Listed A–Z
Candler School of Theology of Emory University
Atlanta, GA•United Methodist Church•Progressive•Medium campus
Candler School of Theology, founded in 1914 as part of Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, is a United Methodist-affiliated seminary renowned for its progressive scholarship and global outreach. It fosters a diverse, inclusive community, welcoming students from over 40 denominations to a vibrant and affordable city. With accreditation from the Association of Theological Schools, Candler offers access to exceptional resources like the Pitts Theology Library and international study programs in 13 countries, creating an enriching environment for spiritual and academic growth.
Columbia Theological Seminary
Decatur, GA•Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)•Progressive•Small campus
Columbia Theological Seminary (CTS), founded in 1828 in Lexington, Georgia, and affiliated with the Presbyterian Church USA, has a rich history of nurturing leaders for the Church. As a leading Southern Presbyterian seminary, CTS excels in Reformed theology and pastoral training, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award master's and doctoral degrees. Its location near Atlanta provides students with access to diverse congregations, nonprofits, hospitals, and cultural opportunities, enhancing practical ministry experiences.
Duke University Divinity School
Durham, NC•United Methodist Church•Progressive•Medium campus
Duke University Divinity School, located in Durham, North Carolina, is a graduate theological institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church and part of Duke University, a private research university founded by Methodists and Quakers. Established in 1926, the school holds accreditation from the Association of Theological Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. It emphasizes the integration of academic rigor with public theology, serving students from various denominations through programs that combine scholarship with practical ministry.
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
South Hamilton, MA•Inter/Multidenominational•Evangelical•Large campus
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, located in Hamilton, Massachusetts, with additional campuses in Boston, Charlotte, and Jacksonville, serves as an evangelical institution formed from a 1969 merger of Gordon College Divinity School and Conwell School of Theology. The seminary emphasizes biblical scholarship, preaching, and global missions, aiming to equip students to think theologically, engage with the world, and live a biblically informed life. This approach suits those interested in New England evangelical seminaries or programs focused on scriptural proclamation and cross-cultural ministry.
Knox Theological Seminary
Fort Lauderdale, FL•Presbyterian Church in America•Conservative•Small campus
Knox Theological Seminary, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, serves as a reformed evangelical institution specializing in apologetics with an evangelistic focus, offering both online and in-person formats. Founded in 1989 as a legacy of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, the seminary emphasizes reasoned faith defenses and cultural engagement, making it a relevant choice for students interested in Florida's Reformed seminaries or flexible online programs. Its dynamic environment in Florida's sunny climate supports exploration of how reformed conviction can address secular challenges through persuasive outreach and doctrinal clarity.
Reformed Theological Seminary
Jackson, MS•Presbyterian Church in America•Conservative•Medium campus
Reformed Theological Seminary, with campuses across the United States, including Jackson, Mississippi, and Orlando, Florida, is a multi-site evangelical institution rooted in Reformed theology and committed to equipping leaders for gospel ministry worldwide. Founded in 1966, the seminary draws from Presbyterian traditions while welcoming students from various denominations, offering flexible online and in-person options for those seeking comprehensive theological education in a confessional framework. It offers the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Ministry degrees, with a focus on biblical inerrancy, systematic theology, apologetics, and church history, to prepare individuals for pastoral ministry, missions, and academic pursuits.
Shepherds Theological Seminary
Cary, NC•Non‑denominational Evangelical•Conservative•Small campus
Shepherds Theological Seminary in Cary, North Carolina, is an evangelical institution founded in 2003, committed to equipping servant-leaders for life-changing ministry through biblical exposition and doctrinal integrity. Affiliated with The Shepherd's Church, the seminary emphasizes conservative theology and practical training, offering a close-knit community in a suburban setting near Raleigh-Durham. It offers the Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, and Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, preparing students for roles in pastoral ministry, missions, and biblical counseling, with a focus on expository preaching and church planting.
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Wake Forest, NC•Southern Baptist Convention•Conservative•Large campus
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, is a Southern Baptist institution founded in 1950, committed to glorifying Jesus Christ by equipping students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission. With over 5,000 students from 44 countries and all 50 states, the seminary offers more than 75 graduate and doctoral tracks, emphasizing Christ-centered, Scripture-driven, and mission-oriented education. Its location in a historic town provides a serene yet accessible environment for theological study, preparing individuals for ministry roles in pastoring, missions, and church planting with a focus on disciple-making.
Union Presbyterian Seminary
Richmond, VA•Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)•Progressive•Small campus
Union Presbyterian Seminary, with campuses in Richmond, Virginia, and Charlotte, North Carolina, is a Presbyterian (PCUSA) institution founded in 1812, committed to preparing leaders for ministry through a focus on justice, mercy, and ecumenical dialogue. The seminary emphasizes Reformed theology with progressive applications, offering a multicultural learning community for those seeking education in Southern contexts. It offers the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Christian Education, and Doctor of Ministry, equipping students for roles in pastoral care, education, and advocacy with an emphasis on social transformation and spiritual renewal.
Wake Forest University School of Divinity
Winston-Salem, NC•Inter/Multidenominational•Progressive•Small campus
Wake Forest University School of Divinity in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is marking its 25th anniversary in 2025, reflecting on a quarter-century of graduate theological education rooted in justice, reconciliation, and compassion. The school is committed to holistic formation, attracting students to its ecumenical community, which focuses on prophetic public witness and faithful leadership in a pluralistic world. It offers programs centered on theological inquiry and personal development, preparing individuals for ministry and scholarship with a motto that underscores where calling meets courage and faith becomes action.
Rankings reviewed: August 23, 2025 — see our Ranking Methodology
Every school here has been hand-selected for this category. The order is not a ranking — schools are listed alphabetically.
Related Rankings
Keep exploring with rankings that pair well with Best Seminaries in the Southeast.
Best South Seminaries
This list identifies leading seminaries in the Southern U.S. for traditional and mission-driven theological training.
Best Midwest Seminaries
This category lists top seminaries in the Midwest for community-oriented and practical ministry preparation.
Best Northeast Seminaries
The Best Northeast Seminaries list features leading institutions in regions such as New England, offering specialized programs in historical and urban theological studies.
Most Affordable Seminaries
This category identifies institutions with low tuition, generous scholarships, and financial aid options for budget-conscious students.