Education · 1 of 5

The path

It differs completely between traditions. This is the most common route in the United States.

1. 1

   High school and involvement

   Grades 9 to 12

   Nobody is ordained out of nowhere. You grow up in a community, lead youth groups, run camps and teach classes long before anyone calls it a career.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Any subject. Religion, history, philosophy and social work are common. Some traditions ordain without one.

3. 3

   Seminary or religious institute

   2 to 4 years

   A Master of Divinity is the standard three-year degree for Protestant and Jewish ordination. Catholic seminary formation runs longer. Many Muslim, Pentecostal and independent congregations use their own institutes instead.

4. 4

   Supervised placement

   1 to 2 years

   A year as an intern, curate, assistant or student chaplain, learning to preach, visit the sick and bury the dead under supervision.

5. 5

   Ordination and a first post

   After the placement

   Your denomination examines and ordains you. First calls are usually small, rural, or an assistant position at a larger place.