Metro-Urban Institute

Metro-Urban Institute Website 

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary has been preparing leaders for Christian ministry for more than 200 years.  In 1991, the Seminary initiated the Metro-Urban Institute (MUI) to help churches address growing concerns related to urban living. The MUI has become an important resource for those concerned with "the welfare of the city" (Jeremiah 29:7) whether or not they actually live in urban areas. 

Primary Goals

Providing Classroom and Field Placement Educational Opportunities

To provide or help arrange formal and informal, credit and non-credit, in-class and field-based educational experiences, which will assist in the development of religious leaders.  

Networking

To cooperate with churches, church-related agencies, and other human service programs to respond educationally to the social and spiritual problems of people in the metropolitan context.  

Continuing Education

To identify continuing education needs of pastors and others employed by churches as well as laypersons interested in better preparation for church work and Christian witness, at both the undergraduate and graduate level.  

Clarifying Issues

To identify problems related to issues for which the churches must or should provide services and support to their communities.  

Utilizing Community Leadership

To provide a well-rounded theological and community-based education experience that utilizes the expertise of Seminary faculty and religious leaders from throughout the community.  

Providing Resources on Urban Ministry

To provide assistance to congregations and the seminary community with scholarly research concerning urban ministry.  

Metro-Urban Institute Programs

Graduate Programs in Conjunction with the Metro-Urban Institute 

Studies leading toward the Master of Divinity or Master of Arts degree are structured to equip Christian leaders (clergy and/or laypersons) with tools of ministry in the multicultural atmosphere of the inner city and surrounding areas. Additionally, a Graduate Certificate in Urban Ministry may be granted to recipients of either the M.Div. or the M.A. upon satisfaction of the requirements for a graduate urban-focus. Completion of the bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required for admission.

Graduate Certificate in Urban Ministry and Urban-Focused Graduate Students

Students in either the M.Div. or the M.A. degree programs may pursue a Graduate Certificate in Urban Ministry. Those seeking the certificate must

• attain 18 hours of course work related to urban ministry (including Church and Society: Local, and Church and Society: Global) with a grade of B or better in each course of the urban focus
• complete two years of field placement or internship in an approved urban placement
• participate in theological reflection seminars with an urban ministry mentor for at least one year
• maintain a 2.5 or above overall GPA.

Click here to receive an information packet from the Admissions Office and make sure to indicate your interest in urban studies.

Urban Intensive Weekend Seminars

The Urban Intensive Weekend is a three-day conference offering information on ways churches can more effectively provide faith-based public ministry to their communities. UIW expose participants to analysis of a particular public issue in urban ministry through dialogue with scholars, urban practitioners, and local church representatives. Collaboration between faith-based and secular organizations whose mission and values are compatible with Christian community ministry is stressed. Intentionally interdisciplinary, the UIW encourages dialogue among a variety of faith traditions and other areas of community life including business, health, social services, law, and government.  Through open to the public, the UIW is part of a course for which students receive graduate, undergraduate, or continuing education credits. Learn more about this year's Urban Intensive Weekend.

Field Education Placement

One year of field placement is required for the Master of Divinity degree in the general program. Urban-focus students seeking the graduate certificate in Urban Ministry, however, participate in two years of field placement. Each field placement site has a professional who works with the Seminary in developing the placement and providing supervision.

Urban Internship Placement

This arrangement provides supervised experiential learning opportunities for master’s level students. Students work in an urban-related context with a church or agency associated with the MUI Collaborative for an academic year (or greater portion thereof).

Urban Ministry Mentors and Urban Theological Reflection Seminars

Occasionally, the press of social, economic, and spiritual challenges converging with the urban context poses challenges that are experientially different from those facing students in other arenas of ministry. Urban focused graduate students are assigned, therefore, to ministry mentors who assist students in reflecting on both theoretical and practical challenges in ministry related to urban theological education. Ministry mentors are ordained clergy outside the academic setting who are serving in various capacities (pastors, chaplains, educators, community agency personnel,etc.). Mentors meet students at least once per term for Urban Theological Reflection Seminars. Reflection on the student’s sense of call, talents for this arena of Christian witness, and the meaning of the academic setting for urban ministry are part of discussions with mentors. 

Cross-Cultural Education

Given the realities of today's global marketplace and multicultural cities, awareness of the cross-cultural challenges of urban life is essential for effective local city ministry. The Metro-Urban Institute's Cross-Cultural Education program exposes students to urban ministry and theological education in cultures outside of the USA, typically in non-Western societies. Urban focus students have enjoyed study with practitioners and educators in West Africa. Cross-cultural education is generally offered as a summer intensive course, due to the inclusion of foreign travel.

Linkage Education Program Leading to a Bachelor's Degree

Because the Seminary offers graduate credits only, students may apply for undergraduate academic credit for any Christian Leadership Seminar through an undergraduate institution (two-year or four-year). In this way, students are able to enroll in introductory theological studies while concurrently working toward completion of their undergraduate degree at another institution. These ‘Linkage Education Students’ are required to complete assigned readings (approximately 300 pages) and receive a satisfactory grade on the seminar competency exam or qualifying project. Up to nine seated academic credits may be earned from CLC seminars in any academic year for students enrolling in all seminars. Linkage Education is especially designed for active pastors or laypersons who have not completed undergraduate education and desire to further their formal academic preparation; as well as those interested in Community Ministry and considering enrolling in the Seminary’s graduate program of theological studies.. Those interested in pursuing linkage education should contact the MUI office for further information about various degree completion opportunities. Support services are provided to assist in arranging completion of college education. 

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Community Ministry  

This program is for persons who desire to complete their undergraduate academic preparation. Support services are provided to assist in arranging completion of college education through the Degree Completion Program of Geneva College located on the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary campus. This is a 15-month program for persons who have at least two years of transferable college credit with five-seven years of post-high school work experience. It is especially designed for those interested in Community Ministry and considering enrolling in the Seminary’s graduate program of theological studies. For complete details of the Degree Completion Program, contact the program coordinator at 412-441-0900. 

Contact MUI 

Metro-Urban Institute
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
616 North Highland Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412-924-1393