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    A biblically grounded curriculum, built for the church

    PCUTS

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    About PCUTS

    Bridging students into accredited theological education through our partnerships with Howard University and Cairn University.

    Our Vision: To assist churches and individuals in developing a high level of biblical scholarship and deep-seated faith.

    Our Mission: To develop servant-leaders through a practical understanding of God’s word, mentoring, biblical instruction and hands-on experience.

    The Lion of Judah: Symbolizes Jesus Christ as the victorious, royal Messiah, embodying power, authority, and protection (Revelation 5:5).

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Cairn University Partnership

    PCUTS students are encouraged to begin with the Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies (60 credits), building a foundation in Scripture, biblical theology, church history, evangelism, and discipleship. From there, students may continue into select online bachelor's degree programs, or transition into the 12-credit Biblical and Theological Survey Certificate program.

    Yes. All students must meet Cairn University's standard admissions requirements — the partnership provides support and benefits but does not waive Cairn's admissions standards. However, eligible PCUTS applicants do receive a Cairn application fee waiver as part of the partnership.

    Yes. Eligible students receive Cairn's Organizational Tuition Discount Program (OTDP) rate. For students paying course-by-course, online tuition is $460 per credit — full cost details are on Cairn's cost breakdown page (cairn.edu/aid/cost-breakdown). To get started, connect with Cairn's Admissions Office at admissions@cairn.edu.

    Howard University Partnership

    PCUTS partners with Howard University's Divinity School and Congregational Resource Center to offer a certificate program focused on urban ministry and biblical leadership. Students interested in this pathway apply and register through Howard's process, with PCUTS supporting the connection between the two institutions.

    Students click through from Howard's site to register securely, coordinating with PCUTS along the way. Because Howard's certificate program details (including the finalized program title and fee structure) are still being finalized with our Howard contacts, please contact PCUTS directly for the most current application steps.

    No. Per federal regulations, PCUTS staff are not permitted to confirm financial aid amounts on a student's behalf, for either partnership. Any financial aid package, award, or waiver must be confirmed directly between you and the partner institution's Financial Aid Office. You'll also need to submit a FAFSA or a FAFSA waiver before a financial aid package can be issued and billing assessed.

    Ready to Begin?

    Join a community of students pursuing biblical scholarship and deep-seated faith.

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    Take the First Step

    Sound doctrine meets practical urban ministry. Deepen your grasp of Scripture and gain the theological tools needed to make a lasting difference in your church and neighborhood.

    01
    01 | Deepen Scripture Study
    Move beyond surface knowledge to build a robust, contextual understanding of God's Word.
    02
    02 | Equip for Real Ministry
    Engage with coursework built to address the unique challenges and opportunities of urban ministry.
    03
    03 | Apply & Enroll
    Take decisive action on your faith journey by submitting your application or registering for your next course.

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      © 2026 Philadelphia Center for Urban and Theological Studies (PCUTS). All rights reserved. No portion of this website including text, graphics, logos, course materials, and video content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted without prior written permission. PCUTS proudly partners with Howard University and Cairn University to provide pathways to accredited theological and ministry education.