Harding University Graduate School of Religion (HUGSR), located in Memphis, Tennessee, stands as a premier institution for advanced theological education within the Churches of Christ tradition. Established to train ministers, scholars, and leaders, HUGSR offers a range of graduate programs that shape the next generation of religious professionals. For job seekers interested in higher education careers, jobs at Harding University Graduate School of Religion represent opportunities to blend faith, scholarship, and service in a vibrant academic community. Whether you are a seasoned theologian seeking a faculty position or an administrator passionate about supporting ministry training, HUGSR provides roles that contribute to its mission of restoring New Testament Christianity.
The institution's focus on biblical studies and practical ministry creates demand for dedicated professionals. Positions range from full-time professors teaching Old Testament exegesis to administrative staff managing student advising. With its campus in the heart of Memphis, employees enjoy access to a dynamic city known for its music heritage, barbecue culture, and proximity to the Mississippi River, all while immersed in a faith-centered environment. Explore higher ed jobs here to see how HUGSR fits into broader academic opportunities.
Founded in 1955, HUGSR was created by Harding University to address the need for graduate-level theological training in the mid-South region, particularly for members of the Churches of Christ. Initially housed on Harding's main campus in Searcy, Arkansas, it relocated to Memphis in 1979 to better serve urban ministry contexts and diverse student populations. Over the decades, the school has evolved, introducing programs like the Master of Marriage and Family Therapy in response to contemporary needs in counseling and family ministry.
Key milestones include the launch of the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program in the 1980s, which emphasizes advanced leadership for practicing ministers, and expansions in biblical language instruction. Today, HUGSR maintains accreditation from the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), ensuring rigorous standards. This rich history informs job opportunities, as the institution values faculty who appreciate its restoration heritage and commitment to scriptural authority. Understanding this background is essential for applicants aiming to align with HUGSR's ethos.
HUGSR offers specialized graduate degrees that directly influence hiring needs. The flagship Master of Divinity (MDiv) prepares students for preaching and pastoral roles through coursework in homiletics, pastoral counseling, and biblical languages. Complementing this are Master of Arts programs in Christian Ministry, New Testament, Old Testament, and Biblical Languages, each requiring expert instructors.
The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) targets experienced ministers for advanced research, while the Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MA/MFT) addresses therapeutic training grounded in Christian principles. These programs necessitate faculty with expertise in Hebrew, Greek, hermeneutics, and ethics. Support roles, such as librarians curating theological resources or admissions counselors recruiting ministry-focused students, round out the opportunities. For insights into similar roles, check lecturer jobs and professor jobs.
Jobs at Harding University Graduate School of Religion span teaching, research, and administration. Faculty positions include tenure-track professor roles in systematic theology or adjunct lecturer spots for specialized courses like missiology. Administrative jobs cover registrar, development officers fundraising for scholarships, and IT support for online hybrid classes introduced post-pandemic.
Research assistant jobs support DMin projects, often held by advanced students or postdocs. The school's small size—around 150 students—fosters collaborative environments where staff wear multiple hats, such as teaching and mentoring. Learn more about university job types available across institutions like HUGSR. With Memphis's lower cost of living compared to coastal cities, these roles offer competitive compensation in a fulfilling setting.
To secure jobs at HUGSR, candidates need strong academic credentials. Faculty positions typically demand a PhD or ThD in theology, New Testament studies, or related fields from accredited institutions like ATS-member schools. For example, a Professor of Old Testament requires proficiency in Hebrew and publications on Septuagint studies.
Research focus emphasizes Churches of Christ perspectives, practical theology, and interdisciplinary work like theology and psychology for MFT roles. Preferred experience includes 5+ years in ministry, peer-reviewed articles in journals such as Gospel Advocate, or grants from faith-based foundations. Key skills encompass excellent communication for preaching courses, cultural sensitivity for diverse student bodies, and digital literacy for online teaching platforms.
Competencies like collaborative leadership and spiritual maturity are vital, as HUGSR prioritizes applicants who model Christian character. Administrative roles may require a master's and experience in higher ed software like Banner. These qualifications ensure hires advance HUGSR's mission effectively.
Applying for jobs at Harding University Graduate School of Religion begins with monitoring their careers page and platforms like AcademicJobs.com university jobs. Submit a tailored CV highlighting publications and ministry service, a statement of faith aligning with Churches of Christ doctrine, three references (preferably elders or scholars), and transcripts.
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HUGSR actively pursues inclusion within its Christian framework. Initiatives include the Diversity Scholarship for students from varied ethnic backgrounds pursuing ministry, and faculty workshops on cultural hermeneutics to enrich biblical teaching. The school partners with urban Memphis churches for outreach, promoting racial reconciliation seminars.
Women in leadership are supported through mentoring for MFT roles, and international students comprise 10% of enrollment, necessitating multilingual faculty. These efforts create a welcoming environment for jobs at HUGSR, reflecting biblical unity amid diversity.
Campus life at HUGSR emphasizes holistic well-being. Daily chapel fosters spiritual recharge, while flexible schedules allow family time—many faculty coach youth ministry or volunteer locally. Memphis offers affordable housing, vibrant arts via Beale Street, and outdoor recreation at Shelby Farms Park.
Benefits include health insurance, tuition remission for dependents, and sabbaticals for research. The close-knit community hosts potlucks and retreats, combating burnout common in academia. Employees report high satisfaction due to mission alignment and supportive colleagues.
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Jobs at Harding University Graduate School of Religion offer meaningful careers in theological education amid Memphis's rich culture. From faculty shaping future ministers to staff supporting vibrant programs, opportunities abound for qualified candidates. Leverage higher ed career advice, search higher ed jobs, or explore university jobs. Institutions like HUGSR value dedicated professionals—consider posting a job if recruiting.
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