School Details
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is a private, not-for-profit, four-year school in Louisiana that is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. The seminary was founded in 1917 by an act of the Southern Baptist Convention. Upon founding, the school was named the New Orleans Seminary and it was the first theological institution to be created by direct action of the Southern Baptist Convention. After enrollment growth and academic expansion into the area of graduate studies, the school was renamed the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1946. The mission of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is “to equip leaders to fulfill the Great Commission and the Great Commandments through the local church and its ministries.”
NOBTS offers degrees and certificates at all levels from associates to doctoral in subjects related to ministry, theology, and education. In addition to studying on campus, NOBTS students may study at any of the school’s 17 extension centers scattered across the Southeast, as well as online. NOBTS online degrees are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels along with certificates. There are three formats available:
- Standard Online (asynchronous)
- NOLA2U Live (synchronous)
- NOLA2U Flex (asynchronous and synchronous)
Accreditation & Licensing
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is accredited by:
Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
All Programs
Religion & Philosophy
The online associate in Christian Ministry degree program from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is a basis for the bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry. The curriculum provides a basic level of education based on competencies in the bachelor’s level degree in Christian Ministry and the preparation of students for ministry by itself in various settings. You will take general education courses that teach critical thinking, communication, and quantitative reasoning. Core Christian Ministry and Life Skills courses complete this program.
The curriculum is based on eight key competencies, some of which include:
- Christian doctrine
- Discipleship
- Evangelism
- Worship
- Counseling
With the rise of online education, individuals seeking to engage in ministry are presented with a unique opportunity to pursue their passion and calling through the online Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry. This online bachelor’s degree program is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of theological principles, biblical studies, pastoral care, and practical ministry skills. Through a blend of coursework, practical experiences, and curriculum, students are prepared to serve their communities with confidence and competence.
This online degree program offers:
- Choosing a minor
- 12 hours of free electives
- Synchronous, asynchronous, and flex classes
Students have access to many online academic resources. The online Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry offers a dynamic and accessible pathway for individuals called to vocational ministry to receive theological education, spiritual formation, and practical training. By embracing technology, tailoring curriculum, and fostering spiritual growth, this online program empowers students to engage with confidence, compassion, and competence in the mission of the Church, both locally and globally.
Leavell College at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary offers an online Certificate in Biblical Studies. This program is comprised of courses also found in the associate and bachelor degrees. Students can transfer credits and continue their studies in these degrees without losing hours. However, you can also choose to complete this certificate designed to focus on Biblical Studies courses and help students learn to handle the Word of God.
The online Certificate in Christian Education is available from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary’s Leavell College. This certificate can be used as ministerial training for those not enrolled in seminary programs. Since the program comprises courses in the associate and bachelor degrees, the credits can be transferred without losing hours. You can also complete this certificate which focuses on Christian Education courses and helps prepare for roles in educational ministry.
The online Certificate in Christian Ministry is available from Leavell College at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. This certificate comprises coursework within the associate and bachelor degree programs and allows you to seamlessly transfer creditsYou may also complete it as a stand-alone certificate and gain a foundation of ministry training for a variety of roles.
The online Graduate Certificate in Biblical Languages is available from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. The program is designed for students interested in developing a more advanced understanding of this theological discipline. You will develop advanced levels of skill in Greek and Hebrew, allowing you to study biblical texts more deeply for use in preaching, teaching, and writing ministries.
The curriculum consists of these courses:
- Exploring the New Testament
- Exploring the Old Testament
- Introductory Greek Grammar
- Intermediate Greek Grammar for Exegesis
- Introductory Hebrew Grammar
- Intermediate Hebrew Grammar for Exegesis
The online Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary allows students to further their studies at the master’s academic level without entering a full master’s degree program. This certificate is designed for those with a calling to serve in some capacity as a Christian educator, missionary, church staff member, pastor, or more. Courses explore the Bible in greater detail, advancing levels of skills in studying biblical text for use in preaching, teaching, and writing ministries.
You will take these courses:
- Exploring the New Testament
- Exploring the Old Testament
- Encountering the Biblical World
- History of the Bible
- New Testament English Exegesis
- Old Testament English Exegesis
Students who want additional education may transfer earned credit from graduate certificate courses to a Master of Divinity program or a Master of Arts degree program.
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary offers an online Graduate Certificate in Christian School Education. This program prepares students for careers working in educational ministries in local churches, missions, denominational agencies, and other related ministries. Students take courses in Biblical and Theological Studies and in Discipleship and Ministry Leadership Studies.
Courses may include:
- Exploring the New Testament OR
- Exploring the Old Testament
- Systematic Theology 1
- Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics
- Foundations of Christian Education
- Lifespan Development OR
- Foundations of Educational Psychology
- Personal Disciple Making
The online Graduate Certificate in Church Leadership program is available from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. This program is designed for students who would like to work in a church in a leadership position, specifically as a minister or within church administration. Students will gain the competency needed to meet their calling in this area. For those that desire additional educational preparation, these credits may transfer to a Master of Divinity or Master of Arts degree program in this field. Courses are taken from basic ministerial competency and church leadership.
You will take some of these courses:
- Pastoral Ministry
- Church Evangelism
- Church Leadership and Administration
- Pastoral Leadership
- Worship Leadership
- Proclaiming the Bible
- Interpersonal Relationship Skills
The online Graduate Certificate in Evangelistic Church Growth from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary program is designed for those interested in church health and growth. With this certification, you will be equipped to practice evangelism and promote church growth as a pastor, church staff member, vocational evangelist, or someone else related to missionary work or evangelism. This allows students to gain the knowledge and experience needed for this area of ministry without completing an entire master’s degree.
Required courses are:
- Church Evangelism
- Church Revitalization
- Supervised Ministry 1: Personal Evangelism Practicum
- Vital Signs of a Healthy Church
- Contemporary Trends in Growing an Evangelistic Church
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary offers an online Graduate Certificate in Foundations for Mission Service that is for students with more experience and known as Career Service Advanced. This program provides the competency and knowledge students need to begin missionary service work. Students will find that they have a lot of flexibility with courses in this program. You will take core courses that are required but then can choose courses in the remaining required areas of study.
Courses cover areas that include:
- Ethics
- Ministry
- Discipleship
- Missions
- Interpersonal Relationship Skills
- Bible Study
The online Graduate Certificate in Foundations for Mission Service for apprentices is known as Career Service Basic. This program is designed for students with an interest in missionary work but who do not have much experience in this field. You will gain a basic understanding of missionary service work and the competency required to begin working in this area.
Courses for this program are:
- Exploring the Old Testament
- Exploring the New Testament
- Christian Missions
- Systematic Theology 1 or 2
- Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary offers an online Graduate Certificate in Greek Studies. This program provides students with a basic understanding of Greek, especially as it relates to the Bible. Not only will you study the language, but this certification teaches students about the Old and New Testaments and the study of Scripture using Greek Exegesis. The focus will be on the New Testament where Greek was the language primarily used in the original Scriptures.
Courses in this program are:
- Exploring the New Testament
- Exploring the Old Testament
- Introductory Greek Grammar
- Intermediate Greek Grammar for NT Exegesis
- Greek Exegesis (2 courses)
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary offers an online Graduate Certificate in Hebrew Studies. This program provides students with a basic understanding of Hebrew, especially as it relates to the Bible. Not only will you study the language, but this certification teaches students about the Old and New Testaments and the study of Scripture using Hebrew Exegesis. The focus will be on the Old Testament where Hebrew was the language primarily used.
Courses in this program are:
- Exploring the New Testament
- Exploring the Old Testament
- Introductory Hebrew Grammar
- Intermediate Hebrew Grammar for OT Exegesis
- Hebrew Exegesis (2 courses)
The online Graduate Certificate in Islamic Studies is offered by New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. This program is designed for students interested in Islam or other Religions around the world and who are called to serve in one of a wide variety of ministerial callings that address Islam and Muslims. This may include such ministries as International Missions or Urban Ministry. You will take courses in Systematic Theology and study areas of Christianity in relation to Islam.
Students can choose two of these courses:
- Christian Responses to Islamic Cultural Differences
- Jesus and Islam
- Doctrine of God in Christianity and Islam
- Word of God in Christianity and Islam
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary offers an online Graduate Certificate in Lifespan Discipleship. This program is designed for students with a calling to discipleship and provides them with a basic understanding of this discipline. Students will study how discipleship works and learn how to teach and minister to others. You can choose the group that you want to primarily work with, choose to work with various groups, or choose to practice teaching as part of the program.
Courses students can choose from include:
- Guiding Collegians in Their Faith Pilgrimage
- Children and the Christian Faith
- Discipleship Strategies
- Teaching Practicum
- Disciple Making with Youth and Families
- Women’s Ministry Electives (Discipleship)
The online Graduate Certificate in Missions program is offered by New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. This program is designed for individuals being called to serve in a variety of positions in missions agencies. You will learn about Christian missions and the life and work of missionaries. In addition, students learn how missionary work is changing in contemporary times and about either urban missions or ways to teach the Gospel to other cultures.
There is some flexibility to the program with students choosing courses from a list that includes:
- New Orleans Ministry and Missions
- Disaster Relief Training and Experience
- Last Frontier
- Missions Strategies Research Practicum
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary offers an online Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Ministry. This certification is designed to equip students to serve as pastors or ministerial staff members. They will be prepared for positions at local churches or as military or hospital chaplains. Students will study pastoral ministry, leadership, the Bible, church revitalization, and more. You can also choose a course that covers an area of interest to you.
Choices include:
- Pastoral Preaching
- Stress and Conflict Management
- Contemporary Bible Exposition
- Leading Team-Based Ministry
- Worship Leadership
- Church Evangelism
For those that may decide to continue their educations, credits from these courses may transfer to Master of Divinity or Master of Arts degree programs.
The online Graduate Certificate in Theological & Historical Studies is available from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. This program is designed to provide a basic understanding of systematic theology. Students also learn about the history of Christianity from Early and Medieval times to the Reformation and Modern Christianity. You will also learn about the Baptist denomination and its heritage as well as Christian Ethics.
For those who decide they want to pursue additional education, these course credits may transfer to Master degree programs.
The online Graduate Certificate in Women's Ministry program is available from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. This program is designed to equip students in the practice of ministry as women. Women who have a calling to the ministry can use this certification to determine where exactly they want to take their careers to meet this calling. While half of the curriculum is made up of electives chosen from Women’s Ministry courses, there are also required courses that introduce women to ministry or other work within the local church. If you decide to further your education, these credits may be transferable to a Master of Divinity or Master of Arts degree program.
A concentration in Apologetics is available through the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary online Master of Arts program. Students will be equipped with the critical skills to share and defend Christian faith in today’s challenging world. Graduates may pursue full or part-time positions in student or pastoral ministries, evangelism or the missionary field.
Courses for this degree include but are not limited to:
- Ministerial competency
- Philosophy
- Hermeneutics
- Christianity and the sciences
This master’s program is offered fully online or in a hybrid format. Graduates are eligible for entry into the PhD program at NOBTS.
A Master of Arts in Biblical Studies is available online with New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. This program is designed for students pursuing careers in Biblical research, teaching, or writing in various fields. Students are required to produce a thesis, as well as take studies including:
- Biblical competency
- Biblical languages
- Ministry studies
- Theological history
Courses are available fully online or in hybrid formats. Earn a master’s degree online with NOBTS and reach your professional and academic goals, today.
The online Master of Arts in Christian Education program delves into the multifaceted dimensions of religious education, encompassing theology, pedagogy, pastoral care, and practical ministry. Rooted in the Christian tradition, this online program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and spiritual formation necessary to serve as educators, leaders, and mentors within faith communities. Classes are taught by experienced and dedicated faculty.
Topics include, but are not limited to:
- Applied Ministry
- Historical Studies
- Biblical Studies
This online master’s degree program nurtures educators who are not only knowledgeable but also compassionate, visionary, and deeply rooted in faith. Aspiring Christian educators embark on a journey of intellectual growth, spiritual formation, and practical ministry, empowered to cultivate vibrant learning communities. The online Master of Arts in Christian Education stands as a testament to the enduring power of education to shape hearts, minds, and souls for the flourishing of individuals and the glory of God.
A Master of Arts in Discipleship is available online with New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Learn to interpret and teach Biblical and theological competencies in various fields. This degree is designed for students specifically entering educational ministries, and include courses such as:
- Exploring the New and Old Testament
- Leading team based ministry
- Systematic theology
- Women’s ministry electives
Discover the principles, processes, and strategies of decision-making in church and ministerial settings. Grow into spiritual maturity with an online master’s degree at NOBTS.
The online Master of Arts in Missiology program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of mission theory, cultural dynamics, and contextualized ministry approaches, preparing them to engage in cross-cultural missions, church planting, community development, and interfaith dialogue. This online master’s degree program offers individuals the opportunity to delve deep into the theory, practice, and theology of mission work from the comfort of their homes.
Topics include, but are not limited to:
- Theological Studies
- Bible Topics
- Applied Ministry
Classes are taught by expert faculty who bring engaging discussions to the online classroom. Aspiring missionaries and cross-cultural workers embark on a journey of intellectual growth, spiritual formation, and practical ministry, equipped to engage with diverse cultures, address pressing social issues, and proclaim the message of hope and reconciliation in a world hungry for peace and justice. In a rapidly changing world, the online Master of Arts in Missiology stands as a testament to the enduring power of education to shape hearts, minds, and souls.
An online Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry is available to the nontraditional student at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. This program is designed for students seeking entry into full or part-time positions as pastor or ministerial staff in local churches. Develop comprehension of biblical, theological, and historical knowledge in pastoral studies through courses including:
- Biblical ethics
- Systematic theology
- Contemporary Bible exposition
- Leadership
This program is offered fully online or in a hybrid format. Improve your skills in evangelism, preaching, worship, and more through this NOBTS master’s program.
Earn a Master of Arts in Theology online with New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Students of this program will take on history, church studies, philosophy, and more. Graduates are able to demonstrate advanced, efficient research and writing skills. Benefits of the master of arts in theology degree include:
- Preparation for entry into the PhD program
- Awareness and affinity for theological heritage
- Advanced communication and articulation skills
- Cultural examination, including Islamic studies
Take courses fully online or in hybrid formats. Earn your master’s degree online with NOBTS and reach your personal and professional goals.
The online Master of Arts in Worship Ministry is a beacon of innovation, offering aspiring worship leaders a comprehensive and accessible pathway to deepen their theological understanding, hone their practical skills, and cultivate their spiritual formation in the digital age. This online master’s degree program encompasses a multifaceted approach to guiding congregations in their collective expression of faith and devotion. The online Master of Arts in Worship Ministry equips students with the theological insights, practical skills, and spiritual depth necessary to lead worship experiences within diverse congregational contexts.
Courses include, but are not limited to:
- Interpreting the New Testament
- Baptist Heritage
- Christian Missions
The faculty are motivated, experienced, and dedicated to the field. Aspiring worship leaders embark on a journey of theological exploration, musical excellence, pastoral care, and spiritual formation, so that lives are transformed by the power of worship. In a rapidly changing world, the Online Master of Arts in Worship Ministry stands as a testament to the enduring power of worship to cultivate sacred spaces, nurture souls, and draw hearts closer to the heart of God.
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary offers a Master of Divinity degree program to the online student. This degree prepares students for various ministerial positions in today’s challenging world. Gain critical, advanced skills in interpretation and articulation. Study cultural contexts and expand your horizons with specializations including but not limited to:
- Pastoral ministry
- Biblical studies
- Ministry to women
- Church planting
- Apologetics
This program is offered fully online or in a hybrid format. Strengthen yourself spiritually and morally, and take in a culturally significant understanding of the Bible and your practice with NOBTS.
Music serves as a profound vehicle for spiritual connection, emotional resonance, and communal worship. Rooted in centuries-old traditions yet evolving with contemporary sensibilities, church music occupies a unique intersection of faith, culture, and creativity. The online Master of Music in Church Music emerges as an opportunity for musicians, worship leaders, and ministry practitioners to deepen their understanding of sacred music while embracing the possibilities of online learning.
Classes include:
- Private Voice
- Ensembles
- Planning and Leading Worship
Classes are taught by highly experienced faculty. The online Master of Music in Church Music empowers musicians to serve as catalysts for worship, transformation, and renewal within congregations and communities. Aspiring church musicians and worship leaders embark on a journey of artistic growth, theological reflection, and spiritual formation, equipped to harness the power of music to draw hearts closer to God.
A Master of Theological Studies degree is available through New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary online program. Gain a broader understanding of theological disciplines. Graduates may consider pursuing careers in lay ministry or bi-vocational ministries. Courses include but are not limited to:
- Christian apologetics
- Teaching the Bible
- Preaching or teaching practicum
- Systematic theology
This degree is available fully online or in a hybrid format. Hone a general theological comprehension of critical skills and foundational practice with NOBTS online today.