At Reformed Theological Seminary, we understand that God’s call to deeper theological understanding can come at any stage of life. Our Extension Sites provide accessible, high-quality theological education in your community, allowing you to pursue your studies without relocating—even if you’re not near an established RTS campus.
Extension Sites offer a portion of coursework with flexible pathways to complete your degree. Whether you’re exploring a call to ministry or seeking to deepen your biblical knowledge for more effective service in your church, RTS Extension Sites offer the academic excellence and Reformed perspective you’re looking for in a format that respects your current life commitments.
Degree Pathways for Extension Sites
Extension Site Locations
Our newest Extension Site offers Reformed theological training to serve the Midwest region. Through partnerships with local churches, students can take foundational courses while connecting with a community of learners. Students can complete up to 14 credit hours through the Chicago Extension Site. As students progress, they can continue their theological journey through RTS Global online courses or RTS Washington Flex-Residential courses, transfer to any of our residential campuses, or join the Hybrid MDiv program at RTS Orlando.
Upcoming Courses:
- Gospels | Dr. Tommy Keene | Oct 27 – 31
- Personal Sanctification | Dr. Dane Ortlund | Jan 23-24
- Joshua-Esther | Dr. Peter Lee | Feb 12-13, Feb 27-28, Mar 27-28, Apr 17-18
Questions? Contact Admissions at admissions.chicago@rts.edu
Serving the vibrant Nashville community, this extension site provides theological education with the same academic rigor and biblical fidelity that define all RTS offerings. Students can complete up to 32 credit hours at the Nashville Extension Site. As students progress, they can continue their theological journey by taking courses at RTS Atlanta or any of our other residential campuses, through RTS Global online courses, or join the Hybrid MDiv program at RTS Orlando. Begin your studies locally while connecting to the broader RTS community.
Covenant Presbyterian Church
Upcoming Courses:
- Christ, Culture and Contextualization | Dr. Josh Malone | July 11-12, August 1-2
- Covenant Theology | Dr. Gabriel Fluhrer | Sept 12-13, Oct 10-11, Nov 7-8
- Leadership & Discipleship | Jan 12-16 (tentative)
- Intro to Pastoral and Theological Studies | Dr. Brian Cosby | Feb 6-7, Feb 20-21, Mar 13-14, Mar 27-28
Questions? Contact Admissions at admissions.nashville@rts.edu
How to Apply
Ready to begin your theological journey? Applying to study at an RTS Extension Site is simple:
- Complete the online application at rts.edu/apply
- Select your local Extension Site as your initial location
- Speak with an admissions counselor about your educational goals and pathway options
- Begin classes at your local Extension Site
- Work with your advisor to plan your complete degree pathway
For more information, contact the admissions team at the campus nearest you: rts.edu/admissions. Or you can also reach out directly to extension site teams by emailing:
- Chicago – admissions.chicago@rts.edu
- Nashville – admissions.nashville@rts.edu
Who Should Consider the Extension Site?
Church leaders seeking deeper biblical knowledge
Christians exploring a potential call to ministry
Working professionals interested in theological education
Anyone wanting to study Scripture in a structured, academic environment
Those unable to relocate to a seminary campus but desiring in-person education
RTS Extension Sites FAQ
An RTS Extension Site is a local theological training center where students can begin their seminary education without relocating to a main campus. Extension Sites offer approved coursework with clear pathways to degree completion through our established campuses, hybrid programs, or online options.
Extension Sites offer a portion of coursework (up to 49% of degree requirements) but are not degree-granting locations. Campuses offer complete degree programs and full student services. Extension Sites serve as starting points in a student’s theological education journey.
While you cannot complete an entire degree at an Extension Site, you can begin your degree locally and then continue through multiple pathways, including RTS Global (online), RTS Washington Flex-Residential courses, the Hybrid MDiv at RTS Orlando, or by transferring to any RTS campus to complete your studies.
The Chicago Extension Site offers up to 14 credit hours, while the Nashville Extension Site offers up to 32 credit hours. After reaching these limits, students transition to other RTS educational options.
Courses are taught by qualified faculty who meet the same academic standards as our campus professors. This includes both local instructors and visiting faculty from RTS campuses.
Admissions & Programs
Students can begin coursework toward any RTS degree program, including the Master of Divinity (MDiv) and various Master of Arts (MA) programs. Extension site courses are also appropriate for certificate of completion programs.
The application process is the same as for any RTS program. Apply online at rts.edu/apply and select your local Extension Site as your initial location. An admissions counselor will guide you through the process.
Requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, church affiliation, and personal references. For complete requirements, visit our Admissions page.
Yes, Extension Site students are eligible to apply for financial aid, including scholarships and payment plans. Learn more on our Financial Aid page, or contact the financial aid office for details.
Student Experience
Extension Site courses are designed with working adults in mind. Many courses are offered in evening or weekend formats, intensive modules, or hybrid models that combine online and in-person learning.
Yes, all Extension Site students have full access to the RTS digital library resources. Physical library resources vary by location.
Your Admissions Counselor will work with you to create a personalized pathway for degree completion based on your circumstances and goals. Options include transferring to an RTS residential campus (like RTS Atlanta), RTS Global online courses, RTS Washington Flex-Residential courses or the Hybrid MDiv program at Orlando.
Yes, many students combine courses from different locations (Extension Sites, online, and campuses) to complete their degrees in ways that fit their life circumstances. Most RTS residential campuses offer week-long intensives throughout the year (especially in the summer and winter terms) that allow for minimal travel while maximizing in-person learning.