Pre-Seminary

Pre-Seminary Study at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown

"The essential foundations for a minister's later professional studies lie in a broad education."

-The Association of Theological Schools

The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown offers strong academic programs in precisely the areas recommended as background by virtually all seminaries and theological schools. Of particular interest to students who plan to pursue graduate theological study and a ministerial career are:

• majors in American studies, creative writing, English and American literature, history, humanities, social sciences, sociology, communication and about 20 others;
• supporting courses in history of religion, anthropology, classics (including Greek and Latin), international studies, fine arts, modern languages and more;
• the possibility of creating a self-designed major, combining course work from several disciplines into a thematic program of particular interest to the student.

The UPJ campus environment combines the advantages of a top-ranked University with the relaxed pace and friendly atmosphere of a small campus. The on-campus housing consists of handsome modern facilities set in wooded surroundings.

The setting facilitates personalized instruction and a variety of opportunities for personal growth. It is a comfortable yet stimulating combination which provides a backdrop for later theological study in a more specialized institution. Features of special interest are:

• an active Campus Ministry, led by Protestant and Catholic pastors, and offering a variety of worship and service opportunities;
• various types of internships which offer the possibility of earning credit for "practical" educational experiences;
• excellent campus-community relationships providing possibilities for participation in a variety of activities;
• informal gatherings with other pre-seminary students, and
• the greater Johnstown community with a rich resource of churches and religious communities.

From the seminaries:

Pittsburgh Theological:
"Applicants...are required to have completed the bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university... This undergraduate work should include a substantial foundation in the liberal arts."

Lutheran Theological, Gettysburg:
"Experience has shown that students who have a broad liberal arts background are usually well-prepared for seminary studies."

Methodist Theological in Ohio:
"We believe that 'the essential foundations for a minister's later professional studies lie in a broad and comprehensive education.'"