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Since 1794 Pittsburgh Theological Seminary has been preparing students in the way of Jesus. We welcome neighbors; share meals, differences, and experiences; expand our minds; and expect to be challenged by the broad range of beliefs we bring to the table.

Facts about Pittsburgh Seminary

  • Pittsburgh Theological Seminary was founded in 1794.
  • It is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
  • The Rev. Dr. Asa Lee is the Seminary's seventh president and professor of theological formation for ministry.
  • The Seminary is located on a beautiful 10-acre campus in the East Liberty/Highland Park section of the city of Pittsburgh.
  • The Barbour Library is the largest theological library in the three state region, offering more than 300,000 volumes for research and exploration. Additionally, the Library houses the desk at which Karl Barth wrote his theological works and an autographed copy of his Kirchliche Dogmatic I/1.
  • Sixteen full-time faculty members provide a low student/faculty ratio.
  • Students in the M.Div. and M.A.P.S.programs participate in Field Education in a variety of settings including churches (urban, suburban, and rural), hospitals, and other nonprofits and special agencies.
  • The Seminary's master's degrees and certificate programs are offered through a hybrid format, with courses in person and online. 
  • Resident students can choose to live in an apartment building or residence hall. Apartments range in size from efficiency to four bedroom.

Degree Programs

Certificate Programs

Student Population

  • Our current students come from 32 U.S. states and international locations including, Australia, Botswana, Canada, China, Egypt, Myanmar, and United Kingdom.
  • Since 2001 the Seminary's World Mission Initiative has sent 987 individuals on intercultural learning and missional formation trips to 61 countries.
  • Students who graduate from Pittsburgh Seminary pursue a wide variety of creative ministries in church, parachurch, and professional settings.
Composition by Racial Ethnic Background
White66 percent
Black21
International Students6
Two or more races3
Other2
Asian1

 

Composition by Denomination
Presbyterian52 percent
Other17
United Methodist8
Baptist7
Nondenominational6
Lutheran4
Anglican/Episcopal3
Orthodox3

 

Composition by Gender
Male49 percent
Female51

 

Composition by Age
Master's Median Age39
D.Min. Median Age51

 

Composition by Hours
Full-time78 percent
Part-time22

 

Preparing with Rich Campus Resources
In addition to course work, students prepare for ministry through the Seminary's resource programs.

Seminary Costs

  • The Seminary strives to keep our tuition and cost of attendance low. Learn more about our current rates.
  • The Seminary awards financial aid in the forms of merit scholarships, need-based tuition grants, housing grants, and graduate assistantships to master’s students.
  • Aid is available to both full- and part-time students.
  • Students who qualify for aid can also participate in the graduate assistantship program and typically receive $12 per hour for up to 10 hours of on-campus work per week.
  • Residence hall and apartment living areas are available at the Seminary at rental rates below market value for the area. PTS underwrites the cost of providing food services.
  • Students supplement the Seminary-provided funds with income from field work, gifts from home congregations and judicatories, support from parents and others, and student loans.
  • Full-time D.Min. students can also qualify for need-based aid.
  • Learn more about Financial Aid at PTS.