The seminary most closely linked with the National Baptist Convention is American Baptist College in Nashville, TN. The college officially opened on September 14, 1924. American Baptist College exists to "equip students for Christian service and leadership through an interdisciplinary education emphasizing biblical and theological studies." The college's goals include excellence in teaching, learning and research and to produce graduates who are "committed to Christian standards of social justice and the full humanity of all persons."
American Baptist College offers an Associates of Arts degree (A.A.) for students wanting to understand Biblical and theological principles for vocational goals within or outside of the church. The Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) is for students who want "to build a solid biblical or theological framework through in-depth study, analysis and practical experiences to allow preparation for vocational or academic opportunities within or outside of the church." Students in the B.A. program can choose concentrations in Pastoral Studies, Christian Education, Religious Studies or Church and Society. The Bachelor of Theology degree program is offered for those who already have a bachelors degree and want to complete theological work before entering graduate study.
The Certificate in Bible (CB) program is for those who do not meet the college entrance admissions standards but want to earn college credentials for future collegiate efforts. The Certificate of Christian Training (CCT) is designed for students who want a religious foundation without earning college credits. The Diploma of Theology (DT) is for students who have earned a CCT and want to build on their religious education foundation without earning college credits.
Students can choose from one of two tracks in the Masters program. One is for General Pastoral Counseling and the other is for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy. Students who complete the Masters program will be prepared to work in churches, para-church organizations, counseling centers, independent counseling practice, community based agencies, hospitals and hospices, domestic violence shelters, behavioral health facilities and correctional facilities.
The American Baptist Seminary of the West is the only other seminary in the U.S. which is closely affiliated with the National Baptist Convention. American Baptist Seminary of the West is located in
Berkeley, California. Much like the American Baptist College in Nashville, the American Baptist Seminary offers a variety of programs, from certificates to doctorate programs.
American Baptist Seminary of the West offers three certificate programs. The Certificate of Ministry is designed for students who want to explore an education in theology before committing to a graduate degree. The Certificate of Theology is designed for students who want to be better prepared to fulfill lay leadership roles in church settings. The Certificate of Advanced Studies is designed for those who have completed a graduate program but want to gain further knowledge in particular areas such as preaching, worship or women's studies.
The Master of Divinity Program prepares students for the ministries of preaching, worship, pastoral care, education, evangelism and administration. The Master of Arts in Community Leadership prepares graduates for worship, social ministries such as a non-profit organization seeking to meet social concerns and spirituality in the workplace which will allow the graduate to meet the spiritual needs of clients or assist graduates in their work as lay ministers in the church.
The Doctor of Ministry degree program is designed for those who have already completed theological training and are already working as pastors. The goal of this degree program is to raise the standards of ministry in urban multicultural settings. Students can choose from concentrations in Prophetic Preaching, Urban Ministry or Transformational Church Leadership. Students will be required to write a dissertation.