Columbia Theological Seminary

Columbia Theological Seminary is a graduate theological school in Decatur, Georgia, related to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Founded in 1828, it prepares people for ordained and lay leadership, ministry education, chaplaincy, scholarship and service in churches and community organizations. Its campus is a residential academic community near Atlanta, and its student body includes people from many denominations and countries. This is a specialized school for graduate theological study rather than a general undergraduate college; applicants should check whether their intended role requires the Master of Divinity, a focused master’s degree or advanced study after an earlier seminary credential.

Six degree pathways, from ministry preparation to advanced study

Columbia offers the Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Arts in Practical Theology (MAPT), Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MA[TS]), Master of Theology (ThM), Doctor of Ministry (DMin) and Doctor of Educational Ministry (DEdMin). The MDiv prepares students for congregational ministry, chaplaincy and other forms of church or nonprofit leadership. A redesigned 77-credit MDiv begins in Fall 2027, with two-year intensive, three-year full-time and five-year part-time pathways. Students can also pursue dual MDiv/MAPT or MDiv/MA(TS) degrees through linked pathways.

The MAPT focuses on educational ministry, pastoral care, worship, preaching and the arts. The MA(TS) offers a flexible theological studies route for people preparing for doctoral work, church leadership or specialized lay ministry. The ThM is advanced academic preparation for students who already hold an MDiv or equivalent; it can be completed as a one-year residential program or a two-year part-time online route that includes a week on campus. The DMin is a hybrid, part-time program for experienced pastoral leaders, and the DEdMin serves people already working in educational ministry. The DEdMin’s next cohort is scheduled for Fall 2028, with applications expected to open in Fall 2027.

Contextual learning is a major part of the academic experience. MDiv students complete at least 12 credits of supervised ministry, and MAPT students complete six credits; placements can take students into congregations, hospitals, community organizations and other settings. The degree-program directory describes each pathway, and the school’s current course schedule should be checked before assuming a required class will be offered in a particular term.

2026–27 tuition, housing and aid

The seminary’s 2026–27 tuition schedule lists $698 per credit hour for the MDiv, MAPT, MA(TS) and ThM. The student fee is $690 per Fall or Spring term for students taking at least nine hours, or $345 per term for students below that load. Contextual immersion fees depend on location: $400 locally, $1,100 for a U.S. regional experience and $2,200 internationally, in addition to the three-credit course fee. DMin and DEdMin tuition is listed at $654 per credit hour, with an annual advanced-degree student fee of $178. The published total program cost for DMin and DEdMin students matriculating in 2026 is $17,768, including tuition and fees. Amounts are subject to change; confirm the course load, fee schedule and total duration for your specific plan.

On-campus apartments are billed separately. The 2026–27 schedule lists five-month Fall and Spring prices from $2,865 per student for a shared apartment to $8,085 for a four-bedroom Village Apartment; furnished studios and one- or two-bedroom units have different rates. A housing deposit and storage charge also apply. Florida Hall is unavailable to new students in 2026–27, so ask Admissions which units are currently open and whether utilities or meals are included in your choice.

Tuition support can substantially change the decision. Columbia says students admitted to the MDiv, MAPT, dual MDiv/MAPT, MA(TS), dual MDiv/MA(TS) or ThM who enroll full-time (nine or more credits per semester) receive 100% tuition coverage. Part-time master’s and doctoral students may be eligible for the Working Scholars Program. Applicants who submit by January 15, 2027, are considered for merit awards; the Presidential Scholarship may include full tuition, housing, a food allowance and a stipend, while other awards can cover tuition, housing, meals or fees. Award terms and renewal depend on the scholarship and satisfactory academic progress. Review the financial aid and scholarship details and the official 2026–27 tuition, fee and housing schedule, then request a written estimate that includes books, insurance, meals, housing and travel.

What student comments suggest you should explore

Graduate student comments describe the community as welcoming and diverse, and often praise faculty, library resources and the chance to engage multiple theological perspectives. Some reviewers also note that the seminary’s academic culture may feel more progressive than they expected. That is a question of fit, not a simple measure of quality: applicants should ask how the curriculum handles their tradition, how contextual placements are selected and whether a particular denomination’s ordination requirements are met. Read individual graduate student perspectives and speak with faculty and current students about the program you plan to enter.

Apply for Fall 2027 and plan a campus visit

Applications for Fall 2027 are open. Columbia lists December 1, 2026, as the deadline for international applicants, January 15, 2027, as the deadline for priority scholarship consideration, and April 15, 2027, as the deadline for domestic applicants. Most applicants need a bachelor’s transcript and three recommendation letters; ThM and DEdMin applicants also submit a writing sample. The application fee is $50. Applicants can start or manage an application online and request information from the Enrollment Management and Vocational Outreach team. The admissions office for the first-level master’s programs can be reached at admissions@ctsnet.edu or (404) 687-4517; advanced-degree applicants may contact advancedstudies@ctsnet.edu or (404) 687-4534.

Decatur campus and contact information

The seminary’s main campus is at 701 South Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30030; its mailing address is P.O. Box 520, Decatur, GA 30031. The general phone is (404) 378-8821. Google’s campus listing shows Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and closed on weekends; confirm with the specific office before visiting. This is the institution’s listed campus, with online and hybrid learning for selected advanced degrees and continuing-education courses. The Association of Theological Schools lists Columbia as accredited in good standing through March 31, 2033, with no public sanctions; its approved degrees include the six programs described here.

Columbia is a strong candidate for people who want graduate theological education with supervised ministry and substantial scholarship support for eligible full-time students. The practical comparison is program-specific: identify the degree needed for your vocation, verify whether the curriculum meets your denomination’s requirements, and budget for fees and housing that remain after tuition aid. Begin with the application and aid deadlines, then ask Admissions to map the expected course sequence and net cost for your start term.