Vocational Support and Development

Enrollment & Student Affairs achieves its mission and goals through the work of four offices and ten program/service areas. Program/service areas include academic support services, admissions, career services, community life, enrollment management, financial aid, international students and scholar services, new student programs, spiritual formation, and student leadership programs. Core offices include:

THE OFFICE OF THE DEAN OF STUDENTS is the principal advocate for all students of the seminary. The office enhances organizational effectiveness within enrollment and student affairs and ensures that its offices both support and advance the mission of Columbia Theological Seminary.

THE OFFICES OF ADMISSION & FINANCIAL AID

further the mission of Columbia Theological Seminary by attracting, admitting, and enrolling talented, diverse students for all Columbia degree programs and helping them obtain the financial resources necessary to make their education affordable.

THE OFFICE OF STUDENT AFFAIRS &

COMMUNITY LIFE furthers the mission of Columbia Theological Seminary by creating culturally adaptive, student- centered programs that contribute to every student’s sense of belonging while challenging and empowering students to constructively engage across difference.

THE CENTER FOR ACADEMIC LITERACY (CAL)

furthers the mission of Columbia Theological Seminary by offering free one-on-one coaching, resources, workshops, classroom instruction, and special programming to support students in the development of their graduate-level academic competencies. CAL seeks to empower students from all educational and linguistic backgrounds in skills such as analytical writing, critical reading and thinking, theological research, and study skills.

Columbia’s students seeking a call find a wide range of ministry options available to them at graduation. While the majority of master’s degrees graduates accept calls to congregational ministries, others are called into different areas of Christian service to the Church and world. These avenues include further graduate study in one of the traditional theological disciplines; Clinical Pastoral Education and focused study in the art and science of pastoral care; work in international missions; service in a social ministry agency; chaplaincy in hospitals, schools, or the military services; campus ministry; teaching; and ministry in denominational staff positions.

Housed within the Office of Student Affairs and Community Life, Vocational Services seeks to integrate vocational discernment and placement services. We partner with the entire community in creating a culture of discernment, providing opportunities for growth and practice, and guiding students with practical job search skills. Programming includes workshops on discernment, resume and cover letter writing, interview skills, networking, and negotiating a call. Individual advising includes guidance on discernment, the ordination process, preparation for exams, and review of job search materials.

Columbia maintains close ties with congregations seeking pastors and other calling agencies. Announcements are posted regarding a wide variety of ministry opportunities. Individual personal information forms are sent to congregations and agencies that request them. Each year pastor nominating committees come to campus to interview seniors. As a result of these efforts, graduates ordinarily receive calls in a timely manner. However, while Columbia can provide the resources and consultation, responsibility for placement after graduation lies with the student.