As a seminary with a Reformed tradition, New Brunswick has continually redesigned its programs to meet the challenges of a changing world and community and church. Come and change with us!

Our programs offer training for the religious professional and the layperson who wish to grow in knowledge and faith, strengthen their spirit, and provide transformational leadership. 

Regardless of your path at NBTS, your destination is not only a degree but an opportunity to grow in faith and witness as you continue to live out the call of God in your life.

All programs are now available fully online!

Degrees Offered

NEW: Master of Arts in Ministry Studies

The Master of Arts in Ministry Studies is a 36-credit program, available fully online or in a hybrid format, which engages you to think critically and creatively about the church and Christian faith. The program is grounded in Scripture and committed to spiritual formation and personal growth in both the mind and soul. It is designed as an entry-level degree for specialized ministries in the church, non-profit institutions, and personal development.

As an entry degree, the credits in the MAMS can be transferred into any of the other master’s degrees at NBTS.
Click here for more information.

Master of Arts in Theological Studies

The Master of Arts in Theological Studies provides a foundational understanding of theological disciplines for ministry in the church and other institutions, further graduate study, or educational enrichment. Required core courses will have the same learning objectives and requirements as the Master of Divinity program, providing the grounding for the student’s program of study. NBTS has suggested concentrations, but students, in consultation with a faculty mentor, will identify a concentration of study and select their own path. Electives allow the student to create the program which best suits their needs. This is also a good choice degree for students who do not require the Master of Divinity for ordination in their church.

Click here for more information.

Master of Arts in Pastoral Care and Counseling

The Master of Arts in Pastoral Care and Counseling is an academic program for students who wish to enrich their ministry by gaining skills in the theory and practice of pastoral presence. The program can serve as an excellent path of study for those who support the life of the congregation, desire a career in pastoral counseling in a non-profit agency, or who envision chaplaincy in fields such as health care, corrections, community centers, or the military. It can be used as an entry degree or to enhance the work of ordained ministry as a post MDiv or MATS degree.

Click here for more information.

Master of Divinity

The Master of Divinity is designed to prepare students for a vocation in ordained ministry. In many denominations, this is the required or preferred degree for ministering as a pastor in a congregation or other religion-related organization. The degree is broader in its range and depth of reflection that the more specialized Master of Arts programs. It also offers electives which fulfill a student’s denominational requirements for ordination.

Click here for more information.

Doctor of Ministry

The Doctor of Ministry fulfills the need for additional professional training in leadership that is both transformational and sustaining within communities of faith. The program is flexible and offered in a hybrid format. Our concentrations provide a broad range of choices. Students can tailor this program to their individual needs in ministry with electives. NBTS offers DMin degree concentrations in Missiology and Global Christianity, Pastoral Care and Counseling, Prophetic Urban Ministry, and Transformational Preaching.

Click here for more information.

Dual Degrees:

Master of Divinity & Master of Arts in Pastoral Care and Counseling

Click here for more information.

Master of Divinity & Master of Arts in Theological Studies

Click here for more information.

Non-Degree Programs

Certificate Program

The Certificate Program is a non-degree program that is both accessible and affordable. It is designed to enhance the work and training of lay leaders, educators and professionals who wish to further their theological study but are not seeking a full master’s degree. This 2-year program is conducted fully online.  Participants may pursue a Certificate in Theological Studies or Church Leadership. Students not seeking a certificate may take any of these courses for personal enrichment.

Click here for more information.

Not sure which of the programs is best for you?

Please contact our admissions office (admissions@nbts.edu) to schedule a conversation. NBTS also offers individual and group Information Sessions which provide an opportunity to talk with and ask questions of admissions personnel, faculty, and current students. Call us or check out the admissions page for more information.

Side-by-side Comparison: Master’s Degrees

MDiv, MATS, and MAMS students take the same introductory courses in Bible, History, and Theology, which provide a solid theological foundation. MAPCC students take some of the foundational courses. The focus of this degree is in pastoral care and counseling.

The Master of Divinity degree is required for ordination or promotion in some denominations. You should check your denomination or church requirements during the application process. Our admissions team can help you determine requirements. Many chaplaincy programs require an MDiv instead of a MA.

* Students should check on their denominational requirements during the application process. Our admissions specialists can help you determine how this is done.

“The most valuable thing about my NBTS experience was learning how to see a bigger God and how to share that with others.”

–  Rev. Anna Melissa Jackson
Co-Pastor of Second Reformed Church of Hackensack 

“As a former Certificate Program graduate and current M.Div. student, the scholarship I received from NBTS has paid for my tuition, allowing me to focus on my academic pursuits. Without your donation, I wouldn’t be able to achieve the grades necessary to continue in my profession as a hospital chaplain at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. Thank you for your continued support and investment in my future.”

–  Nancy Curtis
Master of Divinity Student 

“NBTS is a great place to receive a quality, theological education. Having a dynamically diverse faculty and well-rounded academic catalogue, NBTS prepares students from all walks of life to discern their call to ministry-I should know because I was one of them. I graduated with an M.Div. and was able to secure employment with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick NJ as a chaplain and Pastor-Elect of House of Prayer and Evangelism Church, Bound Brook, NJ.” 

– Jerrold Smith, Jr.
Class of 2016

“I have been blessed by a God-given transformational experience of learning and development at NBTS that changed my life. Through my commitments to the seminary as an alumna and former Moderator of the Board, I discerned the importance of financial support to help provide innovative programs and recruit students and well-credentialed faculty. I have committed to financially support the transformation of future students with an endowed scholarship. As alumni and NBTS supporters, we exemplify a Christ like life when we share our blessings with others.”

– Barbara Felker
M.Div. Class of 2012

“For me, as Professor of Missiology & Global Christianity as well as Director of the Center for Global Christianity, NBTS with its long tradition of global missions is where students, faculty, and alumni study and work together to create a synergy of Christian response to challenges of the changing world—for example, where undoing racism at home and undoing the effects of imperialism abroad take on mutual synergy.” 

– James Jinhong Kim
NBTS Faculty

Explore