academics

Master of Divinity Degree (M.Div.) 

Nearly 90 percent of PTS graduates serve as pastors in congregations around the world. The Master of Divinity degree program is a professional program that prepares men and women for these ministries. A bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite to this program. The Master of Divinity program is designed to integrate theological studies and the practice of ministry. When followed on a full-time basis, students normally complete the program in three years. In supervised field education experiences students practice ministry through direct involvement in congregations and other settings. Learn more.

Joint Degree Programs

The Seminary offers several joint degree programs in cooperation with local universities including

• the Master of Divinity/Master of Social Work with the University of Pittsburgh,
• the Master of Divinity/Juris Doctor with Duquesne University, and
• the Master of Divinity/Master of Science in Public Policy and Management with Carnegie Mellon University.

The joint degree programs can be completed in less time than would be required to receive two degrees independently. Candidates must apply for admission to the Seminary and the cooperating university. Learn more.

Master’s Certificate in Urban Ministry

The Seminary’s Metro-Urban Institute grants the Master’s Certificate in Urban Ministry to graduates who achieve the requirements of this additional program of study. 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) 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. 

Master's Emphasis in Church Planting

While theological education once focused on preparing students to lead established churches, graduates now face a world that also needs entrepreneurial, mission-minded pastors who can take the Gospel to the people in various settings. For this reason, PTS offers the Master of Divinity degree with a Church Planting Emphasis. Students enrolled in the M.Div. program may choose to focus their studies on church planting. The Master of Divinity with Church Planting Emphasis is a four year program which includes a one-year internship after the second year of studies, working with someone who is planting a church. The basic M.Div curriculum of Pittsburgh Seminary is followed with the these additions: a course in church planting; electives in evangelism, gospel and culture, and church leadership and ministry; a one-year supervised internship in church planting; and an overseas trip in which the student interacts with church planting in another region of the world. 

Master of Arts Degree (M.A.)

This program allows students to engage in religious studies at the graduate level without completing the range of courses required in the M.Div. program. A bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite. Students normally complete this program in two years of full-time academic work. The M.A. allows students to focus on a particular area of emphasis. Former students have focused their degree on biblical archaeology, ethics, and missiology, to name a few. A special track is available that offers a religious education emphasis for those preparing for educational ministries. Learn more.

Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.)

This program is designed to provide continued academic work beyond the M.Div. degree. The S.T.M. has a twofold purpose

• to provide a fuller mastery of one area of discipline of theological study and
• to increase research proficiency and the ability to formulate productive questions.

An M.Div. a prerequisite. Students in this program complete their degree in one year, including a required thesis. Learn more.

Doctor of Ministry Degree (D.Min.)

Ministry requires competency and compassion, care of self, and care of others. The Doctor of Ministry degree is designed to hold these necessary tensions while providing opportunities for disciplined study, support, and renewal. It is an ideal program for pastors and those in specialized ministry. The D.Min. program offers five distinct foci: Parish, Reformed, Eastern Christian, Reformed Christian Spirituality, and Science and Theology. The Parish focus meets in four locations including Charleston, S.C.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Phoenix, Ariz.; and St Petersburg, Fla.

Applications for the Doctor of Ministry degree are submitted to the director of the Doctor of Ministry Program. A Master of Divinity degree from an accredited seminary or divinity school is required for admission to the program. Applicants are also expected to have completed a minimum of three years in ministry following the receipt of the Master of Divinity. Learn more.