Prospective Students
The best way to learn more about Columbia is to visit the campus, and the best time to visit campus is to come while the seminary is in session. Columbia's fall term runs from September through mid-December. The spring term starts in early February (following winter term) and continues through mid-May.
Basic Degree Programs
If you are interested in learning more about our Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Arts in Practical Theology (MAPT) or Master of Arts (Theological Studies) (MA[TS]) programs and would like to schedule a campus visit, please submit a Visitor Request Form or contact the Admissions Office with your name, phone number, and the dates you wish to visit.
Prospective MDIV, MAPT, MA(TS) students may wish to visit during a Seminary Weekend for prospective students. These weekends are scheduled in November and February each year.
Advanced Degree Programs
Prospective students interested in the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) or Doctor of Educational Ministry (DEdMin) program should contact the Advanced Professional Degrees Office to arrange a visit.
Prospective students interested in the Master of Theology (ThM) or Doctor of Theology (ThD) program should submit a Visitor Request Form or contact the Admissions Office to arrange a visit.
Church Groups
If you are a church group and interested in touring the campus or in accommodations for meetings or retreats, please send a contact name, phone number, and the dates you wish to visit to:
Alumni/ae and Church Relations
Columbia Theological Seminary
P.O. Box 520
Decatur, Georgia 30031
404 687-4566
Directions to Campus
701 S. Columbia Dr., Decatur, GA
Columbia Theological Seminary is six miles east of downtown Atlanta, within the I-285 perimeter.
From the East
From I-20, take I-285 north (Exit 67B) to the Memorial Drive exit (Exit 41) and turn left. Staying on Memorial Drive, go west (toward Atlanta) 2.3 miles to the intersection with S. Columbia Drive. Turn right on S. Columbia Drive and go one mile to Columbia Seminary, on the left.
From the West
From I-20, take the second Glenwood Ave. exit (Exit 61B). Turn left on Glenwood, and go 4.5 miles to the intersection with S. Columbia Drive. Turn left on S. Columbia Drive, and go 2.5 miles to Columbia Seminary, on the left.
From the Northwest
From I-75, take I-20 east (Exit 247), then take the second Glenwood Ave. exit (Exit 61B). Turn left on Glenwood, and go 4.5 miles to the intersection with S. Columbia Drive. Turn left on S. Columbia Drive, and go 2.5 miles to Columbia Seminary, on the left. "
From the Northeast
From I-85, take the Clairmont Road exit (Exit 91). Turn left and go 4.9 miles to Commerce Drive in Decatur. Turn left on Commerce, which will become S. Columbia Drive, and go 1.6 miles to Columbia Seminary, on the right.
From the South (including the airport)
From I-75/85, take I-20 East (Exit 247), then take the second Glenwood Ave. exit (Exit 61B). Turn left on Glenwood, and go 4.5 miles to the intersection with S. Columbia Drive. Turn left on S. Columbia Drive, and go 2.5 miles to Columbia Seminary, on the left.
Parking is available on the circle in front of Campbell Hall, the seminary's administration building.
Transportation to Campus from the Airport
Shuttle:
Columbia uses Atlanta Airport Superior Shuttle.
For transportation to the seminary from the airport: Follow signs for Ground Transportation. Go to the green section, number 15 and 16, and make sure that Atlanta Airport Superior Shuttle is on the bus. Pickup is every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. You can get the ticket from the driver using cash or credit card.
For transportation to the airport from the seminary:
You must make a reservation 24 hours in advance. Call 770-457-4794 or make reservations by e-mail.
Rapid Transit:
MARTA (Atlanta's rapid rail system) is the least expensive mode of transportation from the airport. From the airport MARTA station, obtain a Breeze card, which includes the transfer to Decatur. Take the northbound line to the Five Points station and transfer to the east line. Get off the train at the Avondale station, E7. Transfer to Bus 114, which departs from the north side of the station. This bus stops in front of the seminary. Taxi service is also available from the Avondale station to Columbia. Decatur Best Taxi Service, 404 289-6603 or 404 371-0776; DeKalb Taxi, 404 371-4535
Taxi/Limo Service:
Access Atlanta Executive Car Service; (mobile) 770 713-4789 and (office) 770 922-5083. Cost may vary per person and by group.
All prices are subject to change by the companies offering these services.
Accommodations
Contact us for information about on-campus accommodations.
There are also a number of motels convenient to the seminary.
For information about additional accommodations in the Decatur Area, visit the DeKalb Convention and Visitors Bureau website.
Information Upon Arrival
If you will be arriving at the seminary after hours or during the weekend, you may want to download this information about our campus.
Dining
For dining options in the Decatur/Atlanta area, visit the DeKalb Convention and Visitors Bureau website or the AccessAtlanta restaurant guide.
The Decatur/Atlanta Area
Decatur
Decatur is located six miles east of downtown Atlanta and is easily accessible by rapid transit. Founded before Atlanta, Decatur has maintained its own identity despite its proximity to the Southeast's largest city. As a result, Decatur combines the resources of an urban center with the well-established rhythms of a civic-minded community. Neighborhood restaurants, shops, an international farmers market, and music nightspots provide a nearby respite from the rigors of academic life.
A short drive from campus are Agnes Scott College and Emory University, which offer a host of cultural and academic events; Stone Mountain Park, known for its recreational opportunities; and the Fernbank Museum of Natural History and Science Center.
Atlanta
The metropolitan Atlanta area offers students a wealth of recreational, entertainment, and cultural resources, including the Martin Luther King, Jr., birthplace and historic district; the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library; Atlanta University Center; and historic sites from the Civil War and the civil rights movement. Cultural and recreational opportunities include a nationally renowned symphony and ballet; science and art museums; Underground Atlanta; theater and Broadway touring companies; professional baseball, football, basketball, soccer, and hockey teams; as well as Six Flags and other amusement parks.
In the Virginia-Highlands neighborhood people stroll along the sidewalks, stopping in at coffee shops and bookstores. Restaurants and nightspots draw large crowds from around the city. Little Five Points is known for its offbeat and culturally diverse character, and Buckhead's retail stores and fine dining offer the chance for a splurge on special occasions.
The seminary is just two hours driving from the north Georgia mountains where folk art and culture mix with opportunities for hiking and whitewater rafting. Georgia's Atlantic coast is also a popular getaway spot.
Points of interest
For ideas about places you might like to visit while in the Atlanta area: