Princeton Theological Seminary (Princeton, NJ)
Princeton Theological Seminary was founded in 1812, making it the first to be established by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. Princeton has had a lasting effect on academia, from its founding to the ripples of the present-day alumni. Charles Hodge, B. B. Warfield, J. G. Machen, Cornelius Van Til, Bruce Metzger, Robert Gagnon (even Bart Ehrman, believe it or not) — in other words, if you have enjoyed podcasts on presuppositional apologetics or read a modern systematic theology in the Reformed tradition, it was heavily influenced by Princeton.
Besides a really snappy website experience, they offer these degree programs:
-
- Master of Divinity – 78 credits, three years
- Master of Arts in Christian Education and Formation – three degree tracks
- Teaching
- Spiritual Formation and Mission
- Ministry with Young People
- Master of Arts in Theological Studies – 52 credits, two years
- Master of Theology – one year degree designed to supplement the MDiv
- Duel MDiv/MACEF – four year degree
- Doctor of Philosophy
Resident tuition is going to run about $25,000 a year, but if you’re looking for an online degree Princeton isn’t for you. Read on, O future seminarian!
Westminster Theological Seminary (Glenside, PA)
Westminster Theological Seminary has been a stalwart of the faith taught in the Westminster Standards (and the good and necessary consequences thereof) since 1929. With a massive focus on apologetics but a deep dedication to biblical theology as well, their influence has reached far. Tim Keller fan? All of his mentors pretty much went to Westminster. As did Alistair Begg, Wayne Grudem, Meredith Kline, Vern Poythress, and both Paul Tripp and his mustache.
They have taken their online learning game to the next level. Tuition is a flat $615/credit hour, so you know what to expect.
They are currently offering:
- Master of Divinity – three to four year degree, requires 111 credits
- Master of Arts in Religion – two to three year degree, requires 74 credits
- Master of Arts in Counseling – two to five year degree available online, requires 20 courses
- Master of Theology – one to two year degree, requires six to eight courses. Nicely supplements the Master of Divinity
- Doctor of Ministry – four to five year degree, requires eight courses
- Doctor of Philosophy – four to five year degree, requires eight courses
WTS offers a great free ebook from their site. Check it out!
Bonus! Westminster in California (Escondido, CA)
Westminster Seminary in California opened in 1980 with the purpose of educating men for pastoral positions. It was initially a branch of the Glenside sister school, but became independent in 1982. It’s basically WTS in PA plus beach access. Today there are four Master’s degrees offered:
- Master of Divinity – 110 units including Biblical Languages
- Master of Arts in Biblical Studies – 72 units
- Master of Arts in Historical Theology – 72 units
- Master of Arts in Theological Studies – 72 units
Tuition at Westminster Seminary California runs approximately $15,750 per year.
All programs at the Seminary have been accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Knox Theological Seminary (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
In 1989, Dr. D. James Kennedy founded the Knox Theological Seminary. Knox is a Reformed school (check out their adjunct faculty if you don’t believe me!), yet this independent evangelical school caters to students from a variety of denominational backgrounds. It’s a tough balance to strike, but Knox does it well. Reformed, and ecumenical.
Knox shines in their online learning, but of course residential is available as well. Who wouldn’t want to study in Fort Lauderdale?
- Master of Divinity – 90 credits, up to 30 of which must be completed on campus
- Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies – 60 credits
- Master of Arts in Christian and Classical Studies – 48 credits
- Doctor of Ministry – offers three tracks
- Theological Exegesis
- Biblical Preaching and Teaching
- Gospel in Church and Culture
Knox Theological Seminary has been accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.
