Columbia Theological Seminary is one of the ten official seminaries of the Presbyterian Church (USA). It is located in Decatur, Georgia.

Introduction:

Columbia Theological Seminary was founded in 1828 in Lexington, Georgia, by several Presbyterian ministers. In 1830, it moved to Columbia, South Carolina. The seminary moved to its current location in Decatur, Georgia, in 1928. During the presidency of J. McDowell Richards (1932 to 1971), the seminary experienced much growth. In 2000, Dr. Laura Mendenhall was sworn in as the eighth president.

Today it is regarded among the most outstanding seminaries of the Presbyterian Church (USA). As of 2005, the seminary enrolled 500 students representing 40 states and 20 countries, as well as 40 denominations. The faculty consists of 36 women and men, with various denominations and theological approaches represented.

A recent article in Christianity Today stated that Columbia has the third largest endowement of all seminaries in the United States, following only Princeton Theological Seminary and Candler School of Theology at Emory.

Basic Degree Programs:

Master of Divinity - prepares students for ordained ministry (M.Div.).

Master of Arts in Theological Studies - academic training in theology (M.A.T.S.).

Advanced Degree Programs:

Master of Theology - prepares students for Doctorate studies (Th.M., like the S.T.M.).

Doctor of Ministry - advanced degree for ordained ministers (D.Min.).

Doctor of Educational Ministry - advanced Christian Education training (D.Ed.Min).

Doctor of Theology - offered for Pastoral Care and Counseling (Th.D).

Columbia Seminary has a special focus on life-long learning, including the Lay Institute of Faith and Life, which offers classes to lay people as well as a three-year accreditation program.

Important Figures tied to the Seminary:

• James Henley Thornwell, historical faculty figure, defender of the American Civil War and slavery.
• Peter Marshall, a graduate.
• Shirley Guthrie, Emeritus Professor of Theology, former student of Karl Barth.
• Walter Brueggemann, Old Testament Professor Emeritus, theologian and writer.
• Barbara Brown Taylor, former Adjunct Professor of Christian spirituality, and famous Episcopal priest and writer.
• Erskine Clarke, current Professor of American Religious History and acclaimed writer nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

For more information, visit the seminary's web site.

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