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RPTS AND GENEVA COLLEGE ANNOUNCE NEW THREE-AND-THREE PROGRAM THAT SAVES A YEAR OF TIME AND TUITION FOR PRE-SEMINARY STUDENTS

December 14, 2009 – Students interested in pursuing seminary after college can save a year of classes and tuition through Geneva College’s new Three-and-Three Program in a partnership with the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary (RPTS) in nearby Pittsburgh.  The program enables students to complete a bachelor’s degree from Geneva and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree from the seminary in just six years.

“We are blessed to have Geneva College partner with us in this effort, and excited for the students who can take advantage of this opportunity,” said RPTS President Dr. Jerry F. O’Neill. 

The program is currently open to Geneva’s Christian Ministry majors who follow the college’s pre-seminary track, but other biblical studies majors at Geneva will be considered on a case-by-case basis. In order to maximize the potential of this program, students should notify the chairman of the Department of Biblical Studies, Christian Ministries, and Philosophy or their advisor as early in their years at Geneva as possible to ensure an appropriate selection of courses.  Students are encouraged to apply to RPTS in their third year at Geneva College. Upon acceptance and the completion of 90 credits of coursework at Geneva, students may begin taking classes at RPTS. Over their years at the seminary, students are awarded their bachelor’s degree from Geneva and graduate from RPTS with an M.Div.

Geneva College and RPTS are both institutions of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA), and the Three-and-Three Program will provide the two schools with unique opportunities for continuity and partnership.

According to Dr. Jerry O’Neill, president of RPTS, the two institutions have worked closely together in past endeavors, especially in Geneva’s non-traditional programs offered in Pittsburgh.  This is the first opportunity to provide a significant alternative to the typical seven years required for traditional students wanting both a bachelor’s degree and a M.Div. degree in preparation for ministry. 

“In this era in which so many students have to borrow tens of thousands of dollars to get their formal training, it is especially important for those who anticipate living on a minister’s salary following graduation to reduce the cost of their education, when they can do so without sacrificing the quality of their preparation,” said O’Neill.