Master of Divinity in UCC Studies

United is one of six seminaries recognized by the UCC General Synod for its special commitment to the United Church of Christ (UCC).

The Master of Divinity in UCC Studies program will prepare you—in collaboration with your Committee on Ministry and local church—for pastoral ministry and ordination as an Authorized Minister in the UCC. The program has been designed in collaboration with the Minnesota Conference Committee on Ministry but should be generally applicable to other regional Committees on Ministry within the national UCC, though you should confirm this with your authorizing bodies.

This program may be a good fit for you if you are interested in ordained ministry in the UCC, including but not limited to the following roles:

• Congregational pastor
• Chaplain in a hospital or other professional setting (with the addition of chaplaincy certification)
• Validated ministry in educational institutions
• UCC denominational work at the local, regional, national or international level

CONCENTRATION LEARNING OUTCOMES

In addition to achieving the core MDiv degree learning outcomes, a graduate of the UCC Studies program will be able to:

• complete an Ordination Paper according to the UCC Manual of Ministry that demonstrates an informed critical reflection of the history, polity and ecclesiology of the United Church of Christ;
• demonstrate skills for effective, professional, ethical, and compassionate pastoral and spiritual care to a diversity of persons;
• construct and deliver a faith formation curriculum that arises from, and addresses the needs of specific populations/issues within ministry contexts and is based on solid theological and religious understanding;
• analyze, construct, and lead the basic elements of Christian worship according to their denominational traditions and theological commitments;
• craft, deliver, and reflect on a sermon or public address that demonstrates effective speaking form/style and content based on a selected context; and
• achieve their self-defined practice of ministry goals that are appropriately based on the requirements of their denomination or other vocational path.

United’s MDiv at a Glance

• 72 credits
• Twenty-four 3-credit courses, including two field experiences
• Final thesis or project not required, but you can use an elective to pursue either
• Can be completed in three years if you take a full-time course load (24 credits per year)
• Most MDiv concentrations, including UCC Studies, can be completed entirely via distance learning

Completion of the United UCC Studies MDiv does not in itself fulfill the requirements of ordination. Contact the Committee on Ministry and/or your local ordaining church to determine any additional requirements.