Seminary Review Rankings

Best South Seminaries

This list identifies leading seminaries in the Southern U.S. for traditional and mission-driven theological training.

Listed A–Z

  • Asbury Theological Seminary

    Wilmore, KYInter/MultidenominationalEvangelicalLarge campus

    For students seeking a vibrant, mission-focused theological education, Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, with an additional campus in Florida, is a top choice among interdenominational evangelical seminaries, particularly for those drawn to Wesleyan theology. Widely recognized as a leading seminary, Asbury equips students for global ministry through programs emphasizing Wesleyan holiness teachings, missiology, church history, and integrative counseling. Asbury blends spiritual passion with scholarly excellence.

  • Beeson Divinity School

    Birmingham, ALInterdenominationalEvangelicalSmall campus

    The mission of Beeson Divinity School is to prepare God-called persons to serve as ministers in the church of Jesus Christ. We accomplish this by providing face-to-face, classical graduate theological education, worshiping the triune God and encouraging the practices of Christian spirituality in covenanted community. Founded in 1988, Beeson offers three master’s degrees (Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Theological Studies and Master of Arts in Christian Counseling) and two advanced degrees (Master of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy in Theology for the Church).

  • Duke University Divinity School

    Durham, NCUnited Methodist ChurchProgressiveMedium 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.

  • Lexington Theological Seminary

    Suite 300, LexingtonChristian Church (Disciples of Christ)ProgressiveSmall campus

    Lexington Theological Seminary, located in Lexington, Kentucky, serves as an institution affiliated with the Disciples of Christ, offering online education with a focus on justice for both lay and ordained ministry. Established in 1865, the seminary adapts to modern needs in Kentucky's bluegrass region, making it a relevant choice for students interested in online Disciples seminaries or Kentucky theological education. It provides the Master of Divinity emphasizing equity and advocacy, along with flexible pathways to service in churches, nonprofits, and community leadership.

  • Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

    Louisville, KYPresbyterian Church (U.S.A.)ProgressiveSmall campus

    Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, located in Louisville, Kentucky, serves as a theological institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), integrating therapy and family counseling into its educational framework. Established in 1853, the seminary has pioneered integrative approaches that blend faith with psychological insights, offering a tuition-free model to support accessible education. It is recognized for its contributions to Kentucky Presbyterian seminaries and counseling theology programs, providing the Master of Divinity with clinic-supported training to prepare students for holistic ministry in diverse contexts.

  • New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

    New Orleans, LASouthern Baptist ConventionConservativeLarge campus

    New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, serves as a Southern Baptist institution dedicated to equipping leaders for missions and evangelism in fulfillment of the Great Commission. Established in 1917 to serve Southern Baptists, the seminary offers certificates, undergraduate, and master's degrees, making it a prominent choice for students interested in Baptist seminaries that focus on proclaiming biblical truth, preparing for ministry through mentoring, applying the gospel in practical ways, and developing servant leadership. Its unique cultural and religious landscape in New Orleans provides a setting for exploring theology amid diverse influences, supporting preparation for world impact through faithful service.

  • Reformed Theological Seminary

    Jackson, MSPresbyterian Church in AmericaConservativeMedium 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.

  • Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

    Wake Forest, NCSouthern Baptist ConventionConservativeLarge 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.

  • Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

    Louisville, KYSouthern Baptist ConventionConservativeLarge campus

    Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, is a confessional Southern Baptist institution founded in 1859, committed to training ministers for faithful service through biblical truth and theological fidelity. Under the leadership of President R. Albert Mohler Jr.

  • Wesley Biblical Seminary

    Ridgeland, MSInter/MultidenominationalConservativeSmall campus

    Wesley Biblical Seminary in Ridgeland, Mississippi, is a Wesleyan institution committed to training leaders for faithful churches through trusted, Bible-based education. Founded to advance Wesleyan ideals, the seminary offers the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Practical Theology, and Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling, with a focus on practical ministry and lay education via the Wesley Institute. Its emphasis on ordination tracks for the Global Methodist Church and foundational courses in Bible and doctrine makes it ideal for those seeking culturally relevant ministry in a Southern context.

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 South Seminaries.