Central Seminary is an accredited graduate school with more than 125 years of experience preparing leaders for ministry, counseling, theological education, and service. Through flexible online and hybrid programs, Central equips working adults for meaningful leadership in churches, nonprofit organizations, counseling settings, and communities around the world.
Designed for adults balancing work, family, ministry, and vocation, Central combines academic rigor with practical preparation, spiritual growth, and accessible learning pathways.
Central Seminary prepares leaders for seeking God, shaping the church, and serving humanity and all creation.
Central Seminary prepares students with the theological knowledge, spiritual insight, and practical skills needed to lead in an ever-changing world by cultivating an inclusive, cross-cultural community of reflection, critical thinking, and discernment.
We build authentic relationships and deep connections among students, faculty, staff, alumni, board members, partners, and all friends of Central. We gather to worship and pray. We come together to celebrate our successes and tackle our challenges. We are open and honest. We collaborate and convene, knowing that we can achieve our shared vision by aligning our goals and leveraging our unique strengths.
We are compassionate and caring. We listen, learn, and connect. We celebrate difference, seek to understand each other, pursue justice in the world around us, and put our faith into action. We practice humility and kindness, and strive to create spaces that are welcoming, inclusive, and equitable.
We are lifelong learners who crave growth, strive for excellence, and seek to serve God. We look for opportunities to challenge ourselves, build new skillsets, and expand our ways of thinking. We pursue knowledge through study and experiential learning. We believe all people are made in the image of God and can develop to their full potential with passion, determination, and support.
We lead with courage, faith, and hope in the face of uncertainty. Our adaptability and resourcefulness empower us to be innovative and creative. We dream big and take action to pursue purposeful transformation in ourselves and the world around us.
Guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ and a commitment to thoughtful, compassionate service, Central Seminary is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. We welcome students from a wide range of denominations and faith traditions, forming a diverse learning community united in the pursuit of faith, love, and truth.
Join live, scheduled classes each week with faculty and peers through a structured online format.
Access competitive tuition with scholarships, tuition support, and flexible payment options available to students.
Study in an institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Association of Theological Schools, with more than 125 years of experience preparing leaders for ministry and counselling.
Learn alongside students from diverse denominational, cultural, and professional backgrounds that strengthen how you lead and serve.
Central Seminary was founded by Kansas Baptists leaders in 1901. The seminary continues to be closely affiliated with the American Baptist Churches-USA and with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. While Central is historically Baptist, our seminary is ecumenical. Students from many different faith traditions find Central a comfortable and welcoming environment in which to study.
Yes. Central is welcoming of people from all different faith traditions. While many of our students are Baptists, others affiliate with a variety of denominations, including African Methodist Episcopal, Disciples of Christ, Episcopal, Methodist, Non-Denominational, Presbyterian, and United Church of Christ. Still others of our students are not affiliated with a particular tradition. This diversity in theological background and affiliation is also true for our faculty and staff.
The faculty of Central seminary have vastly different and personal sets of beliefs just like the students they teach. There is not a specific theology or creed they are asked to affirm before being hired and are not required to teach by one. Most students find that faculty are supportive of a wide variety of beliefs.
Yes! Central is affirming of ALL people and welcomes students, staff, and faculty who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Central's Board of Directors and our leadership are committed to creating a healthy place for learning and growth. Discriminatory attitudes and behaviors, whether intentional or unintentional, are not acceptable within our community. Any employee or student who exhibits or participates in deliberate or unwitting behaviors that are offensive or discriminatory to individuals with reference to their age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race/color, religion, sexual orientation or veteran status will be subject to disciplinary action that may result in suspension or dismissal from the institution.
Yes, many of our programs can be completed 100% online. Most of our online classes require participation in regular live sessions through a video conferencing program, such as Zoom.
Yes, the school offers a variety of options for students to gather and worship outside of class, such as chapels, events, and gatherings specifically for students to discuss their studies and vocation. Since most of our student body is participating in online education, we provide many of these opportunities through video conferencing.
According to the Higher Learning Commission, "Accreditation provides current and potential students assurance that they are receiving a quality education which will be recognized as such by potential employers or licensing boards as well as by other colleges or universities in case of student transfers or pursuit of a higher degree." Central is proudly accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Association of Theological Schools.
Study in an accredited institution with more than 125 years of experience preparing leaders for ministry and counseling.
Complete your degree through programs structured for professionals balancing work, family, and ministry responsibilities.
Participate in live, scheduled online classes with faculty and peers, with program formats designed to fit real weekly schedules.
Move forward with clarity into ministry leadership or clinical counseling, with programs designed to support real-world outcomes and licensure pathways.
For more than 125 years, Central Seminary has provided theological education and training for those called to learn and serve. This year, we are marking that legacy through a series of gatherings, shared stories, and community celebrations.
Join us for anniversary chapel services, a 125-year birthday celebration in August, and a special worship service in November. Alumni, students, and partners are also invited to share memories and stories that continue to shape Central's future.
Central Seminary holds institutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), supporting recognized degrees, academic quality, and institutional credibility.
Central Seminary is led by experienced academic and ministry leaders committed to preparing students for real-world service, leadership, and care.
Central Seminary serves students and learners from diverse cultural, denominational, vocational, and ministry backgrounds across the United States and internationally. Through multilingual programs and collaborative learning environments, students develop the ability to lead and serve thoughtfully in complex and varied communities.
Learn more about Central Seminary, explore programs, or connect with Admissions to discuss the pathway that fits your goals and calling.
