Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be an ordained member of the clergy when I complete a course of study from PTS?
Like any Theological School or Seminary, PTS provides the educational opportunity to prepare an individual for ministry. We do not ordain! The process toward ordination is typically a parallel process to the education process. The ordination process is under the jurisdiction of your Church, Diocese, Synod, Conference, Presbytery, etc. Check with them as to those requirements and also as to their acceptance of work that you might do at PTS.

Does distance learning provide the same quality of education offered by a traditional campus?
Yes. Different environments work differently for different individuals. Numerous studies have proven that distance learners can perform as well as their on-campus counterparts. The quality of your education depends upon what you put into it.

When may I begin on my study program?
As soon as you register! Fill out the application. Once you have been accepted, acknowledge that acceptance by sending in your registration fee of $50.00. (The registration fee in non-refundable). The one-time minimal registration fee is also required for those only taking individual courses.

Is there a graduation ceremony?
No. As a distance learning school, it is not convenient or appropriate to have a traditional commencement program. PTS will send your degree or certificate to you via UPS or US mail as soon as you complete your degree program.

Is PTS Accredited?
Yes. Providence Theological School is fully accredited by the World-Wide Accreditation Commission of Christian Educational Institutions located in Richmond, VA. (Not to be confused with the Worldwide Accrediting Commission located in Cannes, France, which exists as a front for non-religious diploma mills). After having been thoroughly examined and reviewed, PTS was found to meet or exceed the professional standards of academic excellence of the commission. This Christian organization is a rapidly growing and respected network of over 200 schools on the cutting edge of Christian Education. Anyone wishing to contact them for verification may write to: The World-Wide Accreditation Commission of Christian Educational Institutions, Dr. Paul Richardson, Executive President, 2800 Blendwell Rd., Richmond, VA 23224.

USDLA Membership
Providence Theological School, since its founding, has been a Non-Profit member of the United States Distance Learning Association. USDLA promotes the development and application of distance learning for education and training and serves the needs of the distance learning community by providing advocacy, information, networking and opportunity. The USDLA trademarked logo is the recognized worldwide symbol of dedicated professionals committed to distance learning.

Does PTS have real professors?
PTS has excellent instructors and professors. They have demonstrated their commitment to Christ in their lifestyles and stable, lifelong ministries. All are ordained Christian clergy that have achieved advanced academic degrees and are well qualified to teach.

Students at PTS work through the Office of the Dean of Studies and the Dean of the Theological School. There is no direct contact with PTS faculty members. All of our faculty at PTS are active clergy and this is a part-time ministry for them. They serve mostly as readers of student submissions, and unless they choose otherwise, they remain anonymous to the individual student.

Can I afford a theological school degree or certificate?
Our payment plans, including individual course and half-course payments, make it possible for anyone to complete their degree. Please email for any questions. We are here to help you in your theological education.

Do you accept International students?
Yes. All payments, however, must be made in U.S. dollars.

Is this a legal degree?
A degree from Providence Theological School is legal. You may include it on your resume, business card, letterhead, passport, web site, job application, or any other official document you fill out. You worked for this degree no less than someone who sat in a classroom. In many cases your degree represents years and years of work, knowledge, and accomplishment. Be proud that you were able to earn it by an independent study process.

Do I get transcripts?
Yes, you will receive transcripts just as in a traditional college setting. An email or letter indicating course grade and evaluation is provided at the completion of each course. An official transcript will be provided to you at the completion of your program.

Is my coursework verifiable?
Yes! Your coursework is verifiable! Your student record will be maintained on file permanently. Any third party such as an employer who you authorize will be sent a certified copy of your transcripts. There is a small administration fee for each certified copy sent.

Can I get a brochure mailed to my home address?
PTS is an on-line distance-learning school. The most up-to-date course information can be found on-line under the "Course Catalog" section, listed by degree. As such, we believe that our E-MinistryED program is the most efficient way to do distance learning. We do not print catalogs for mailing which can be so quickly out of date.

Is this a good way to prepare for ministry?
For some people it is the only opportunity they will have. You must decide for yourself if this is a good program for you. If there are specific licensing requirements in your denomination you need to meet, you need to confirm in advance that PTS degrees or certificates would be accepted.

What guarantee do I have that my degree or certificate will be accepted?
We cannot guarantee who will accept your degree. We know there is a high level of acceptance for the level of work accomplished at the Providence Theological School. But acceptance is not up to us; it is the decision of the other party. Your degree or certificate is a testament to your accomplishments. And you have every reason to be proud about it.