Nazarene Theological Seminary

Kansas City, MO Private Website

55.0%

Acceptance Rate

1250

Avg SAT

Avg ACT

3.55

Avg GPA

Nazarene Theological Seminary (NTS), founded in 1945 in Kansas City, Missouri, stands as the official graduate seminary of the Church of the Nazarene, preparing men and women for ministry leadership within the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. The institution emerged from a vision to provide advanced theological education that combines rigorous academic preparation with deep spiritual formation, equipping graduates to serve effectively in diverse ministry contexts around the world. The seminary's mission centers on developing servant leaders who embody the transformative power of the gospel while maintaining intellectual depth and pastoral sensitivity. NTS has earned recognition for its commitment to integrating academic excellence with practical ministry experience, ensuring graduates are thoroughly prepared for the challenges of contemporary ministry. The institution maintains strong connections with Nazarene congregations worldwide, serving as a vital resource for denominational leadership development. Throughout its history, NTS has graduated thousands of ministers, missionaries, educators, and church leaders who serve across six continents. The seminary emphasizes the Wesleyan theological tradition while maintaining ecumenical openness, welcoming students from various denominational backgrounds who share a commitment to holiness theology. The close-knit community fosters mentoring relationships between faculty and students, creating an environment where spiritual growth accompanies academic achievement. NTS has evolved to meet changing ministry needs, developing innovative programs including online and hybrid learning options that extend its reach to students who cannot relocate to Kansas City. The seminary remains committed to its founding vision of preparing holistic ministers who combine theological depth, spiritual vitality, and practical ministry skills.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate: 55.0%
SAT Range: 1150–1350
ACT Range: N/A
Avg GPA: 3.55

Campus & Students

Size: N/A
Type: Private
Student:Faculty: N/A
Setting: urban

Outcomes & Cost

Graduation Rate: N/A
Retention Rate: N/A
Tuition (In-State): N/A
Tuition (Int'l): N/A

Academic Programs

30 programs

STEM

Biology · bachelorsChemistry · bachelorsComputer Science · bachelorsData Science · bachelorsEngineering · bachelorsMathematics · bachelorsPhysics · bachelors

Business

Accounting · bachelorsBusiness Administration · bachelorsEconomics · bachelorsFinance · bachelorsMarketing · bachelors

Arts

Architecture · bachelorsDesign · bachelorsFine Arts · bachelorsMusic · bachelors

Humanities

English · bachelorsHistory · bachelorsLanguages · bachelorsPhilosophy · bachelors

Social Sciences

International Relations · bachelorsPolitical Science · bachelorsPsychology · bachelorsSociology · bachelors

Other

Communications · bachelorsEducation · bachelorsEnvironmental Science · bachelors

Health

Nursing · bachelorsPre-Med · bachelorsPublic Health · bachelors

Key Highlights

Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
Located in a major metropolitan area with excellent opportunities
Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Community life at Nazarene Theological Seminary emphasizes spiritual formation alongside academic preparation, recognizing that effective ministry requires personal depth as well as professional skill. Chapel services gather the community for worship multiple times weekly, fostering shared spiritual life. The relatively small student body creates opportunities for meaningful relationships with classmates and faculty. Many students arrive with families, and the community supports spouse involvement and addresses family needs during the seminary journey. Housing options include on-campus apartments for students and families. Student organizations focus primarily on ministry preparation and denominational connection rather than the broader extracurricular offerings found at undergraduate institutions. Prayer groups, study sessions, and informal gatherings build relationships among students who will become colleagues in ministry. The Kansas City location provides access to diverse congregations where students can observe different ministry approaches and fulfill field education requirements. International students from Nazarene communities worldwide add global perspectives to the community. The intensity of graduate theological study creates shared experiences that bond cohorts together. Many students work part-time in churches or other jobs while studying, balancing multiple responsibilities.

Location & Surroundings

Kansas City offers a major metropolitan environment with Midwestern affordability and accessibility. The seminary sits in a residential area with the Church of the Nazarene international headquarters nearby, creating a center for denominational life. The city spans two states, with Kansas City, Missouri, serving as the larger portion. The metropolitan area provides diverse congregations for field education, from suburban megachurches to urban ministries to small neighborhood parishes. Cultural attractions include the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the American Jazz Museum, and performing arts venues. The famous Kansas City barbecue tradition provides distinctive local cuisine. Professional sports teams in football, baseball, and soccer draw regional fans. The climate brings hot, humid summers and cold winters with occasional snow and ice. Housing costs remain moderate compared to coastal cities, allowing seminary families to live affordably. The central location makes Kansas City accessible from across the country, important for a denominational seminary drawing students nationally. The airport provides reasonable connections to major hubs. Local Nazarene churches welcome seminary students for worship and involvement. The metropolitan area includes multiple other seminaries representing various Christian traditions, creating opportunities for ecumenical engagement.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Tuition at Nazarene Theological Seminary follows patterns typical of graduate theological education, with annual costs varying by program and credit load. The seminary provides institutional scholarships and grants that reduce costs for many students, with denominational support helping to make ministerial education accessible. Federal student loans are available for those who need to borrow. Some students receive support from sponsoring congregations or districts invested in their ministerial development. Living costs in Kansas City remain moderate, helping stretch educational budgets. Many students work part-time while studying, often in church positions that provide both income and experience. Career paths for graduates center on pastoral ministry in Nazarene congregations, where placement rates are strong due to ongoing need for trained leaders. Counseling graduates pursue licensure and careers in therapeutic settings, often with faith-based organizations. Some graduates serve in denominational administration, education, or missionary roles. Others pursue doctoral studies leading to seminary teaching. The denominational network provides strong support for job placement and ongoing professional development. Salary levels in ministry vary considerably based on congregation size, location, and position. The investment in seminary education pays dividends through a lifetime of ministry effectiveness rather than primarily through financial returns.