Discern Your Call | Admissions Viewbook

DISCERN YOUR CALL PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS & FINANCIAL AID

DISCERN YOUR CALL PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Office of Admissions & Financial Aid P.O. Box 821, 64 Mercer Street Princeton, NJ 08542-0803 admissions@ptsem.edu | 609.497.7805

Princeton Theological Seminary is a residential community of worship and learning where your sense of calling is tested and defined, appropriated critically, where faith and intellect mature and lifelong friendships begin, and where habits of discipleship are so nourished that members of the community may learn to proclaim with conviction, courage, wisdom, and love the good news that Jesus Christ is Lord.

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where Scripture and the Christian tradition are

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Our Mission

Princeton Theological Seminary prepares women and men to serve Jesus Christ in ministries marked by faith, integrity, scholarship, them for leadership worldwide in congregations, the church, classrooms and the academy, and in the public arena. Princeton Seminary is a professional and graduate school related to the Presbyterian Church (USA), and stands within the Reformed tradition.

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competence, compassion, and joy, equipping

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Degree Programs

“Princeton Seminary really lets you explore different paths, whether that’s in a church or a mental health institution, chaplaincy, or a of freedom for students to pursue their passions.”

—Robert Galloway ’17 MDiv

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nonprofit—domestic or international—there’s a lot

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Degree Programs

ptsem.edu/degrees

Princeton Seminary offers six degree programs shaped by the Reformed tradition and enriched by research opportunities, practical training, and outlets for continuing education.

Certificate programs and concentrations can be integrated into most master’s-level programs.

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The Certificate in Black Church Studies The Certificate in Christian-Jewish Studies The Certificate in Theology, Ecology, and Faith Formation The Certificate in Theology, Women, and Gender The Lutheran Studies Concentration

On average, 92% of students secure vocationally-related placements within one year of graduation. They serve congregations, the academy, chaplaincies, social service agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

Take Classes at Princeton University Princeton University is located adjacent to our campus. Although the University is a separate institution, Princeton Seminary students can register for one course per semester at the University (excluding their first and last semesters at the Seminary).

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Master of Divinity

MDiv/MACEF Dual

The three-year MDiv program for theological education and pastoral training prepares students for ordained or lay leadership in congregations and religious communities, ministries in the social service and mission fields, hospital and prison chaplaincy, and preparation for a PhD program.

The four-year MDiv/MACEF dual program prepares students for ministry in the church with a specialization in teaching, youth and young adult ministries, or spiritual formation and mission.

Master of Arts in Christian Education and Formation

Master of Arts (Theological Studies)

Master of Theology

Doctor of Philosophy

The one-year ThM program is designed for students who have received an MDiv degree or its equivalent and want to deepen their knowledge of theology, Scripture, and the Christian tradition.

The PhD program prepares students for independent scholarship in theology and religion, and for teaching in colleges and seminaries.

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The two-year MACEF program provides students with a comprehensive overview of the Bible, theology, church history, and practical theology. It is designed to prepare students to teach Christian theology in churches and provide a Christian foundation for students who plan to teach in elementary or secondary schools.

The two-year MA(TS) program introduces students to the academic discipline of theology, and includes basic studies in the Bible, church history, and practical theology. This program provides a foundation for students who may pursue a doctoral degree or a career in law, journalism, nonprofit administration, public policy, or medicine, from a perspective enriched by theological study.

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Faculty

“In a time when learning is becoming fractured and isolated by commuter campuses and online learning, Princeton Seminary’s commitment to the one of its hallmark commitments.”

—Bruce McCormack Professor of Systematic Theology

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social dimensions of the learning process remains

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Faculty

ptsem.edu/faculty

Princeton Seminary’s faculty is committed to uniting academic study with service to the church.

Our professors are world-renowned scholars who are actively engaged in research and publication. They are also committed servants of the church and frequently teach and preach in congregations. They understand that the life of the mind is central to the life of faith.

Our faculty has expertise across traditional theological disciplines and in dialogue with secular disciplines and contemporary concerns. Many of our faculty belong to churches of the Reformed tradition and work from its dynamic theological heritage; yet others represent a wide variety of other Christian traditions, providing a richly ecumenical dialogue.

At Princeton Seminary you will study with dedicated teachers who are committed to the learning experience of their students, both inside and outside of the classroom.

On a typical day, you’ll see professors worshipping in Miller Chapel, exploring ideas with students at the Brick CafÊ, or sharing a meal in the dining hall.

1:13 faculty to student ratio

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62% of the faculty are ordained ministers

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Library & Resources

“The Seminary’s library is one of the very best libraries I have used in terms of depth, range, and accessibility. It is truly a resource for the Discern Your Call

church in the world.”

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—N.T. Wright Biblical scholar and author

Library & Resources

Princeton Seminary is at the forefront of exciting research opportunities. We are convening important conversations and leading initiatives to power scholarship on campus and beyond.

The Princeton Theological Seminary Library is an unparalleled resource for students, scholars, pastors, and church leaders. It holds some of the world’s most important and respected theological collections. The library is an inspiring place for study, research, lectures, and public events.

Princeton Seminary is also home to many research centers and initiatives that seek to advance innovative scholarship and learning in service to the church and the world.

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Asian American Program Center for Black Church Studies Center for the Study of Scottish Philosophy Hispanic Theological Initiative The Center for Barth Studies The Center for Theology, Women, and Gender The Farminary Urban Ministry Initiatives Visiting Scholar Program Women in Ministry Initiative

Princeton Seminary students also have access to the Princeton University Library, one of the world’s leading research libraries.

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ptsem.edu/library ptsem.edu/research

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Financial Aid

“My generous financial aid package allowed me to explore my passions, be present in the classroom, and prepare for ministry—without financial worries.”

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—Deanna Morgan ’17 MACEF

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Financial Aid

ptsem.edu/financialaid

Helping students fund their education in a comprehensive way is central to Princeton Seminary’s mission. We offer robust financial aid packages that make a world-class theological education affordable.

Most students who attend Princeton Seminary pay little or no tuition.

Our unparalleled commitment to student assistance is demonstrated through generous aid programs, subsidies, and work-study opportunities.

We provide financial aid in the form of grants and scholarships that do not need to be repaid. The majority of aid offered is in the form of need-based grants, which can cover 80 to 100 percent (based on denominational affiliation) of the cost of tuition. Additional need-based aid programs are available to help students cover their remaining costs.

90%+ of MDiv, MACEF, MA(TS) and dual MDiv/ MACEF students receive a need-based grant or merit-based scholarship to cover most of the cost of tuition Merit-based scholarships, campus jobs, and our highly subsidized housing options, in addition to need-based grants, make Princeton Seminary affordable.

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You can afford Princeton Seminary How the average student pays tuition

$7.5 million 87%

in grants and scholarships awarded to 440 students in 2017–2018

Princeton Seminary Grants & Scholarships

of PhD students receive full tuition funding plus additional scholarships (in their first 5 years of study)

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100%

13% Loans & Personal Resources

$17,000

cost of tuition for the 2018–19 academic year

Use our cost calculator to learn more about the cost of tuition, and to estimate the cost of your seminary education ptsem.edu/cost

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Field Education

“The experiences I had in field education—especially my time as a hospital chaplain—were particularly rewarding. Field education pushed me beyond my both a confidence, and at the same time, a humility.”

—Gordon Govens ’10 MDiv, ’11 ThM, ’18 PhD

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limits, helped me discover new gifts, and gave me

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Field Education

ptsem.edu/f ieldeducation

Field education at Princeton Seminary integrates academic learning with the practice of ministry.

Students are empowered to use their imaginations and creativity to find the appropriate setting for their educational and vocational goals. We encourage students to step out of their comfort zones and seek placements that will ignite their passion for ministry and clarify their unique call.

Year after year, students consistently name field education as one of the most formative aspects of their seminary experience.

The transformation students undergo during field education allows them to deepen their understanding of God, clarify their vocation, and grow as practitioners.

Students pursuing a Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Arts in Christian Education and Formation (MACEF), or dual MDiv/MACEF degree are required to complete two field education placements—one in a church and one of their choice.

Students pursuing a Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MA(TS)) degree are required to complete one field education placement of their choice.

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500+

191

field education sites offered

students participated in 2017–2018

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Field Education Experiences in 2017–2018

148 Congregation

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Clinical pastoral education

Field Education Programs Teaching in Ministry International Programs Urban Ministry Leadership

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Advocacy, social services, mental health, prison

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Clinical Pastoral Education

International

Through contextual learning at more than 500 field education sites—in rural, urban, suburban, metropolitan, and international contexts—students practice the skills of ministry and discern God’s call for their lives. They engage issues of faith and justice in a variety of settings and reflect theologically with a trained supervisor.

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Spiritual Life

“One of the best things about being a student is experiencing the unity and diversity of so many different traditions worshiping together.”

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—Lauren Cooke ’17 MDiv

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Spiritual Life

ptsem.edu/spirituallife

Princeton Seminary is committed to serving the church, and forming thoughtful leaders who are equipped to change the world. Scholarship and spiritual formation go hand in hand.

From coursework to worship to field education, we are intentional about shaping students for transformative ministry and missional living as we provide opportunities for spiritual growth. Students regularly participate in worship, Bible studies, prayer groups, and individual and group spiritual direction, which challenges them to deepen their faith.

Worship is central to campus life. Students, faculty, and staff gather in Miller Chapel daily for worship, and the president preaches weekly.

Miller Chapel is the heart of our campus.

The chapel is a sacred learning space where services are led by students who preach, sing, and lead worship. Rooted in the Reformed tradition, worship embraces different styles and music from the breadth of the Christian tradition.

52 Christian traditions represented in our student body

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Housing

“In the classroom, students learn from successful leaders and that is invaluable. But outside of the classroom, we learn from each other. We engage library, and over meals—that is where learning also takes place.”

—William D. Carter III ’17 MDiv

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in theological discussions on the quad, in the

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Housing

ptsem.edu/housing

Princeton Seminary is a residential campus.

Living, worshipping, and learning together allows students to broaden their perspectives and to prepare for leadership in a diverse world.

Most students live in campus housing, which is about half the cost of local, non-seminary housing. A variety of housing options are available for single students and families, including dorms and apartments.

On-site child care is available for children ages six weeks through prekindergarten, and the Princeton and West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional school districts are ranked among the best in the nation.

The main campus is located on 36 acres in the storied town of Princeton, New Jersey, which is rich in arts, culture, and history. There are more than a dozen parks and historical sites within walking distance of campus.

Downtown Princeton’s shops and restaurants are just a few blocks away, and New York City and Philadelphia are only an hour away and easily accessible by train.

80% of students live on campus

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Visit Princeton Seminary

“At Princeton Seminary, I’m being trained to be a better leader, a better person, and a better Christian.”

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—Chikara Saito ’18 MDiv

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Visit Princeton Seminary

See Princeton Seminary for yourself and experience a day in the life of a student.

Visit campus anytime throughout the year or attend one of our campus events.

Princeton Seminars Prospective students who are interested in our master’s-level programs are encouraged to join us for a Princeton Seminar for theological exploration and vocational discernment. Attend worship and classes, talk with faculty, meet students, tour campus, and discover opportunities for ministry, spiritual formation, and cross-cultural dialogue. The two-day forums are held twice per year—once in the fall and once in the winter.

L.I.V.E. Symposium The Learning, Inclusion, Vitality, Exploration (L.I.V.E.) Symposium is Princeton Seminary’s initiative to reach underrepresented prospective students who are exploring graduate theological education. The three-day gathering is once a year —in the fall and in the spring—and is open to prospective master’s-level and PhD students.

One-day visits are also scheduled twice in the spring.

Email admissions@ptsem.edu or call 609.497.7805 to schedule a visit, or to register for the Princeton Seminar or L.I.V.E. Symposium.

A complete listing of dates is available at ptsem.edu/visit.

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ptsem.edu/visit

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Frequently Asked Questions

Applying to seminary is a big decision and an important step in your journey to discern your call. We’re here to help.

What is the difference between Princeton Seminary and a divinity school?

Princeton Seminary is a freestanding graduate school dedicated to educating Christian leaders; divinity schools are part of larger universities. While divinity schools provide an excellent religious education, Princeton Seminary students are holistically prepared for ministry in the church, the academy, and the public arena through the combination of world-class scholarship, opportunities for hands-on ministry experience, and living together in a residential community.

What is Princeton Seminary’s relationship with Princeton University?

Princeton Seminary is accredited separately from Princeton University. However, Princeton Seminary has a relationship of academic reciprocity with Princeton University, which allows students to take one class per semester at the University, and access its libraries. The Seminary also has relationships of academic reciprocity with Westminster Choir College of Rider University, New Brunswick Theological Seminary, and Rutgers School of Social Work.

What kind of diversity can I expect to see in the Seminary’s community?

Princeton Seminary fosters inclusivity and diversity through academic, social, and worship experiences. It is home to theological, ecclesial, and racial diversity as well as an array of academic methodologies and emphases. Members of the Seminary’s community come from 19 countries, 44 states and two U.S. territories.

They represent rural, urban, suburban and metropolitan contexts, and while they all have prior experience as students, many bring wisdom from first or second careers.

How can I get involved in the community outside of my classes?

Princeton Seminary is dedicated to being a residential community of learning where students are formed together for ministry in the classroom and through field education, continuing education opportunities, worship, and extracurricular activities. The Student Government Association sponsors a variety of student groups, and the Office of Multicultural Relations offers a wide range of programming to promote social justice and community activism. The Seminary also has a number of choirs and student-led musical groups that enrich the community’s worship life.

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Admissions Road Map

Take a Virtual Tour Visit Campus Complete Application December 15: PhD applicants February 1: Priority deadline for scholarship consideration March 15: Fall application deadline

Apply for Financial Aid

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Schedule an Interview

Confirm Enrollment

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OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS & FINANCIAL AID admissions@ptsem.edu | 609.921.7805 | ptsem.edu/admissions