What To Know About Portland Seminary
What is Portland Seminary known for?
Portland Seminary is known for:
- Christian spiritual formation of the whole person
- Its belief that women and men are both called to share in all roles of ministry leadership
- Online cohort programs with truly relational community
- A broadly evangelical, interdenominational identity
- Preparing leaders for Christian ministry both inside and outside of the church
Inspired by the “three-strand cord” of Ecclesiastes 4:12, we weave together spiritual formation, academic depth and practical leadership.
Through our relational and experiential hybrid model—featuring formational cohorts and annual intensives—we prepare leaders whose inner lives are rooted in Christ and whose outer lives are dedicated to his mission.
We believe that when leaders embark on a lifelong journey of wholeness, they form churches and communities that do the same.
This vision isn't just a statement. It guides our curriculum, our leadership structure and our relationships with colleagues, students and the people we serve.
What are the beliefs of the Portland Seminary?
As the embedded seminary of George Fox University, Portland Seminary adheres to the university’s statement of faith.
In particular, Portland Seminary is defined by its theological commitment to three core convictions:
- Biblical Authority
We believe the Bible is God-inspired, uniquely authoritative and our essential guide for Christian life and thought.
- Historical Orthodoxy
We uphold the historically orthodox view of marriage between one man and one woman.
- Equality of Women and Men in Ministry
We believe that both women and men are called to share in all roles of ministry leadership. This egalitarian partnership is the model established at the Church’s founding—a result of Christ’s redemptive work making all things new.
What denomination is Portland Seminary affiliated with?
Portland Seminary is a Christ-centered, broadly evangelical, interdenominational seminary with students and professors from a variety of Christian backgrounds.
Founded as a Wesleyan tradition seminary and embedded in a Friends university, we empower women and men from almost 50 denominational traditions. We believe our diverse Christian heritages help us to see God more clearly.
By keeping our shared focus on Jesus Christ, we are able to cultivate a space that truly welcomes a broad range of perspectives, backgrounds and ideas.
Is Portland Seminary conservative or liberal?
Portland Seminary is neither theologically nor politically conservative or liberal. We embrace the via media—the middle way.
By valuing diversity of thought and cultivating a culture of curiosity, we seek to learn from those with different perspectives. This balanced approach, modeled by the teachings of Christ, avoids the pull of extremes. We choose to move beyond labels, which often oversimplify complex beliefs and fail to reflect the true reality of who people are.
What academic programs does Portland Seminary offer?
Portland Seminary offers master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, certificates and certifications.
Master’s Degree Programs
Doctoral Degree Programs
Certificates & Certifications
Where are Portland Seminary’s programs offered?
Portland Seminary offers its programs through a hybrid model that combines primarily online learning with periodic in-person intensives. This is not an online-only or content-delivery experience; it is formation for steady, courageous and faithful leadership.
All masters and certificate students gather for five days each September in Oregon for BridgeWeek. During BridgeWeek, students build friendships, learn together, share meals, worship, and engage with faculty and guest speakers.
Students in doctoral programs participate in annual in-person intensives in Oregon, across the U.S. or even around the world, depending on the program.
This approach provides students with the best of both worlds: flexible, online coursework that can be completed at home along with formative, relational in-person experiences with faculty and other student.
What types of roles does Portland Seminary prepare its graduates for?
Portland Seminary equips graduates for a wide range of callings. While many of our students enter vocational ministry as pastors, church planters and missionaries, many others serve in specialized roles as chaplains and spiritual directors.
We also empower marketplace leaders—including nonprofit executives and professionals in every sector—who view their daily work as a vital form of Christian ministry.
How many students attend Portland Seminary?
As of spring 2026, 278 students attend Portland Seminary; 61% of these students are female, and 39% are male.
Our students range in age from people in their 20s just starting their lives to seasoned individuals in their 60s (and occasionally beyond), with those in our doctoral programs tending to be on the older end of that range.
Is Portland Seminary accredited?
Portland Seminary has been accredited and in good standing with the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) since 1974.
Also, as an embedded seminary in George Fox University, we are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).