
Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America (PTSA) is a Christian institution in Santa Fe Springs, California, with a Presbyterian theological identity. Despite its name, it is not limited to graduate seminary study: its enrollment and tuition reporting also cover undergraduate education.
Applicants tracing PTSA's history should distinguish the institution from similarly named Presbyterian seminaries and check its current catalog for a documented founding date, earlier names, and the history of the particular degree they intend to pursue. Those details matter more than an institution-wide history when evaluating whether a program has changed its requirements or delivery format.
PTSA's academic identity centers on biblical and theological education, while its federal program reporting also identifies fields beyond theology. Reported fields include Bible and biblical studies, pastoral counseling and specialized ministries, education, social work, and business administration.
A field appearing in federal records should not be taken as confirmation that every associated degree is accepting students now. Prospective students should use the current academic catalog to identify the exact credential, required courses, instructional language, delivery format, and any supervised practice requirements. This is especially important for fields such as social work and counseling, where a degree title alone does not establish eligibility for professional licensure.
PTSA is located in Santa Fe Springs, a Los Angeles County city in the southeastern part of the metropolitan area. Its setting makes commuting a practical consideration for students balancing classes with work, family, or ministry responsibilities.
Before enrolling, students should confirm where their courses actually meet. A program may have different arrangements for in-person, online, and other instruction, and a Santa Fe Springs institutional address does not establish that every course or student service is available at that location. Students planning to drive should also check current parking arrangements and class times rather than assuming that regional proximity means a short commute.
PTSA's Presbyterian theological identity is central to understanding its educational purpose. Students considering the institution should expect religious commitments to shape at least its theology and ministry programs, while checking the current mission statement and catalog for the precise expectations attached to their own degree.
That distinction is useful for applicants outside ministry fields as well. A program's curriculum, community standards, and approach to professional preparation are separate questions; prospective students should review each rather than infer that every course has the same religious content or that a faith-based degree meets a particular employer's or licensing board's requirements.
Name of the institution
Presbyterian Theological Seminary in AmericaLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
Suburb: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
Under 1,000Religious affiliation
Protestant (Presbyterian Church of U.S.A.)Main student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1977Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America is institutionally accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practiceData last updated on November 2, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.