ABOUT PTS
Practical Theological Seminary provides a seminary education for everyone. We prepare men and women to serve in a variety of ministry roles, while also welcoming students who simply want to deepen their understanding of Scripture and become better equipped to serve and lead in their local church.
Our two-year program combines classroom education with real ministry experience. We believe the best preparation for ministry is not only learning about God, but also learning to walk with Him and serve others. A central part of our seminary is creating an atmosphere of faith and an expectation that God will work in our students’ lives.
We believe God has a unique calling and purpose for each of our students, and we want to help them discover that calling during their time with us. We invite you to join us on this journey of faith—to know the one true God of the Bible, grow in your understanding of His Word, and discover His plans for your life.
Ready to get started?
Apply NowUpcoming Classes
You May Join Anytime
New Testament. Aug. 30-Sept. 28, 2026. (10 Class meetings)
Preaching/Teaching for Life Change. Oct. 25-Nov. 8, 2026. (6 Class meetings)
Pastoral Ministries. Jan. 8-10, 2027. (Weekend Retreat)
Apologetics. Jan. 31- Feb. 22, 2027. (8 Class meetings)
Church Planting/New Ministries. April 18-21, 2027. (4 Class meetings)
Old Testament. Aug. 29-Sept. 26, 2027. (10 Class meetings)
Hermeneutics. Oct. 24-Nov. 7, 2027. (5 Class meetings)
Hearing God. Jan. 7-9, 2028. (Weekend Retreat)
Systematic Theology. Jan. 30-Feb. 21, 2028. (8 Class meetings)
Following Jesus and Leading Others. April 12-15, 202. (4 Class meetings)
HIGHLIGHTS
OF OUR ON CAMPUS AND ONLINE COHORT:
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Two-year commitment
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Ten core courses
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Over 150 hours of classroom instruction
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Two weekend retreats
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Summers off
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Spouses are free
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Students can join anytime
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Attend in-person or watch online
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Costs: 10 Courses x $200 Per Course = $2000
CLASSROOM REQUIREMENTS
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Bible- Students will read the entire Bible during their two years at seminary.
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Books- Students will be assigned one or two books to read for each class.
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Written Papers- Students will write a two-page reflection paper (due two weeks after each class) detailing the major objectives that were taught and the lessons learned for ministry.
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Journal- Students will keep a journal throughout the two year seminary program that will describe their personal time with God, what God has been speaking directly to them, lessons learned, answered prayer, experiences of sharing their faith, etc.
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Personal Evangelism- Students will be required to personally share the Gospel five times per year and record their results to receive credit for their courses. Students will record their encounters in their journal and share testimonies during class.
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Examinations- There are no exams! Instead, students will have one oral examination before graduation. Students must show a competency in their knowledge of the Scriptures, application of classes, a mature relationship with Jesus, love for one another, and ability to lead.
MINISTRY EXPERIENCE
Students are required to serve in ministry while attending seminary. Students can serve in any area of ministry at their local church, and students are highly encouraged to be the leader of a ministry. Students do not have to be in a paid position of a church. The goal is to get practical ministry experience in many different areas of ministry within the church in order to better understand one’s calling and gifts within the Body of Christ
OUR TEN CORE COURSES
We believe these are the 10 most vital courses that every follower of Jesus should complete. Once you complete all 10 courses, you will be eligible to graduate from PTS
OLD TESTAMENT
NEW TESTAMENT
HERMENEUTICS
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
APOLOGETICS
PREACHING AND TEACHING
HEARING GOD
PASTORAL MINISTRIES
STARTING NEW MINISTRIES
LEADERSHIP LIKE JESUS
WE ALSO OFFER ON DEMAND VIDEO CLASSES - COMING SOON
EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS
At Practical Theological Seminary, we have three different paths (or Graduation Tracks) for you to choose as you complete seminary. Choose which Track is best for you.
Track 3 - SEMINARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE
This is a great option for students who simply want the seminary education without having to write papers or complete the other requirements.
Requirements:
- Students must attend all classes (in-person, online or on-demand)
- Students must read both the Old and New Testaments while in seminary.
* Students who complete these requirements will receive a Seminary Education Certificate at graduation.
Track 2 - SEMINARY DIPLOMA
This is a great option for students who want to write papers after each course and want to serve in a ministry at their local church.
Requirements: Students must…
- Attend all classes (in-person, online or on-demand)
- Read both the Old and New Testaments while in seminary.
- Complete all papers on time.
- Serve in a ministry at your local church.
*Students who complete these requirements will receive their Seminary Diploma at our graduation ceremony.
Track 1 - SEMINARY DIPLOMA & LICENSE TO MINISTRY
This is a great option for students who are called to lead in ministry through their local church.
Requirements: Students must…
- Attend all classes (in-person, online or on-demand)
- Read both the Old and New Testaments while in seminary.
- Complete all papers on time.
- Lead in a ministry at their local church.
- Share their faith at least 5 times per year (10 total).
- Preach or Teach in front of an audience.
- Keep a personal journal.
Students who select this track are not guaranteed to receive their license to ministry. The student's local church chooses who to license (not Dr. Joey White or Practical Theological Seminary). Students should work with the pastor and leaders of their local church and share their plans for attending seminary and desire to be licensed. Every church does this differently so consult with your church leaders.
At graduation, we will have a special time where the student's pastor will have the opportunity to lay hands on them and pray. Some churches may present the License to Ministry in a special ceremony at their local church instead of at graduation.
* Students who complete these requirements will receive a seminary diploma and license to ministry (with the cooperation of your local church) at graduation.