Cairn Theological Seminary
Theological Education That Forms Faithful Servants
True theological education does not begin with mastery but with worship. It is a place where you are not simply informed but transformed into the image of God’s Son. Done well, seminary education is an act of discipleship, by which you will be invested in and prepared for a lifetime of service to Christ wherever he calls you.
If you’re looking for more than a credential, you’re in the right place. We invite you to grow in knowledge and wisdom with us at Cairn Theological Seminary.
Why Study at Cairn Theological Seminary?
A Commitment to Discipleship
You will be challenged to grow in knowledge, holiness, wisdom, and service as you cultivate the intellectual development, spiritual maturity, and ministry competence needed to serve Christ and his church.
Preparation for the Pulpit
Students are mentored by faculty as they cultivate the skills necessary to communicate the Christian faith in a way that is persuasive and practical in a variety of contexts.
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Classroom Learning Informed by Real-Life Pastoring
100% of our full-time Seminary faculty have served or are currently serving as a pastor or elder.
Protestant But Not Denominationally Confined
Cairn Theological Seminary is rooted in the authority and sufficiency of Scripture and grounded in historic Nicene and Protestant orthodoxy without promoting a single denominational tradition.
Connected to Cairn University
You will benefit from the broader academic community resources of Cairn University while receiving focused theological training through the Seminary.
Training for Pastoral Ministry
An emphasis on pastoral ministry and care throughout the program prepares students to be pastor-shepherds who care for those entrusted to them.
Program Offerings:
Master of Divinity (MDiv) | 72 Credits* | on-campus
The Master of Divinity is the Seminary’s flagship degree, providing comprehensive preparation for pastoral ministry and leadership in the local church. Through rigorous study of Scripture, theology, biblical languages, and ministry practice, students are equipped to faithfully preach God’s Word, shepherd his people, and lead Christ’s church.
*with language proficiency
Master of Arts in Religion (MAR) | 42 Credits | online
The Master of Arts in Religion provides a broad graduate-level foundation in biblical studies and Christian theology for those seeking deeper theological understanding. It is well-suited for church leaders, educators, missionaries, and believers who desire to strengthen their biblical knowledge for faithful service in a variety of ministry settings.
Executive Ministry Leadership (MA) | 36 Credits | online
Designed for executive pastors and senior ministry leaders, the Master of Arts in Executive Ministry Leadership equips those who provide strategic, operational, and organizational leadership within churches and Christian ministries. This program integrates biblical and theological depth with executive leadership, organizational development, and ministry administration, preparing leaders to strengthen the mission, health, and long-term effectiveness of the ministries they serve.
Dual-Level Programs
Students who have not yet completed a bachelor’s degree can enroll in one of the University’s several dual-level programs to earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in as few as five years.
Featured Faculty
What others are saying
Hear directly from our alumni
Pastor of Student Ministries, Alliance Bible Church
"I chose to pursue my MDiv because I wanted to further my education, be better prepared for ministry, and sharpen my theology and my gifts. At Cairn, I learned how to read the Word more carefully, and as a result, I feel more equipped to teach and preach it in church more faithfully."
Lead Pastor, Restoration Church of Philadelphia
"The denominational diversity in both the students and faculty was one of the most important things for me as a student. We all came from different traditions, so we obviously believed different things. But we were all still Christians. Our class discussions gave us the opportunity to come together under orthodoxy to learn and grow together."
Lead Pastor, Cornerstone Church
"The program’s flexibility was especially helpful for me as I balanced ministry and study. I found there to be great value in pursuing graduate studies while being active in pastoral ministry. Rather than finding that my academic work was detracting from my ministry, I found quite the opposite: It was enriched by it."
Pastor of Community Life, Riverstone Church
"I decided to pursue my MDiv at Cairn because I knew I had found a Bible-based, gospel-centered community that took theological education seriously as well as loved Christ, his Word, and his Church. My professors were my teachers as well as brothers and spiritual fathers, who ministered to my mind and heart."
Senior Pastor, Chelten: A Church of Hope
"The faculty have a good mix of theological wisdom and practical pastoral experience. This balance means that the end goal of every course is to produce faithful servants for the church who love the Lord and love people."
FAQs
Is CTS new?
Yes and no. The restructuring of our graduate programs under Cairn Theological Seminary is new for Fall 2026, but we have offered a Master of Divinity and other graduate programs for over 30 years. Offering these programs under a seminary name further clarifies what our commitment for these programs has always been: to produce graduates who serve Christ and his church.
Is Cairn Theological Seminary denominationally affiliated?
Rooted in the authority and sufficiency of Scripture and grounded in historic Nicene and Protestant orthodoxy, Cairn Theological Seminary provides rigorous theological education that is firmly connected to the life and ministry of the local church without promoting a single denominational tradition.
How does the seminary approach biblical interpretation?
Cairn Theological Seminary approaches biblical interpretation with the conviction that Scripture is the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God. Students are taught to interpret the Bible according to its grammatical, historical, and literary contexts while recognizing the unity of Scripture and its unfolding redemptive story centered in Jesus Christ. Careful exegesis, grounded in knowledge of the biblical languages, is paired with theological reflection so that Scripture is understood faithfully, taught accurately, and applied wisely to the life of the church and the mission of God’s people.
What are your language requirements?
The Master of Divinity degree requires language proficiency in biblical Greek and Hebrew. A student can either pass a proficiency exam or take 12 credits of each required language. Languages are not required for the MAR or MA in Executive Ministry Leadership.
Can I complete my degree while serving in ministry or working full-time?
Yes, in fact, most of our seminary students do. We prioritize in-person education for the Master of Divinity degree, but offer courses in a block format on afternoons and evenings so that you are able to continue your work responsibilities.
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