Seminary Facts

About the Seminary

• Pittsburgh Theological Seminary was founded in 1794.
• It is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
• The Rev. Dr. William J. Carl III is the Seminary’s fifth president and professor of homiletics. Before coming to PTS he served as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas for 22 years.
• The Seminary is located on a beautiful 13-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 295,000 volumes for research and exploration.
• Twenty-four full-time faculty members provide a low student/faculty ratio.
• During their Middler year, students in the M.Div. program participate in Field Education in a variety of settings including churches (urban, suburban, and rural), hospitals, and other nonprofits and special agencies.
• Resident students live in one of the four apartment buildings or the residence hall. Apartments range in size from efficiency to four bedroom.

Degree Programs

• Master of Divinity 
• Master of Divinity with joint degrees in law, social work, and public policy
• Master of Divinity with concentration in urban ministry
• Master of Divinity with emphasis in church planting
• Master of Arts
• Master of Sacred Theology 
• Doctor of Ministry Degree offered in five focus areas: Parish, Reformed, Eastern Christian, Science and Theology, and Reformed Christian Spirituality.
• Doctor of Philosophy Degree (with the University of Pittsburgh)
• Learn more about our degree programs.

Student Population

• Our students originate from 33 states and four countries including Korea, Scotland, Egypt, and Canada 
• Of the students who graduated in 2002, 88 percent are still involved in active ministry.

Composition by Racial Ethnic Background

• Caucasian 78 percent
• African-American 15
• Asian 1
• Hispanic 1
• Other 4

Composition by Denomination

• Presbyterian (USA) 57 percent
• United Methodist 12
• Baptist 12
• Presbyterian (Other) 4
• Nondenominational 4
• Orthodox 2
• United Church of Christ 2
• Church of Christ 2
• Episcopal 1
• Other 4

Composition by Gender

• Men 63 percent
• Women 37 

Composition by Age

• Master’s Median Age 31
• D.Min. Median Age 51 

Composition by Hours

• Full-Time 77 percent 
• Part-Time 23 

Special Programs

• Continuing Education
• Metro-Urban Institute
• Center for Business, Religion and Public Life
• Miller Summer Youth Institute
• World Mission Initiative
• Kelso Bible Lands Museum
• Tel Zeitah Excavations
• Learn more about our special programs.

Seminary Costs

• Annual tuition is $10,980 (2012-2013).
• Currently 47 percent of the Seminary’s students receive need-based financial aid. 
•  Of those receiving aid, 47 percent qualify for full funding, including a full grant for tuition and $100 per month rent rebate if living in campus housing.
• Students who qualify for aid can also participate in the work assistance program and receive $8.25 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.
• Seventeen new Admission Merit Scholarships were recently awarded for students who show exceptional academic potential and accomplishment; in addition to our 15 returning recipients.
• During the 2012-2013 academic year, the Seminary awarded $1,157,400 in student financial aid. While some of this is provided by endowment money, much is provided by the generous support of individuals, alums, churches, and other organizations.
• Learn more about Financial Aid at PTS.