Ministry Pre-professional program
Program Overview & Goals
The Ministry advising track at Hendrix College supports students discerning vocations in ordained ministry, religious leadership, and related forms of service through a combination of academic study, mentoring, vocational reflection, and experiential learning. Rooted in the liberal arts and supported by the Office of the Chaplain and the Miller Center for Vocation, Ethics, and Calling, the program encourages students to explore questions of faith, ethics, justice, leadership, and community while developing the intellectual, spiritual, and interpersonal skills necessary for ministry and theological study.
Via Hendrix
We have transformed the traditional college experience into a launchpad for personal and professional growth.
Through integrated career preparation, experiential learning, and close mentorship, students build practical experience alongside the critical thinking and communication skills of a liberal arts education. From your first day on campus, every experience is designed to help you grow into the person and professional you aspire to become.
Careers & Outcomes
A Ministry education at Hendrix opens doors to meaningful vocational and service-oriented career paths, building strong communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills that prepare you to serve communities effectively and make an immediate, lasting impact from day one.
Salary Projections
The median salary for Clergy is $56,640 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career Options
The Ministry degree is as versatile as it is purpose-driven. Hendrix Ministry alumni pursue a wide range of meaningful and impactful careers, including:
- Pastor or Church Leader
- Youth or Campus Minister
- Hospital or Military Chaplain
- Nonprofit Program Director
- Missionary or Global Outreach Coordinator
- Faith-Based Counselor
Co-op Opportunities
Experience separates good job candidates from great ones. At Hendrix, Ministry students gain hands-on experience through internships, field education, and applied learning in church leadership, nonprofit work, chaplaincy, and community outreach. Through this required component of the program, students can work at places including:
- Local Churches and Faith Communities
- Non-Profit and Humanitarian Organizations
- Campus Ministry Programs
- Hospital and Healthcare Chaplaincy Settings
- Community Outreach and Social Service Agencies
Meet the Pre-Professional Advisors
Every Ministry faculty member brings deep expertise in theology, biblical studies, and practical ministry, grounded in both scholarship and real-world experience. Just as importantly, they are dedicated to you. They serve as teachers, mentors, and guides, supporting your growth every step of the way as you prepare for meaningful service and leadership in faith-based and community settings.
Robert Williamson
Professor of Religious Studies
Director of Health Humanities
Chair, Humanities Area
Related Programs
Via Hendrix, you can explore theology, ethics, and biblical interpretation, develop strong analytical and interpretive skills, or even design a personalized academic path that connects ministry with fields like sociology, psychology, education, or global studies.
Your Next Steps Via Hendrix
Every field is concerned with purpose and impact. Learn how much value the Ministry pre-professional program at Hendrix College can deliver for you as you prepare to lead, serve, and make a meaningful difference in communities and faith-based settings.