Hood Theological Seminary

What Hood Theological Seminary does

Hood Theological Seminary is a private, nonprofit graduate theological seminary founded in 1885 and headquartered in Salisbury, North Carolina. Sponsored by the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, it serves primarily students preparing for ordained ministry, professional chaplaincy, and church leadership across 16 Protestant denominations, with a particularly strong pipeline into United Methodist ordination (one of only three ATS-approved seminaries in North Carolina alongside Duke Divinity School). The institution offers seven graduate degree programs (Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Chaplaincy, Master of Arts in Christian Education, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry in 60- and 36-hour formats, and Doctor of Ministry with multiple specializations), three academic certificate programs, and a non-credit Church Management certificate delivered through monthly webinars. Beyond traditional academics, Hood operates multiple specialized centers — the Center for Chaplaincy, the International Center of Faith, Science and History (ICFSH, built on an AAAS DoSER Science for Seminaries grant), the Center for Bold Leadership, the Congregational Faith and Learning Center (funded by a $1M Lilly Endowment grant in 2020), the Institute for Rural and Small-Town Ministry and Leadership, and the Messinger-Williams Community Education Initiative — that extend its reach into congregational support, rural ministry, and public engagement.

The core technology stack is built on the Canvas LMS with synchronous video conferencing and asynchronous online coursework, and the seminary holds ATS approval for comprehensive distance education. A hybrid delivery model combines four on-campus intensives with nine weeks of online instruction, satisfying United Methodist Church ordination requirements while serving working and remote clergy. Hood earns revenue through a mix of recurring graduate tuition, per-course certificate fees ($500/course and $99.99/webinar for Church Management), donations (Firm Foundation Annual Fund, Faithful Friends recurring program at $25/month minimum, 1885 Society signature fundraiser), endowment income (endowed scholarships, chairs, professorships, and planned giving via the Hood Legacy Society), and programmatic grants (Lilly Endowment, AAAS DoSER). Marketing and distribution rely on the institution's website, social media, denominational partnerships, alumni chapters across multiple states, event-based engagement, and a podcast series through the ICFSH.

The seminary is currently navigating a leadership transition with an active Presidential search. It employs 101-250 staff and faculty and maintains a small scale relative to peer institutions, but its regulatory credentials (ATS accreditation, UMC University Senate approval), denominational sponsorship, and programmatic diversification through centers and grant-funded initiatives constitute its principal competitive assets. Revenue is not publicly disclosed.

Name

Hood Theological Seminary

Legal name

Hood Theological Seminary

Website

https://hoodseminary.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1885

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Hood Theological Seminary is a nonprofit, ATS-accredited graduate theological seminary in Salisbury, North Carolina, sponsored by the AME Zion Church. It delivers master's and doctoral degrees, certificates, and chaplaincy training to students across 16 Protestant denominations via on-campus, hybrid, and fully online formats.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Theological Education / Graduate Seminary

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Religious Organizations (8131)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Seminaries (Graduate Theology & Ministry) (EDAHAKAA)

Keywords

• Theological education
• Graduate seminary programs
• Ministerial training
• Chaplaincy education
• Distance learning seminary

Headquarters

HQ city

Salisbury

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Degree Program Tuition and Fees: Revenue from Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Chaplaincy, Master of Arts in Christian Education, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, and Doctor of Ministry programs. Students pay tuition and fees for graduate theological education.
2. Certificate Program Fees: Certificate program courses are $500 per course. Additional certificate programs include Church Management Certificate at $99.99 per webinar/module.
3. Donations and Annual Fund: The seminary relies on donations from alumni, alumnae, and friends. The Firm Foundation Annual Fund supports scholarships, teaching, research, and new initiatives. The Faithful Friends Partnership Recurring Program accepts minimum monthly gifts of $25.
4. Endowment and Planned Giving: Endowed scholarships, endowed faculty chairs, and restricted endowment funds provide permanent funding. The Hood Legacy Society recognizes planned giving through bequests, stocks, real estate, life insurance, charitable trusts, and retirement funds.
5. 1885 Society Fundraiser: Signature fundraiser of the Hood Theological Seminary National Alumni Association (HTSNAA) with alumni and faithful friends donating $1,885.00 towards the HTSNAA Student Scholarship Fund.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Hood Theological Seminary is a graduate theological seminary that delivers Master and Doctoral degree programs (Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Chaplaincy, Master of Arts in Christian Education, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, and Doctor of Ministry) along with certificate programs in General Theological Studies, Biblical Studies, Christian Education, Church Management, and Global Methodist Studies. Instruction is delivered through on-campus, hybrid, and fully online formats, supported by specialized centers covering chaplaincy, faith-science dialogue, rural ministry, and congregational development.

Product overview

Hood Theological Seminary is a graduate and professional school offering a comprehensive portfolio of theological education programs delivered through on-campus, hybrid, and fully online formats. The institution provides seven graduate degree programs (Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Chaplaincy, Master of Arts in Christian Education, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry in 60 and 36-hour formats, and Doctor of Ministry), four certificate programs (General Theological Studies, Biblical Studies, Christian Education, and Church Management), and specialized tracks in Global Methodist Studies. Beyond traditional academics, the seminary operates multiple centers including the Center for Chaplaincy, International Center of Faith Science and History (ICFSH), Center for Bold Leadership, Congregational Faith and Learning Center (TCFLC), Institute for Rural and Small-Town Ministry and Leadership, and the Messinger-Williams Community Education Initiative—each providing specialized training, community engagement, and professional development services to students and congregations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Master of Divinity A comprehensive graduate-level theological degree preparing students for ordained ministry and pastoral leadership roles in diverse church settings.
• Master of Theological Studies A graduate-level theological degree providing foundational theological education for ministry, academic preparation, or personal enrichment.
• Master of Arts in Chaplaincy A specialized graduate degree preparing students for professional chaplaincy ministry in healthcare, military, correctional, and other institutional settings.
• Master of Arts in Christian Education A graduate degree focused on equipping students for leadership in Christian education ministry, including curriculum development and teaching.
• Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (60 Hour Program) A comprehensive 60-credit graduate degree preparing students for general Christian ministry and ordination.
• Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (36 Hour Program) An accelerated 36-credit graduate degree designed for students seeking efficient preparation for ministry leadership.
• Doctor of Ministry An advanced professional doctorate for practicing ministry professionals seeking to enhance their leadership, theological reflection, and ministry effectiveness with specializations in areas such as Pastoral Theology, Leadership Ministry, Homiletics, CPE Supervision, and Community Advocacy and Social Justice.
• General Theological Studies Certificate (GTSC) Program A certificate program providing foundational theological education covering core biblical, historical, and theological disciplines.
• Biblical Studies Certificate (BSC) Program A certificate program focusing specifically on biblical studies, including Old and New Testament interpretation.
• Certificate in Christian Education (CCE) Program A certificate program designed for Christian educators seeking to develop competencies in teaching and faith formation.
• Certificate in Church Management and Administration A non-credit certificate program covering church administration, financial management, strategic planning, and leadership, delivered through 12 monthly webinars at $99.99 per webinar/module.
• Global Methodist Studies Programs Specialized programs in Global Methodist Studies including the MACM Global Methodist Track and Certificates in Global Methodist Studies, preparing students for ministry in the Global Methodist Church.
• Center for Bold Leadership A center providing leadership development programs for clergy and laity at all experience levels.
• International Center of Faith, Science and History (ICFSH) A center established through an AAAS DoSER Science for Seminaries grant to integrate scientific content within theological curriculum, offering podcasts, community events, and international immersion courses.
• Center for Chaplaincy A center dedicated to fostering awareness and collaboration about professional chaplaincy opportunities and practices across various settings including healthcare, military, and corrections.
• The Congregational Faith and Learning Center (TCFLC) A center created through a $1,000,000 Lilly Endowment grant to provide training and faith engagement directly to congregations, helping churches thrive through coaching and best practices.
• Institute for Rural and Small-Town Ministry and Leadership An institute providing consultation, education, mentoring, and support to clergy and laity in rural and small-town church settings, developed with Lilly Endowment support.
• Messinger-Williams Family Community Education Initiative A free educational program open to the general public exploring topics related to ethics, community, faith, and meaning-in-life, offered through the Messinger and Williams Family Chair in Theology and Ethics.

Quantifiable outcome

• In 2015 alone, 10 alumni were ordained and 14 were commissioned as provisional elders throughout three annual conferences.

Named customers10 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• United Methodist ChurchcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1999Hood is listed as an approved graduate theological seminary by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church since July 1, 1999. The seminary offers specialized services for UM students including UMC M.Div. students paired with United Methodist Faculty Advisors, Board of Ordained Ministry preparation, and UMC Studies courses.
• Ego EimiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with Ego Eimi, founded by Shenita Floyd, for faith-based merchandise. Hood Theological Seminary will exclusively purchase all merchandise from Ego Eimi, ensuring high-quality, faith-inspired products that reflect the seminary's mission and values. This collaboration provides branded merchandise for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends.
• American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion (DoSER)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAAAS DoSER awarded Hood Theological Seminary a grant to integrate scientific content within its theological curriculum as part of the Science for Seminaries project, organized in partnership with the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). The seminary established the International Center of Faith, Science and History (ICFSH) to support curriculum revision and prepare students for scientifically literate ministry.
• North Carolina Rural CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHood Theological Seminary has a history of collaboration with the North Carolina Rural Center as part of its commitment to serving rural and small-town churches through the Institute for Rural and Small-Town Ministry and Leadership.
• Thriving Rural Communities Initiative at Duke Divinity SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Duke Divinity School's Thriving Rural Communities Initiative as part of Hood's network of divinity schools working to support rural church leadership development.
• First United Methodist Church (Salisbury NC)minorOthersCommunity partner for discussion groups in the Messinger-Williams Community Education Initiative, hosting weekly discussions on topics of faith, ethics, and community.
• First Presbyterian Church (Salisbury NC)minorOthersCommunity partner for discussion groups in the Messinger-Williams Community Education Initiative, hosting weekly discussions on topics of faith, ethics, and community.
• St. John's Lutheran Church (Salisbury NC)minorOthersCommunity partner for discussion groups in the Messinger-Williams Community Education Initiative, hosting weekly discussions on topics of faith, ethics, and community.
• Trinity Oaks Retirement Community (Salisbury NC)minorOthersCommunity partner for discussion groups in the Messinger-Williams Community Education Initiative, hosting weekly discussions on topics of faith, ethics, and community.
• African Methodist Episcopal Zion ChurchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHood Theological Seminary is sponsored by the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (A.M.E. Zion) and dedicated to the education and preparation of men and women for leadership in the various ministries and vocations of the Christian church.
• American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAAAS Science for Seminaries project partnership for the International Center of Faith, Science and History (ICFSH). Features podcast content and hosts conferences on science and religion dialogue.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Fuller Theological Seminary: Fuller operates one of the largest ATS-accredited distance MDiv and DMin programs and is a leading center for the science-and-religion conversation that Hood's ICFSH now occupies. Directly comparable on the science/theology integration niche.
• Asbury Theological Seminary: Asbury is a large multi-denominational evangelical seminary offering extensive online and hybrid MDiv/DMin programs. Comparable to Hood on distance education delivery and ATS-accredited continuing-education tracks for working clergy.
• Candler School of Theology (Emory): Candler is one of the 13 official UMC seminaries, housed within a major R1 research university. It overlaps with Hood on every UMC ordination track but operates with substantially larger faculty and endowment scale.
• Boston University School of Theology: One of the 13 official UMC seminaries and ATS-accredited, offering MDiv, MTS, and DMin as well as a Chaplaincy specialization. Overlaps with Hood on program mix and denominational endorsement, with materially larger resources.

Direct peers

• Gammon Theological Seminary: Gammon is the historically Black graduate theological seminary of the United Methodist Church, located in Atlanta. Comparable to Hood in HBCU Methodist heritage, ATS accreditation, and mission to prepare African American clergy, making it the closest denominational peer.
• Wesley Theological Seminary: Wesley is a UMC-affiliated, ATS-accredited graduate theological seminary in Washington, DC offering the same MDiv/Doctor of Ministry/chaplaincy programs. Comparable on UMC ordination pathways and ATS distance-education approval.
• Duke Divinity School: Duke Divinity School is another of only three UMC University Senate-approved graduate theological seminaries in North Carolina, ATS-accredited, offering the MDiv and DMin alongside a research university ecosystem. Direct same-geography, same-credential competitor for UMC ordination candidates.
• Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC): ITC is an Atlanta-based consortium of historically Black seminaries representing multiple Black Protestant denominations. Shares Hood's ecumenical student body model and HBCU Methodist-tradition identity, serving a directly overlapping candidate pool.
• Payne Theological Seminary: Payne is the AME (not AME Zion) graduate theological seminary in Ohio and the only ATS-accredited HBCU seminary affiliated with the parent African Methodist Episcopal Church. Closest AME-tradition institutional peer to Hood's AME Zion heritage.

Regional players

• Iliff School of Theology: United Methodist-affiliated ATS-accredited seminary in Denver offering MDiv, MTS, DMin and hybrid delivery. Comparable to Hood on ATS-approved online MDiv and UMC ordination preparation, though serving a different region.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/HoodTheoSem
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/HoodSeminary
• Facebookfacebook.com/hoodseminary
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hood-theological-seminary
• Instagraminstagram.com/hoodtheosem

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Hood Theological Seminary