Presbyterian colleges are, for the most part, small, private, residential schools that educate students in the liberal arts and professional studies. Most of the students are undergraduates. Most of the schools are coeducational.
At Presbyterian colleges, classes are small and mostly taught by professors, not graduate assistants. This enables students to participate more easily in classroom discussions and professors to offer individual attention. Presbyterian colleges place a high priority on teaching, learning, service, community and personal relationships.
Each college strives to accomplish its mission through a combination of academic and extra-curricular programs. While each school has its own distinct mission, there are some common themes:
- Educating students intellectually, physically, socially and spiritually
- Educating for depth and breadth — helping students to master a particular field of knowledge while understanding the wholeness of knowledge as a search for truth
- Developing ethical and moral standards, spiritual values, social responsibility and respect for others
- Preparing students for a world that is rapidly changing, global, diverse (multi-cultural) and technological
- Equipping students with analytical, communication and leadership skills
- Providing opportunities for interaction with faculty and for independent study
- Providing opportunities for volunteer service, internships and study abroad
- Helping students to appreciate aesthetic qualities and realize their creative potential
- Preparing students to lead honorable, purposeful and successful lives
Presbyterian colleges are independent, non-sectarian institutions with historic ties to one or more branches of the Presbyterian Church. Some place particularly strong emphasis on Judeo-Christian beliefs and Reformed traditions. All welcome students of all ages, faiths and cultural backgrounds.
