Admissions - United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities

United Admissions

Moral imagination is in short supply today, and faith communities and varied forms of public service cannot do their work without ethical and spiritual leaders to guide them.

Many have lost their vision of a more just society and retreat to purely personal concerns rather than confronting the disparities that arise out of race, gender, and economics. That’s why now, more than ever, we need the next generation of creative and compassionate leaders to answer the call.

We need progressive theologians who are empowered to challenge the status quo and reimagine the significance of religious identity. And we need agents of change who are willing to take their witness into the public square.

Rev. Nikki Frontz writes something down.

Why United?

With a progressive ethos, a welcoming culture, and an activist spirit, United Theological Seminary will challenge, nurture, and prepare you to be the innovative and compassionate leader the world needs you to be.

Explore What Makes Us Different

Student Stories

“I came to United and thought I knew where God was leading me. I thought I knew who I was. But as I move through this third year, I am reminded again that United has been the place where I found the person inside of myself who is strong and willing to speak for justice, love, and compassion. United has been the place where I learned to spread my branches. I am not the person I thought I would be, but each step away from that person is toward someone who is committed to transformation within myself and in the world around me.”

“United is helping me to dive deep into my faith and cultivate the skills and knowledge I need to minister to the beloved community who seek justice, center the marginalized, and demonstrate God’s transformative love to all.”

“I preached my first sermon when I was 10 years old, but after coming out as gay when I was 32, I was told, and believed, that God could no longer use me. After being led to the United Church of Christ, I quickly realized that was not the case. United has helped reaffirm that God not only will use me, but God is currently using me to minister to the needs of the world around me.”

“My seminary journey has been life-changing. I gained not only an education but also a purpose to be God’s hands and feet in sharing God’s love to a broken world. Sharing lives with my classmates, professors, and the rest of the United community not only allowed me to gain friends but also provided the support that I needed as I prepare for my vocation. Having the feeling that I am not alone in doing God’s work is energizing and comforting. United Seminary provided the space for me to lose and find myself in the ministry.”

“United allows me to go deeper and ask the hard questions without making me feel bad for doing so. My theological training at United is helping prepare me as a scholar and as a minister and very few seminaries actually do both!”

See it.
Believe it.

We could keep telling you all the reasons why United is the right fit for you—but we’d rather have you experience it for yourself. Take a guided tour of our campus. Interact with our faculty and students. Sit in on a class that interests you. Whatever you need, know that our doors, our arms, and our hearts are always open.

Plan Your Visit

Take a Virtual Tour

Admissions Requirements

At United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, 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.

MA, MAL, MAM, & MDiv Applicants

To apply, all Master of Arts (MA), Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL), Master of Arts in Ministry (MAM), and Master of Divinity (MDiv) applicants must meet the following requirements:

The applicant is a graduate of a regionally accredited undergraduate institution with a B.A. or B.S. degree.

The applicant’s grade point average (GPA) for the BA or BS degree is at least 2.75 on a scale where an A = 4.00.

The applicant demonstrates strong analytical and reflective thinking and writing skills.

The applicant’s vocational and academic goals are compatible with the mission, vision, and values of United.

DMin Applicants

In addition, Doctor of Ministry (DMin) applicants must also meet the following requirements:

The applicant has received an ATS-accredited MDiv degree or equivalent.

The applicant’s GPA for the MDiv degree is at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

The applicant has significant ministerial experience that enables them to engage as a ministry peer with other students in the DMin program.

A photo of a person grabbing a book in the library.

International
Applicants

In addition, international applicants must submit two additional materials for consideration:

A letter of financial support, indicating how the applicant’s program will be funded.

Evidence of adequate knowledge of the English language (e.g. official TOEFL scores).

Got a Requirements Question?

Do you have a question about our admissions requirements or need further clarification? Please contact a friendly admissions officer for assistance.

Ask Admissions

Tuition Costs

At United, we believe it’s important for students to have access to higher education that can equip them to be innovative and compassionate leaders both in traditional ministry and non-traditional divinity contexts. That’s why it’s our goal to make tuition costs as affordable as possible for everyone.

View Our Current Term Costs

Our Director of Admissions speaks with another staff member in her office.

Financial Aid &
Scholarships

Getting your education funded doesn’t have to be stressful. United’s financial aid office is here to help you navigate your options and put together a financial package that works for you–all while minimizing your student debt.

Explore Your Financial Aid Options