Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Reviews

"I was a little disappointed in GCTS. In my experience, both the Hamilton and CUME campuses had sexual harassment and diversity issues, and while I know people and schools are not perfect, I expected more from both the students and the administration. The school is concerned with preserving its self-image first and foremost, actions on anything else after this is an after-thought. As far as my program, most of the courses offered in the MDiv program prepare clergy for missions, church planting, and pastoring a church. I appreciate the changes to the requirements, but I do feel like other course varieties mixed in would be beneficial to the students.Read Less"

"Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary does an excellent job of preparing seminarians for ministry in the real world. Their strengths lie in biblical exegesis and in equipping men and women to becoming pastors and faithful servants of the Bible. If desired, this place can become a real gold mine for anyone with the right attitude and skills to learn and be a good student. The cons of this place might be its location and lack of adequate transportation. For students without cars, it can feel lonesome and separated from the real world.Read Less"

"Overall, Gordon-Conwell is a great experience that prepares you well for counseling."

"Great network, great academics, great school. However, the studies feel isolated and very theoretical sometimes."

"Gordon-Conwell is Christian seminary education at its finest. The program is academically rigorous, but provides students with the theological knowledge and love for God and others that will benefit your own faith and the ministries you will go on to serve."

"There are very limited financial aid available, especially for those in the counseling program. The tuition is also exceptionally high to attend. The quality of education though is very good."

"GCTS is a great school to learn more about God and an equally great place to meet like minded individuals who push each other and pray for one another. The course work is hard, but the end result is rewarding"

"I have been very pleased with the education at this institution. The faculty and staff are the ones who have particularly made it a great experience. They ard hard working and committed to the students, and they all come from a variety of types of significant experience in ministry, which adds a great deal to their teaching in helping us prepare for ministerial work. The cons I would mention is the high-level of academic drive of the students and faculty which is, certainly important and nothing I would want to see diminished, can sometimes distract from the practical preparation for real-life service and ministry as future Christian leaders. But there have been many exceptions to this problem, and I have been encouraged by conversations with alumni who have realized that many of these things can only be learned by experience, and that the high amount of knowledge gained does come in handy more than expected in practical ministry.Read Less"

"There was a lack of community, and as one of the youngest students and a female, I felt not welcome. However, the work load and some of what you learn is fantastic."

"This is a great school with a rigorous MACC program."

"At Gordon-Conwell, I am receiving a well-rounded education, taught by some of the premier professors in their fields. Expectations are high, but professors are always available to assist in academic and personal endeavors. There are approximately 40 countries represented on campus, along with many opportunities for extra discussion, student meetings, and community interaction. The students are very supportive of one another. On campus housing is a bit expensive, but high quality. I absolutely love it here.Read Less"

"There is a great deal of support and encouragement for you to succeed, unlike undergraduate school where it was a process of "weeding you out." The staff and professors are extremely approachable and unpretentious. The curriculum is very challenging and immediately applicable. I'm enjoying GCTS very much!"

"I am only just beginning at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. Right now my classes online are great, but only so many of the classes are offered online. As a mother, it would be nice if more online classes were offered. The school is a wonderful school and I am very happy to be attending. Of course the cost of a graduate education is overwhelming, but I am confident that the degree I am getting will be worth the hassle. Thanks!"

"The content of the counseling program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary is superb. Professors are engaged and love the subject matter. The integrative approach of theology and psychology is clearly a priority. The administrative and technical components of the student experience could use some improvement. Technology is behind where it could be and the administrative aspects of school do not always flow as smoothly as possible."

"GCTS is known within the evangelical tradition as being one of the best schools - if not the best - in the area of Biblical Studies. A number of the faculty are world class scholars within their respective fields, bringing the necessary pedigree and expertise for training students destined for teaching, missions, ministry, or business. Also, the access to the Boston Theological Institute provides the opportunity for a rich, well-rounded education at other top divinity and theological schools in the Boston area. This challenges students to test their metal in other rigorous institutions which demand high quality work irrespective of religious tradition. Socially, the school attracts many students from around the world, with African student scholarships which are worth noting. The diversity is essential to the learning experience here, because it brings together students from different worldviews together, and presents the challenge of learning to get to know people who are different from you, and learn about their cultures. (I know personally that I have discovered a love for Korean food which I never knew I had!) Distance from the city of Boston is a bit cumbersome. And train transportation is available at $8 one way if one has no personal means of transport, but that is just to get to the fringes of the city. It accumulates after a while, though. Another gripe is the cost of this type of education. For people who are training to become ministers, teachers, missionaries, etc, the price to pay is unreasonably high. Perhaps lawyers or doctors can handle it in the long run but a pastor with $40-60,000 school debt is in a tough spot, especially if he or she has a family and other responsibilities.Read Less"

"Pros. friendly faculty and staff. excellence in academia. great social environment. con. slightly expensive compare to other seminaries"

"Provided students with knowledge and tools to grow in competence and proficiency; excellent scholars and teachers. However, it can be tough to develop relationships with professors and students."

"For me, Gordon-Conwell offers an opportunity for students to develop into individuals of character, with an ethically sound worldview that acknowledges the reality of the twenty-first century, and works to find ways to change people's minds, thereby influencing better decisions. Another positive is that in the seminar community, we work with the same textual tradition for the most part, so all students can relate to one another on more than one level, making the community a brotherhood. The most noticeable con is the cost of education. It is no secret that pastors, professors, etc do not make exorbitant amounts of money in their professions, so the amount of accrued debt can be a serious burden in the future if it is not managed correctly. All things considered, it is an investment that I am willing to make because I believe the returns will be worth the effort and sacrifice.Read Less"

"I have been taking an online course from Gordon-Conwell, and it has been an excellent experience! The course is well-organized and challenging, and the lectures are thought-provoking, insightful, and solid. The TA has been encouraging and helpful as well. Highly recommended."

"The Masters of Divinity Program at Gordon-Conwell is the most well-rounded program that they offer. The only downside of the degree program (MDiv.) is that the structure is fairly rigid and there are not many elective slots to fill. The faculty and staff here are phenomenal and the education is truly top-notch. The course-load is pretty heavy, but the education that comes with it, is great. The surrounding area is beautiful and there is a lot to see in this historic part of the country. The school's great and I'd recommend it to anyone considering seminary education.Read Less"