Hybrid Degree Programs
Join Pittsburgh Seminary’s hybrid master’s program from your neighborhood. Stay in your context while being formed in our community—with weekly online courses and in-person gatherings each semester.
The hybrid program allows students maximum flexibility to learn both in-person and through weekly synchronous online classes. You can plan your schedule to fit your individual needs. Students desiring weekly in-person courses can opt for a more traditional residential program with fewer hybrid courses. Distance learners can complete their program by enrolling in only hybrid courses.
The Seminary’s hybrid program operates with two crucial assumptions: first, good theological education requires a community of engagement—one in which faculty and students have significant opportunities for interaction, diverse students can learn from each other, intellectual and pastoral skills are honed, and spiritual growth is supported through a variety of shared practices.
Second, for students enrolled in hybrid and online programs—sometimes referred to as rooted learners—their home context is a primary site of student formation.
Pittsburgh: One seminary. Many neighborhoods.
I am an out-of-state student, and commuting several days a week is not practical (time, gas, wear and tear on vehicle, finding someone to look after loved ones). In the hybrid program, I get to be part of the online interaction and discussion with classmates and professors, and I get to be with them in person.
As a working mother who also happens to be an active member of a church ministry, and in the PTS community, the hybrid program helps with work-life-student balance.
The hybrid program makes seminary feasible for students working full-time. Beyond that, it was the hospitality of the administrative staff, the intellect and care of the faculty, and the strong theological curriculum that made me know that PTS will equip me to pursue my vocational goals.
Learn more about the Seminary's degree and certificate programs, financial aid, faculty, and how to apply.
Check out more about the hybrid program by exploring these frequently asked questions.
Program Format
What makes this program unique?
The Seminary’s dedicated core faculty teach in the hybrid program. Their pedagogical commitments inform instructional delivery. Because courses are offered on a rotation, no class is locked into one instructional format. Students will have clear knowledge of their path to graduation with a predictable rotation of courses. Generous financial aid is available to all qualified students. This program intentionally integrates residential students and hybrid students through semester gatherings which invite all students to participate in community and formational activities. The Seminary’s hybrid program encompasses all of our master’s programs—MDiv, MAPS, MTS, and joint degrees.
How long will it take to complete my degree?
Students enrolled full-time can continue to complete the master of divinity program in three years and the master of arts programs in two years; in the hybrid format part-time students can complete the master of divinity in five years and the master of arts programs in four years.
Can I do my program completely with in-person courses?
No. All students, including residential students, will take some hybrid courses, which means some portion of your program will require weekly, online, synchronous classes with PTS faculty and attendance at 2.5 day gatherings on our Pittsburgh campus twice per semester. However, students who prefer in-person instruction will be able to take a majority of coursework in that format—the program does allow you to select in-person sections of courses and electives based on your needs.
Can I do the program completely online?
No, though your weekly courses will be online, you will be required to come to PTS twice per semester.
What tools and experience/knowledge do I need to learn online?
Even if you’re not tech savvy, the Seminary’s faculty and staff will assist you in getting acclimated to online learning. Needed tools include a computer with reliable Internet access and a webcam. Beyond that you’ll use a learning management tool and Zoom, which we will provide. Our service-oriented IT staff can always help too.
How will I afford seminary?
Aid is available to all students who qualify. The Seminary offers merit, need-based, and other funding. Visit our financial aid website for more information. Unlike some institutions, the master’s hybrid program is subject to the standard credit rate and does not include additional fees related to the program.
Class Format
How often do classes meet?
Classes meet weekly or bi-weekly at set times. See the Seminary’s Course Schedules for more information.
Do I have to come to campus? If so, how often? And when?
Yes! All students are required to come to campus two times per semester for 2.5 days for in-person formational activities. Gatherings occur at set times each semester. In the Fall Semester, it’s the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday following Labor Day and the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday before Reading Week. In the Spring Semester, we’ll gather Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of the first week of class and the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday before Reading Week.
Why are classes synchronous?
Our curricular and pedagogical commitments center the importance of sustained interaction with faculty and fellow students. The PTS formative experience is rooted in this model of engagement.
Who will teach the classes?
The Seminary’s core faculty teach in the hybrid program. Learn more about our professors.
Are any classes offered completely online or are they all hybrid? If so, how many?
Each semester a select few electives will be fully online. Largely the curriculum is hybrid.
How many classes are taken in person? And how many are taken online?
This depends on student needs and preferences, as well as the desired time to completion. Students who are full-time and prefer in-person instruction can take the majority of their courses on the Pittsburgh campus, though they will have a percentage of hybrid courses each semester. Students taking only hybrid courses can complete the master of divinity in five years and the master of arts programs in four years.
How and where will I complete Field Education?
Individual arrangements for Field Education will be based on your situation and location. You don’t need to relocate to complete this requirement.
Gatherings Format
What happens during the gatherings?
During the gatherings, all students will meet in person on the PTS campus with fellow students and their professors. Programming will include worship, community meals, time for one-on-one consultations with staff and faculty, formational activities, and opportunities to explore local ministry contexts across the city of Pittsburgh in addition to class time. There is also ample time for students to connect with on another outside of structured activities.