladies Ensemble, Instrumental Ensemble or Providence Players. They must also complete 10 hours of class or private instruction in a performance area which may be voice, piano, organ or orchestral instrument. Two of the 10 hours must be in Voice Diction. Students may choose to minor in Biblical Studies, Church Mentoring, Church Ministry, General Education, Children’s Ministry, Psychology and Counseling, Missions or Women’s Ministry.

NOBTS offers over 40 master’s degrees and concentrations as well.  These include a Master of Divinity with myriad concentrations; Master’s of Arts in Bible Studies, Counseling, Missiology, Apologetics, Theology, Worship Ministries, and more; and online master’s degrees in theological studies, church music, and theology.

About New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

In 1917, at the Southern Baptist Convention meeting, the Baptist Bible Institute was founded in New Orleans. This was the first institution created as a direct act by the Convention and had a purpose centered on missionary work in Central America. In 1946, the school became a seminary and the name was changed to the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Missions have been important to the school since the beginning. In the 1950s, the school purchased a 75-acre peach orchard in the Gentilly neighborhood and moved the campus from the Garden District.

During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, students and staff were evacuated with administrative offices moving to Decatur, Georgia. Despite devastating losses, the board of trustees overwhelmingly voted to keep the school in New Orleans. The Southern Baptist Executive Committee provided $6.2 million to help meet budgetary requirements and to aid in restoration of the campus. Many churches assisted in cleaning up and provided construction assistance to get the school up and running again.

Today, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary offers an academic environment designed for those who God is calling as a pastor, missionary, counselor or another area where the word of God can be administered. There are over 3,700 students enrolled at the Seminary, making it the largest in the world.

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Accreditation Details

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. This indicates that the school has the resources necessary to meet their goals and objectives. Periodically, the Association reviews the Seminary to confirm that the programs they meet continue to be of the highest quality. Any areas identified in that review as needing improvement are addressed by the Seminary as quickly as possible.

The National Association of Schools of Music and the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools also accredit the Seminary.

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Application Requirements

Applicants must complete an online application and provide a church statement, official high school transcript, health certificate, pastor reference, church leader reference and two friend references. They must also undergo a background check and complete an online orientation. Applicants with college credit after high school graduation must also provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Graduate students must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher and must provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. Admissions requirements vary depending on programs so applicants should speak to an adviser before applying.

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Tuition & Financial Aid

Undergraduate tuition at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is $270 per credit hour and graduate tuition is $260 per credit hour. On the Main Campus, tuition may be capped at $3,240 per semester for up to 18 hours in undergraduate study or $3,120 for up to 12 hours graduate study.

Financial aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants and loans. Students may be offered New Student or Current Student Scholarships as well as the Fred Luter Jr. African American Scholarship, Baptist Convention Employee Scholarship, Missionary Scholarship or Women’s Auxiliary Scholarship. Packages may also include Louisiana’s Taylor Opportunity Program (TOPS) or other private scholarships.

Employment may also be offered to offset the cost of tuition as well as federal and state grants. Loans may be part of the financial aid package but must be repaid upon graduation. Payment plans, employer reimbursement and military benefits are also accepted. In order to qualify, all students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the form must be renewed annually.

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary continues to provide outstanding education to those who wish to dedicate their life to ministry.