Challenge assumptions
Transform systems
Impact our society
Why Austin Seminary?
Discover your purpose at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Whether pursuing an advanced degree to prepare for pastoral ministry or enhancing your role as a minister, teacher, or healer with practical theological learning, Austin Seminary offers a safe, loving, and creative space to answer God’s call.
If you feel called to serve the world through Christian ministry or service—to both lean into your faith and question your assumptions; to both connect with a vibrant community and find your unique place in it; to both channel your convictions and broaden your impact—follow that calling to Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
A Home for Your Spiritual Calling
Whether you know exactly what you need from seminary or you’re looking for the space and a spark to clarify your calling, five master’s degrees offer flexible options to meet your needs. Our doctor of ministry degree program is designed to invigorate the vocation of seasoned pastors and chaplains.
Discovery Weekend
The best way to find out if Austin Seminary is right for you is to come for an in-person visit. Join us for a Discovery Weekend, held each fall and spring, for an opportunity to tour the campus, meet the faculty, visit with current students, and discover for yourself what makes us unique. While you're here, our staff will help you discern your call and make the choice that's best for you.
Meet Our Community
Flourish in who you are and who God is calling you to be.
What’s New?
![storytelling at Austin Seminary]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1736522963/austin/luxqxczqty2gt87k6zeg/CommunityStorytellingFall2024-107.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1736522963/austin/luxqxczqty2gt87k6zeg/CommunityStorytellingFall2024-107.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1736522963/austin/luxqxczqty2gt87k6zeg/CommunityStorytellingFall2024-107.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1736522963/austin/luxqxczqty2gt87k6zeg/CommunityStorytellingFall2024-107.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1736522963/austin/luxqxczqty2gt87k6zeg/CommunityStorytellingFall2024-107.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1736522963/austin/luxqxczqty2gt87k6zeg/CommunityStorytellingFall2024-107.jpg","width":2200}])
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about Austin Seminary Receives $5M Grant to Illuminate the Christian Story and Train Transformational Storytellers.
![Austin Seminary 2024 Advent devotional]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1733516489/austin/ldqphuxwepthair1402e/Screenshot2024-10-23at114206AM.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1733516489/austin/ldqphuxwepthair1402e/Screenshot2024-10-23at114206AM.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1733516489/austin/ldqphuxwepthair1402e/Screenshot2024-10-23at114206AM.jpg","width":623}])
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about Get your 2024 Austin Seminary Advent devotional
![Austin Seminary and Schreiner University launch innovative MDiv/MBA dual degree program to prepare future faith-based leaders]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1732142083/austin/eqcygh0wxsiptcots7qa/APTSSchreiner-5Large.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1732142083/austin/eqcygh0wxsiptcots7qa/APTSSchreiner-5Large.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1732142083/austin/eqcygh0wxsiptcots7qa/APTSSchreiner-5Large.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1732142083/austin/eqcygh0wxsiptcots7qa/APTSSchreiner-5Large.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1732142083/austin/eqcygh0wxsiptcots7qa/APTSSchreiner-5Large.jpg","width":1280}])
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and Schreiner University have partnered to offer a dual degree program blending theology and business education. Upon completing the program, graduates will be awarded a Master of Divinity degree from Austin Seminary and a Master of Business Administration from Schreiner University.
![Professor Helsel teaching]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731614227/austin/pvibi1svcospqpfdtaso/CHelsel-1082024-31.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1731614227/austin/pvibi1svcospqpfdtaso/CHelsel-1082024-31.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1731614227/austin/pvibi1svcospqpfdtaso/CHelsel-1082024-31.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1731614227/austin/pvibi1svcospqpfdtaso/CHelsel-1082024-31.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1731614227/austin/pvibi1svcospqpfdtaso/CHelsel-1082024-31.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1731614227/austin/pvibi1svcospqpfdtaso/CHelsel-1082024-31.jpg","width":2200}])
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary has received a $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish The Children’s Sermons by Children Project, an initiative designed to provide congregations with the tools needed to empower children as active co-ministers within their community and the larger Church.
![Austin Seminary Approved to Continue to Prepare United Methodists for Ordination]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1720792313/austin/o7tqrkwvifbe7emizh51/ScreenShot2024-07-12at85128AM.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1720792313/austin/o7tqrkwvifbe7emizh51/ScreenShot2024-07-12at85128AM.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1720792313/austin/o7tqrkwvifbe7emizh51/ScreenShot2024-07-12at85128AM.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1720792313/austin/o7tqrkwvifbe7emizh51/ScreenShot2024-07-12at85128AM.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1720792313/austin/o7tqrkwvifbe7emizh51/ScreenShot2024-07-12at85128AM.png","width":1498}])
At its meeting on June 17, 2024, upon recommendation of the Commission on Theological Education, the United Methodist University Senate designated Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary as Approved for Listing for the preparation of candidates for ordination in the United Methodist Church Without Qualification. This decision acknowledges Austin Seminary’s work and commitment to United Methodist theological education.
![The Rev. Ted Foote called to teach pastoral ministry and leadership]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1709671342/austin/krozbzez6ghewnc4anx3/TedFoote.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1709671342/austin/krozbzez6ghewnc4anx3/TedFoote.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1709671342/austin/krozbzez6ghewnc4anx3/TedFoote.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1709671342/austin/krozbzez6ghewnc4anx3/TedFoote.png","width":1080}])
The Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary Board of Trustees has called The Reverend Ted V. Foote, Jr. as the new Louis H. and Katherine S. Zbinden Distinguished Chair of Pastoral Ministry and Leadership, effective August 1, 2024.
![Austin Seminary receives grant to integrate climate science with theological education.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1707412741/austin/ddaumbw6ll0gmdfkwewv/BeccaEdwards-51.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1707412741/austin/ddaumbw6ll0gmdfkwewv/BeccaEdwards-51.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1707412741/austin/ddaumbw6ll0gmdfkwewv/BeccaEdwards-51.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1707412741/austin/ddaumbw6ll0gmdfkwewv/BeccaEdwards-51.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1707412741/austin/ddaumbw6ll0gmdfkwewv/BeccaEdwards-51.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1707412741/austin/ddaumbw6ll0gmdfkwewv/BeccaEdwards-51.jpg","width":2200}])
Austin Seminary has received a grant of $15,000 from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion (DoSER) program to fund a project that integrates climate science with theological education. The grant will support a partnership with Texas Interfaith Power and Light, a Texas Impact project, offering a series of activities for eighteen months at Austin Seminary, where alum Dr. Becca Edwards (MDiv'23) will teach climate science topics and guide discussion on the theological implications of this critical issue.
![ryanarnold]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1707253791/austin/busd3mlhhxvdf5ek2tut/ArnoldRyan.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1707253791/austin/busd3mlhhxvdf5ek2tut/ArnoldRyan.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1707253791/austin/busd3mlhhxvdf5ek2tut/ArnoldRyan.jpg","width":613}])
On Saturday, February 3, 2024, the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary Board of Trustees unanimously voted to appoint The Rev. Ryan Arnold as the new vice-president for institutional advancement, effective March 1, 2024.
![Austin Seminary receives $1.2 million grant to strengthen preaching]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1597777320/austin/n0ukdauum6qyhvd1rxkx/Carolyn_Helsel_sq.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1597777320/austin/n0ukdauum6qyhvd1rxkx/Carolyn_Helsel_sq.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1597777320/austin/n0ukdauum6qyhvd1rxkx/Carolyn_Helsel_sq.jpg","width":600}])
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary has received a grant of $1,248,603 from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish The Faithful Preaching Project, a new initiative designed to help preachers of small mainline congregations instill deeper faith in their listeners and empower them to live out their faith more fully in worship and in the community beyond their church walls.
Upcoming Opportunities
January 10 | Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Baptism and Deliverance from Evil
Join this conversation comparing and contrasting worshiping traditions' language about the forces of evil and renouncing its power.
ONLINE
Click here for information and registration.
Cultivating Ideas Faculty Webinar Series
On Thursdays this Spring, faculty will share ideas and insights they have been cultivating in teaching, writing, and ministry.
ONLINE
January 17 | Healing Trauma: Resources and Coping Strategies
Learn how trauma shapes emotions, behaviors, and relationships, and how to address its effects.
IN PERSON