Written by: United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities September 14, 2023

What Is Seminary?

Seminary is a word that originally comes from the Latin seminarium, “plant nursery, seed plot.” Long since obsolete, that definition of seminary has been wholly replaced by the centuries-long practice of describing a seminary as a training school. A theological seminary represents a remarkable graduate school program rooted in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding through the interplay of faith and reason.

While initially established for the vocation of ordained church ministry (Catholic priesthood or Protestant pastorate), seminary is now for those who wish to gain theological knowledge and apply this knowledge toward any number of possible vocations. Today, seminaries equip students with a diverse skill set, enabling them to embrace their unique calling and fulfill their purpose within their chosen vocation of ministry or spiritual leadership.

What’s the Difference Between Bible College and Seminary?

Bible colleges and seminaries serve distinct purposes within the realm of theological education, though some institutions may use the terms interchangeably or combine aspects of both approaches in their programs. That’s why it’s important to research specific institutions and their offerings so you know exactly what kinds of educational opportunities are available to you.

Bible colleges and seminaries generally differ in four key ways:

Focus and Scope: Bible colleges typically emphasize undergraduate education with a strong focus on biblical studies, theology, and practical ministry training. They aim to provide a comprehensive foundation in Christian teachings, equipping students for various forms of ministry or leadership within churches or Christian organizations. Seminaries, on the other hand, are graduate schools that offer advanced theological education, focusing on preparing students for ministry or social justice leadership, pastoral roles, chaplaincy, academic pursuits, or specialized areas of study within the broader field of theology. United is unique in its focus on interreligious engagement and the eager exploration of beliefs beyond Christian traditions.
Degree Offerings: Bible colleges generally offer associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in disciplines such as biblical studies, theology, ministry, or Christian education. These degrees typically span a broader range of subjects and provide a well-rounded education. Seminaries offer advanced degrees, including master’s degrees (such as Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Leadership, and Master of Arts in Ministry) and doctoral degrees (such as Doctor of Ministry), allowing students to engage in more specialized, in-depth study and research within their chosen field of interest.
Academic Rigor: While both Bible colleges and seminaries offer rigorous academic programs, seminaries tend to provide a deeper level of intellectual and theological engagement. Seminary education often involves critical analysis, advanced biblical exegesis, theological reflection, interreligious engagement, and research, preparing students for leadership positions, scholarship, and nuanced engagement with contemporary issues.
Targeted Student Population: Bible colleges often attract recent high school graduates or individuals seeking a foundational education in theology and ministry. They may offer programs tailored to accommodate students with diverse backgrounds and interests. Seminaries, however, tend to draw students who already possess an undergraduate degree, as many of their programs require a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite. Seminary students often bring prior ministry experience, academic backgrounds, or a strong commitment to pursuing vocational ministry or advanced theological study.

What is a Seminary Degree?

Just as each individual’s journey in answering their vocational call is unique, the path to a seminary degree is equally diverse. At United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, we recognize the importance of offering a range of programs to accommodate the diverse needs and aspirations of our students. Whether you prefer in-person or online learning, our seminary provides a variety of flexible options.

Master of Divinity

Prepare for the pulpit and beyond with this versatile ministry degree. Whether you’re called to ordained parish ministry or board-certified chaplaincy, your Master of Divinity degree at United will prepare you to be an effective and compassionate faith leader in an ever-changing world.

Master of Arts

Are you interested in religion and theology primarily from an academic perspective? Want to pursue a PhD and/or a teaching role in a religious or academic institution? If that sounds like you, it’s time to see what United’s Master of Arts degree has to offer.

Master of Arts in Leadership

Are you looking for the theological framework and practical skills you need to become an effective leader in a business, elected office, or nonprofit? Our Master of Arts in Leadership degree is ideal for those who wish to lead from a faith-based perspective but aren’t interested in pursuing traditional ordination.

Master of Arts in Ministry

Are you seeking an academic and practical ministry training program, designed for flexibility and efficiency? If you’re preparing for ministry but neither need nor desire an MDiv, the MAM will provide you with foundational ministry knowledge and skills at a fraction of the time and cost.

Doctor of Ministry

Increase your capacity to minister in our globalized and multifaith world. United’s Doctor of Ministry degree offers specialized, focused training designed to further enhance the ministry of those with substantial experience in a ministerial leadership role.

For more information, visit our Degree Programs page.

What Can You Do With a Seminary Degree?

A seminary degree opens up a multitude of meaningful and impactful opportunities for individuals seeking to make a difference in the world. With a seminary degree, you can pursue various paths aligned with your unique interests, skills, and calling. A degree from United will set you up for success in the following vocational paths and meaningful pursuits:

Congregational Ministry: Many seminary graduates become ordained or licensed ministers and serve as pastors, providing spiritual leadership, guidance, and support to congregations. They have the privilege of leading worship, delivering sermons, conducting sacraments, and offering pastoral care to individuals and communities.
Chaplaincy: Seminary graduates can work as chaplains in various settings such as hospitals, military organizations, correctional facilities, universities, and hospices. They offer spiritual and emotional support to individuals during challenging times, provide counsel, and facilitate religious services and rituals.
Counseling and Therapy: With additional training, seminary graduates can become counselors or therapists, specializing in pastoral counseling, marriage and family therapy, or mental health counseling. They integrate their theological background with therapeutic techniques to support individuals, couples, and families in their emotional and spiritual well-being.
Spiritual Directors: Seminary graduates who take coursework in spiritual direction can effectively support others in their personal spiritual development in both one-on-one and group settings.
Nonprofit and Community Leadership: Seminary graduates can contribute to the nonprofit sector, taking up roles in organizations focused on social justice, community development, advocacy, or humanitarian work. They can lead religious or faith-based organizations, guiding their vision, mission, and community outreach efforts.
Teaching and Education: Some seminary graduates pursue careers in teaching theology, religious studies, or ethics at educational institutions, including seminaries, colleges, universities, and schools. They inspire and educate students, fostering understanding and dialogue about faith, spirituality, and religious traditions.
Writing and Publishing: With a seminary degree, you can explore opportunities in writing and publishing, such as becoming an author, editor, or contributing to theological journals and publications. This avenue allows you to share insights, research, and perspectives on matters of faith and spirituality.
Arts Activism: With a seminary background, you can blend your passion for the arts with social activism. Whether through visual arts, music, theater, or film, you can use creative expressions to address social issues, advocate for justice, and inspire positive change within communities. This may involve organizing art exhibitions, performances, or cultural events that promote dialogue and raise awareness about important causes.
Public Policy and Advocacy: Seminary graduates can contribute to shaping public policy by working in advocacy organizations, think tanks, or government agencies. Drawing on their theological perspectives and ethical frameworks, they can engage in research, analysis, and advocacy to influence policies that address poverty, human rights, environmental justice, and other social concerns.
Social Services and Community Development: With a seminary degree, you can work in various social service organizations, nonprofits, or community development agencies. This may involve coordinating programs that provide food, shelter, healthcare, and counseling services to vulnerable populations. Seminary graduates can contribute their spiritual insights and compassionate approach to help uplift individuals and communities facing social challenges.

These are just some examples, as the true possibilities are vast! A seminary degree equips you with a strong foundation in theology, ethics, pastoral care, and spiritual leadership, enabling you to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals, communities, and society as a whole—in your own unique way.

What Are the Requirements to Get Into Seminary?

It’s important to recognize that each seminary and seminary degree program may have its own set of requirements. That said, there are overarching factors that commonly influence the graduate admissions process, fostering inclusivity and opportunity for aspiring scholars and ministers alike.

At United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, for example, there are NO LIMITS to admission based on religious affiliation, age, race, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, or physical abilities and conditions. There are, however, academic, personal, and completion requirements for each of our four degree programs that prospective students need to meet. You can view them on our Admissions page.

Perceptions of Seminaries

Because seminaries have a long but not well-known history, outsiders may not know how to react when someone they know goes to a seminary. Rev. Phil Romine, a 2016 and 2021 alum, notes that when he told others he was attending seminary, he got a mix of reactions.

“Oftentimes,” he reports, ”people either changed the subject abruptly or took the liberty to share their experiences with faith/faith communities—either supremely bad experiences or ‘how they found Jesus.’ Most people I’ve interacted with think seminary is about indoctrination, so you can indoctrinate others.”

As Romine discovered, however, United was founded as an ecumenical seminary—a seminary that does not champion one branch of Christianity over another. In fact, the seminary’s students and faculty come from more than two dozen different faith communities, among them Muslim, Jewish, Pagan, and Humanist.

With a healthy, diverse student body, United’s scholarly, student-invested faculty can illuminate the origins of many faith traditions. Far from prescriptive, United is a seminary that invites critical thought and deep questions.

The Reality of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities

Though our seminary’s deep foundational roots were forged in the seminaries of Mission House Theological Seminary (founded 1859 in Wisconsin) and the School of Theology at Yankton College (established 1932 in South Dakota)—precursors to the United Church of Christ (UCC)—United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities emerged into the vibrant and rapidly changing world of the 1960s.

In 1962, when United came boldly into being, it became the first seminary formed under the auspices of the nascent UCC. Today, we continue to honor our UCC heritage and our original commitment to multi-denominational relationships as a foundation for genuine dialogue and a profound spiritual experience.

Because United is a Theological Seminary and not a School of Divinity, Rev. Romine suggests our focus is primarily pragmatic. Our seminary’s work, in other words, is grounded in the realities of the world in which we live. Or as Dr. Demian Wheeler has asserted, “United is a progressive seminary committed to the hard work of social justice.”

This personal and grounded approach to theological education at United has other benefits too. Rev. Romine sees seminary degree work as “a way to become a better human.” He continues, “The ability to practice and prioritize self-reflection, humility, and chart a course for personal and collective liberation are only a few of the very tangible benefits of attending seminary.”

Are You Being Called to Seminary?

United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities can answer that call. With a progressive ethos, a creative culture, and an activist spirit, our seminary will challenge, nurture, and prepare you to be the innovative and compassionate leader the world needs you to be.

Click here to start a conversation with a member of our admissions team and learn more about our 30+ seminary degree programs.

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July 16, 2026

Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall to Retire in 2027 Following Six Exemplary Years as President

Her Vision and Leadership Have Transformed United Following six historic and transformative years as President of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall will retire on June 30, 2027, upon completion of the seminary’s 65th academic year. President Marshall secured United’s financial standing, advanced institutional objectives toward long-term sustainability, and catalyzed historic growth in institutional fundraising and student enrollment. Rev. Dr. Marshall assumed her role as Interim President in March 2021 following thorough vetting by a search committee and the Board of Trustees’ unanimous vote. Having served in theological education for more than 40 years, her reputation preceded her. She made headlines as the first woman appointed to the School of Theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, the flagship school of the Southern Baptist Convention. Ordained as a Southern Baptist, she later received the privilege of call by the American Baptist Church. In 1997, she joined the faculty of Central Baptist Theological Seminary as professor of Theology and Spiritual Formation, thereafter stabilizing and revitalizing the school as President from 2004 to 2020, becoming the first woman ever to lead a Baptist seminary or divinity school. President Marshall’s respect and renown culminated in her executive report on effective seminary leadership, written for The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) before she arrived at United. Her experiences as a congregational minister, feminist theologian, prodigious academician, and her achievements as an administrator in theological education augured well for the seminary’s future in her care. Less than a year later, her position was made permanent, formally making her United’s tenth president, and, desiring to honor United's legacy, she pursued and received clergy standing with the MN United Church of Christ. United trustees outlined a set of priorities at the beginning of President Marshall’s tenure, on which she began immediate work. She invested much of her first several months in office in forming connections with alums, donors, and faculty. She concentrated her relational acumen on Advancement, and donors responded enthusiastically. In September 2021, United announced the Johnson-Fry Chair in World Religions and Intercultural Studies, endowed by Rev. Dr. Andrea Johnson (’17, ’23) and David Fry. Cultivating “respect for the lived religion of others,” as President Marshall often asserts, is a pillar of her scholarship and the seminary’s academic ethos. The Sophia Chair in Religious and Theological Studies, funded by a generous gift from Dr. Mary Farrell Bednarowski—Professor Emerita of Religious Studies (1976–2004)—and her husband and former trustee, Keith Bednarowski, followed in 2024. Finally, in 2025, a cadre of friends, alums, and former faculty established the Wilson Yates Chair in Theology and the Arts. These chairs, paired with substantial growth in endowed scholarships, feature prominently in President Marshall’s legacy and will endure as a witness to her faithful stewardship of alum and donor relations. Rev. Dr. Cindi Beth Johnson, Vice President for Advancement, reflects, “President Marshall’s enthusiasm, attention, and engagement with our donors have been important components of her leadership. She has honored our alums and delighted in our students. Molly has valued United’s history even as she has led us into new ways of being. She has built a culture that reflects her dedication, vision, and generosity. She has been a bright light in the broader community, embodying her passion for and dedication to United. Molly arrived with both expertise and heart, and she has shared them generously. She leaves a lasting imprint, and we are better for that. On a personal note, it has been a great gift to be her colleague.” Historic enrollment has been a fixture of President Marshall’s tenure. Between fall 2020 and fall 2025, degree-seeking student enrollment grew 57 percent, with the seminary welcoming its largest incoming class of degree-seeking students ever in fall 2025. In a climate where many theological schools have experienced stable or declining enrollment, United has surged. The Association of Theological Schools (ATS), one of the seminary’s two accrediting bodies, named United in its 2023 Holiday Colloquy Online issue as one of only 18 ATS-accredited seminaries to have demonstrated “steady year-over-year growth during the past five years.” President Marshall has positioned United as a leader in progressive theological education and a model for historically Mainline Christian schools. Commenting on what makes the seminary unique, President Marshall astutely noted United’s “desirable curriculum that emphasizes social transformation, theology and the arts, interreligious engagement, and public theology” and the intentional welcome of “students with myriad religious, spiritual, and theological leanings.” She sharpened and raised the seminary’s prophetic voice, believing that progressive theological education exists to serve the common good. From considerable growth in the Interreligious Chaplaincy program to the establishment of the Sims Scholars Initiative, she has expanded the student body’s depth and breadth. Under President Marshall’s fastidious leadership, United completed a Five-Year Strategic Plan in 2026. David S. Anderson, former Chair of the Board of Trustees (2020–2026), witnessed firsthand President Marshall’s effective management of United’s revitalization and her manifold accomplishments in office. On his close friend and colleague, David writes, “In her writings, President Marshall, Molly to me, once observed, ‘. . . following the Spirit will require of all of us faith—all the guidance we usually get is enough to take the next uncertain step.’ United, in late 2020, was indeed in a state of uncertainty, and President Marshall’s emergence as its next president must be seen as a revelation of the Spirit. She has led United to a platform of stability from which it will move forward with confidence, heeding the Spirit toward an uncertain, as human endeavors are, but bright and sustainable future.” Dr. Kyle Roberts, Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs, shared the news of President Marshall’s retirement with students this morning. With profound gratitude for her enrichment of the seminary’s faculty and scholarship, he remarked, “President Marshall has been just the leader this seminary needed to reclaim its vision, its vibrancy, and its voice in theological education. She has led a process of internal healing and of increasing external influence. She has been a champion of rigorous but applied theological education for spiritual leadership, supporting and encouraging the faculty in their teaching and the staff in their work. United,” he affirmed, “will always be indebted to her years of service and to her passion and care in moving the seminary to its next stage. United is, once again, a leading voice in progressive seminary education in large part because of President Marshall.” Rev. Dr. Dianne Oliver, Chair of the Board of Trustees, celebrates President Marshall’s transformative tenure and looks toward a bright future ahead. She affirms, “President Marshall’s impact on United is really extraordinary, and she will leave a profound legacy at the institution. Clearly, she has been successful in the ways often highlighted for an outstanding President—record enrollment, expanded academic programs, and financial stability, building a strong foundation for the next steps on United’s journey. Add to these leadership successes Molly’s theological acumen and prophetic voice in challenging times, and it is easy to see the scope of her leadership. Just as importantly, though, Molly has helped create a deep sense of community among the faculty, staff, students, trustees, and the broader community who support the work of United. Her leadership and accomplishments ensure United will keep living into the fullness of its mission and vision as the context for theological education continues to evolve.” Reflecting on her service to the seminary, President Marshall writes, “Serving as United’s President has been a joyful pursuit over these past several years as I have lived into the storied history of this good seminary. I have been invited into a theologically expansive landscape where courageous learning and creative ministries have renewed my own vocation in theological education.” She continues, “Faculty, staff, students, board members, donors, and friends have welcomed me to help craft this chapter of our shared mission. I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to serve as United’s tenth president. (Don’t say goodbye to me yet; there’s still work to be done!)” A Presidential Search Committee, comprised of trustees and representatives from the student body, alums, faculty, and staff, has been engaged in faithful preparation ahead of the public search for President Marshall’s successor. The seminary will share details about this process in the days ahead. Friends and colleagues from throughout President Marshall’s career were invited to submit reflections in her honor. These have been published on our announcement page. United eagerly anticipates celebrating President Marshall and her myriad contributions to the life of the seminary community during special events in spring 2027. Details will be made available in the months ahead. Strengthened and invigorated by President Marshall’s faithful leadership over these six years, United enters its 65th year of progressive theological education, steadfast in its mission: preparing innovative and compassionate leaders for the equipping of churches, other faith communities, and society toward justice and peace. Honoring President Marshall In celebration of President Marshall's tenure, a webpage featuring images, reflections by friends and colleagues, and opportunities to honor her achievements is now available. Visit the link below to learn more. Learn More About United Founded by the United Church of Christ (UCC) as a welcoming, ecumenical school that embraces all denominations and faith traditions, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities has been on the creative edge of progressive theological thought and leadership since it was established in 1962. Today, United continues to educate leaders who, through the eyes of faith, engage in the dismantling of systems of oppression, exploring multi-faith spirituality, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Media Contact Nathanial Green (he/him) Director of Marketing and Communications press@unitedseminary.edu • 651.255.6138

St. Mark’s UCC Gifts an Endowed Scholarship to United

United graduates have an impact on United in countless ways. President Molly T. Marshall notes that they are, in fact, our letters of recommendation. They embody the educational experience they had at United in the work they pursue, in how they live out their faith traditions, and in the impact they have in the world. We see this in myriad ways. There is the alum who is a recurring donor and the alum who creates a legacy gift to support future students. There is the alum who introduces President Marshall to a new donor. And there is the alum who sees another person’s interest in theological education and encourages them to pursue a degree at United. Recently, we have seen up close the impact of the work of Rev. Jennifer Jaimez (’98). Jennifer’s first call was to St. Mark’s UCC in Bloomington, Minnesota, which was founded in 1954. Jennifer served at St. Mark’s for 28 years and, like other pastors, she had a significant influence on members and the broader community. St. Mark’s also had an impact on United. During Jennifer’s ministry, eight students from United completed nine-month internships at St. Mark’s. As interns, these students were part of a learning community that helped them hone skills in teaching, preaching, counseling, and administration. The congregation, along with Jennifer, mentored and encouraged them. They have all gone on to do a multitude of things: serving in nonprofits, rural churches, city churches, and more. St. Mark’s investment in United students had a significant impact. As for many congregations, the pandemic was difficult for St. Mark’s. Three years ago, they made the painful decision to complete their ministry and intentionally repurpose their assets while it was still their choice. In addition to supporting the Minnesota Conference UCC and the Bloomington Housing and Redevelopment Authority, they made a significant gift to United. A relationship that began with mentoring interns grew into a newly endowed UCC scholarship. The St. Mark’s endowed scholarship will provide financial support for UCC students who wish to attend seminary. This gift creates an enduring legacy for St. Mark’s and will provide support for future students. As the gift was announced, their moderator, Cindy Russell, said, “This gift will defray the cost of seminary education. Support for future leaders of the church remains important as the church continues to evolve into new ways of being the church.” This spring, we have been blessed to establish several new endowed scholarships in addition to the one from St. Mark’s. Estate gifts from Joanne* (’82) and Thomas* Rohrict, and Elden* (Yankon, ’55) and Norma* Zuern have created a lasting legacy and investment in United. A recent gift from George (Mission House, ’55) and Joyce Schowalter will allow them to see, while they are living, the impact of scholarship support. Currently, 57 percent of scholarships are covered by generous gifts and endowed scholarships. The other 43 percent is paid out of United’s annual budget. Each scholarship gift, each new endowed scholarship, or gift to an already endowed scholarship, helps us expand offerings to our students. We don’t want financial limitations to become a barrier for students who feel called to attend United. Your scholarship gifts supported Jennifer while she was a student. Her experience at United, along with the skills she has learned along the way, helped her shepherd St. Mark’s for more than two decades and through the difficult decision to complete their ministry. Your gifts to United continue to make this happen. We give thanks for the lasting legacies created by these and many other faithful donors. __________________________ * Deceased

Alum Rev. Todd Lippert (’03): Living a Public Ministry

As Rev. Todd Lippert was growing up, his life was dominated by two constants: music and church. Both of his parents were music teachers. His dad was the high school choir director, and his mom was the elementary school music teacher. Though his family had been Baptist for generations, they ended up attending a United Church of Christ (UCC) church where his mom was hired to play the organ. It was also much closer to home than the nearest Baptist church. “I always took Christian faith very seriously,” Todd asserts. “The church was a sacred and holy place to me.” In seventh grade, Todd remembers talking to his father. “I was at the bottom of the stairs talking to my dad at the top of the stairs. And that was when I said for the first time, ‘I wonder if I might want to be a pastor someday.’” But, Todd adds, “the idea was really terrifying to me,” so he put it out of his mind. At the University of Iowa, he pursued a music degree. During a philosophy class toward the end of college, a professed atheist professor began asking some of the same questions about faith that Todd was confronting. “I was wrestling with whether I was a Christian or not.” Deciding on Seminary The turning point came one Sunday morning after graduation when Todd and his wife were at church. At the time, he was selling Yellow Pages ads and contemplating an MBA. “I hated it,” Todd confesses. “I was miserable.” Watching the preacher at First United Methodist Church in Iowa City, he thought, “Maybe I could do that, and maybe I need to pay attention to this call to ministry that keeps bubbling up.” United was the first UCC seminary that came up on the computer, and when Todd visited, “it felt like home for me as soon as I arrived.” Since his wife was doing graduate work at the University of Minnesota, they moved to the Twin Cities. “At United,” Todd recalls, “I had the space to figure out how Christianity was meaningful and how this faith fit together for me.” Professors who welcomed and encouraged his questions were key to his faith formation, and the “liberation theology that moved through the curriculum, with its focus on justice, was extremely appealing to me.” Todd was also inspired by his classmates. “I saw the student body deeply engaged in the political and social questions of the day.” At United from 2000 to 2003, Todd experienced the Bush v. Gore lawsuit, 9/11 terror attacks, Minnesota senator Paul Wellstone’s tragic death, and the Iraq war launch as he was earning his MDiv. Public Theology Justice-seeking activism, Todd asserts, “really cemented my understanding that the body of Christ is about bringing the realm of God into being wherever it is. And that was something that would have to make my life better and make my community better.” Since graduating, Todd has worked as a UCC pastor, a Minnesota state legislator (2018–2022), a community organizer with ISAIAH, and a community minister with Creekside Church. The clergy organizing work during Operation Metro Surge was especially impactful and reconnected him with United. Todd went through “nonviolent direct action training with Dr. Rita Nakashima Brock, one of the authors I read.” He also worked with Rev. Dr. Carolyn Pressler, his former Hebrew scripture professor. United, notes Todd, equipped him “to be able to understand what is going on in our world, and in our communities, and I had the tools to get better and better at that, reading the present through a biblical and theological lens.” He is extraordinarily proud of the way the church showed up in Minnesota and grateful for United. “I really want,” Todd concludes, “the love-your-neighbor values of the church to be a force in our public life, not an afterthought. I want it to be a force in our political life.”