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Scholarships

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Contact: Merritt Worthen or Admissions
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United Theological Seminary is pleased to confirm its plan to increase its scholarship budget for the 2010-2011 academic year. In the recent period of nation-wide economic stress, United has remained committed to providing the best quality seminary education for students at an affordable cost. Persons called by God should not have to say “No” because of the cost of obtaining a degree. Let United help you say “Yes!” with an excellent and affordable theological education!

  • Overview

    United Theological Seminary provides funding for academic scholarships. These scholarships are funded largely through endowed scholarships and our annual fund supported by our alumni/ae and friends.

    The following information provides basic guidelines for the scholarship application process along with descriptions of the named scholarships here at United Theological Seminary.

    Please read this information carefully prior to completing your application. Be sure to attach all requested documentation with your scholarship application.

    The designated scholarships listed here represent a small portion of the overall scholarship funds available. Most of the scholarships come from undesignated funds, so all students who meet the eligibility criteria are qualified to apply.

  • Eligibility

    Students must be enrolled in one of United’s Master’s level degree programs or certification studies.

    • Master of Divinity

    • Master of Arts in Care Giving

    • Master of Arts in Liturgical Ministries

    • Master of Arts in Theological Studies

    • Basic Graduate Theological Studies

    Students applying for admission to United must complete the application process to be considered for a scholarship.

    Students must be enrolled in full-time studies, at least nine (9) hours per semester

    Students must maintain a good academic record:

    • For entering students, no less than 2.5 GPA cumulative in undergraduate degree and/or previous graduate studies. (Some scholarships give preference to students with outstanding academic records.)

    • For current students, no "NC" (non-credit), "M" (minimal), or "WF" (withdraw failing) in the Spring 2008 semester or last semester attended.

    • Students on academic probation are not eligible to apply.

    All students who receive academic scholarships are expected to write letters of thanks and attend events to honor those who have contributed to the scholarship fund. Students are also encouraged to contribute to the life of the community by participating in activities such as student government and the alumni/ae phonathon.

  • Scholarship Awards

    Academic scholarship awards vary in amounts. Full financial packages can be a combination of tuition grants, academic scholarships and work-study opportunities.

    The length of the scholarship award is usually for one academic year and is divided equally between Fall and Spring semesters.

    If a student receives a grade of “M” or “NC” during the Fall Semester, the scholarship award for the Spring Semester is forfeited.

  • Application Process

    1. Scholarship Application

    Complete the Scholarship application (PDF) and submit with all requested documents attached.

    application

    2. Student Aid Application

    • Submit a student aid application through the Financial Aid Office, even if need-based grants are not expected, by:

    • April 30 for continuing students

    • August 1 for incoming Fall students

    • December 1 for incoming Spring students

    3. Deadlines

    Applications, including all supporting documentation, must be received by the Admissions Office by:

    • April 30 for continuing students

    • August 1 for incoming Fall students

    • December 1 for incoming Spring students

    4. Decisions

    • Award decisions will be made by the Scholarship Selection Committee.

    • All applicants will receive written notification of the outcome of their application.

    • The decision of the Scholarship Committee is final.

  • Non-United Scholarships

    Information regarding non-United scholarships can be obtained through the Financial Aid Office or through your denominational offices.

  • Scholarships

    Army National Guard Scholarships
    United is pleased to partner with the Army National Guard (ARNG) in offering five annual tuition scholarships for individuals who want to fulfill a call to ministerial service as a chaplain with the Army National Guard. In this partnership, the ARNG will cover one half of the students’ full-time tuition, and United will contribute 80% of that amount (up to $3,600 annually per student) toward the remainder of the recipients’ tuition costs.

    Baptist House of Studies Scholarships
    United has partnered with the Dayton Area Baptist Association in providing six annual $2,000 scholarships for full-time (a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester) Master of Divinity degree students from Baptist denominations.

    The Herbert S. and Mary L. Beane Scholarship Fund
    This award is available for students seeking ordination and enrolled in the Master of Divinity degree program.

    The Brubaker Endowed Student Aid Fund
    The income is to be awarded each year to worthy student(s) whose intent is to serve as a pastor to local churches in the West Ohio Conference.

    The Reverends Walter J. and Suzanne Cain Scholarship Fund
    Established in memory and honor of their two sons, this award assists students in both the West Virginia and West Ohio Annual Conferences.

    The Dayton Area Baptist Association Scholarship
    This scholarship is to be awarded to student(s) in any year of study who are pursuing a degree through the seminary’s Baptist House of Studies.

    The Dayton-Stolle Scholarship Fund
    This award was funded by the Ralph Stolle family and is designated for students preparing for ministry, with preferences to those from the Dayton North or South Districts of the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church.

    The Robert M. Daugherty Scholarship Fund
    The income from this fund shall be provided to a student who wishes to pursue pastoral ministry, has at least a 2.5 GPA in undergraduate work or Pass grade in all course work taken at United and who demonstrates financial need. The recipient may be in any year of their course of study and may receive the award for more than one year and up to, but not exceeding three years of study.

    The Herman A. Emmert Ministerial Scholarship Fund
    This award was established by The Rev. and Mrs. Emmert and the parishes where Mr. Emmert served during his career. When fully funded, this award will assist students from the South Indiana and West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church, with preference to those interested in pastoral ministry.

    The Epworth United Methodist Church Scholarship in honor of the Rev. Sharon West
    This award was established in 2003 to honor the ministry of Rev. Sharon West. When fully funded, this award will assist students from West Virginia attending United Theological Seminary at the Dayton campus or West Virginia campus. The recipient is to serve in the West Virginia United Methodist Conference for at least three years upon completion of his/her degree.

    The Robert W. Fisher Scholarship Fund
    Established by Mr. Fisher’s wife and sons to assist students from Christ UMC, Louisville, Ohio, or member of the East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church, with preference to those interested in pastoral ministry.

    The Merrell and Lois Geible Scholarship
    The income from this fund is to be awarded annually in any year of study. Each year the admissions office is to nominate three or more candidates who have provided a biographical statement and statement of need to the scholarship committee. Recipients of this scholarship are to apply the scholarship to the cost of books in honor and memory of Merrell’s love of books and his extensive library.

    The Joseph H. Harris Memorial Student Scholarship Fund
    The income from this fund shall be used for the Student Aid Program of the seminary to assist needy and worthy students who are in regular attendance at United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio and are members of the United Methodist Church.

    The L. Ellen Hartman Hostetter Scholarship
    This Fund was established to reflect the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ through pastoral counseling. To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must:

    • Have the personal gifts and graces essential for professional Christian ministry, this evaluation to be made by the Seminary Scholarship Committee;

    • Have financial need to continue their education in the field of pastoral counseling;

    • Submit a 750-word essay to the Seminary Scholarship Committee describing the role of pastoral counseling in their future ministry.

    Funds may be used for tuition and related educational expenses as charged through United. The award is for a single year, however, students may reapply. Award selection will be made by family representative. The Philadelphia Foundation administrates this fund.

    This scholarship is generally not awarded until the end of the calendar year, but your essay and application must be received by the deadline.

    The Bishop Neil L. Irons Scholarship Fund
    This award was established to honor the ministry of Bishop Irons. When fully funded, these awards will assist one entering student from the Central Pennsylvania Conference, and one student in the West Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. The Stewardship Foundation of Central Pennsylvania and the United Methodist Foundation of West Virginia, Inc. administrate these funds.

    The Caroline Kidder Fund
    The income from this fund shall be used at the discretion of the Dean of the Seminary and was created to address concerns related to the preparation of women in ministry, social justice, equality and/or the rights of all persons as they seek expression in and through Christian ministry.

    The Knecht Scholarship Fund
    This award honors Dr. John R. Knecht, President Emeritus of United Theological Seminary and is designated to assist international students.

    The Anthony Leverette Scholarship Fund
    Funded by the members of the class of 1993 in honor of their classmate, this award is given to a student actively involved in student leadership and/or student government.

    The Lorenz-Showers Scholarship Fund
    This award honors the memory of Edmund S. and Florence Kumler Lorenz, and J. Balmer Showers. It is designated for the assistance of students preparing for mission service at home or abroad.

    The Catherine B. and H. Chester Markle Scholarship Fund
    This award is designated for the assistance of students in developing public speaking skills or for speech therapy.

    The Robert J. Meyerson Scholarship Fund
    Income from the fund is to be awarded to an out-of-state seminary student who demonstrates financial need and has an interest/involvement in music ministry at the seminary. Special consideration will be given to those students who have been or are currently involved in an environmentally-focused organization or project.

    The Harriet L. Miller Scholarship Fund
    This awards honors Dr. Harriet L. Miller, Professor Emerita of Christian Education.

    The Motter Scholarship Fund
    This award is designated for United Church of Christ students, with preference to those from Pennsylvania.

    Philip William Otterbein Scholars
    Philip William Otterbein Scholars are selected from among incoming United Methodist students who demonstrate the highest level of commitment both to academic work and to the life of the church.

    More specifically, Otterbein Scholars are selected according to the following criteria:

    • Cumulative GPA

    • Academic honors or awards

    • Evidence of active participation in the life of a local church, campus ministry groups, or other church sponsored activities (e.g., mission trips)

    Otterbein Scholars will receive scholarships covering all tuition for a Masters degree provided that students are enrolled continuously, take a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better. Awards are made on a per credit hour basis up to a maximum of 15 hours per semester.

    The Mickey Owens Memorial Scholarship
    This award, established in 1996 by Mrs. Ruth Ann Owens in memory of her husband, is designated for a first career student from the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church who is committed to pastoral church ministry.

    President’s Award
    This award, established by L. Craig and Connie Fulmer, is designated for a North Indiana United Methodist student preparing for ministry in the church. It may be awarded during any year of study to a student in the Master of Divinity degree program. The student should be recommended by the appropriate District Superintendent; leaving the final affirmation to the donor.

    Presidential “Leadership in Ministry” Scholarship
    The Presidential “Leadership in Ministry” Scholarship recipient is selected from among incoming students beginning in the fall semester who demonstrate the highest level of commitment to academic work and evidence of leadership in the life of the church.

    More specifically, the recipient of this scholarship is selected according to the following criteria:

    • Cumulative GPA

    • Academic honors or awards

    • Evidence of leadership in the life of a local church, campus ministry groups, or other church sponsored activities (e.g., mission trips, judicatory councils or events)

    The Presidential “Leadership in Ministry” scholarship covers all tuition for the Master of Divinity degree or for the Master of Arts degree provided that student is enrolled continuously, takes 9-15 semester hours per semester, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better.

    The Robert and Marian Rae Student Scholarship Fund
    This award is funded by Mr. and Mrs. Rae for general scholarship assistance.

    The Charles B. Rettew Scholarship Fund
    This award was given by his family in memory of Mr. Rettew and is awarded to a senior or middler student from the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church who exemplifies outstanding behavior and scholastic achievement.

    The Peggy Roberts Scholarship
    Income from the fund is to be awarded to as student in the M.Div. program who will serve the United Methodist Church. It may be awarded during any year of study.

    The Won B. Roh Scholarship
    Income from the fund is to be provided to a student who has demonstrated outstanding scholarship and practice in the area of pastoral care-giving.

    The Dr. John Smith Endowed Scholarship
    This shall be awarded annually by the Director of Admissions in consultation with the Academic Dean to student(s) who are in good standing, with preference given to those who have interest in becoming citizens of the Global Community.

    The Clifford D. Stearns Memorial Scholarship
    This award, established in 1996 with a gift from Ms. Verna Stearns in memory of her husband’s ministry, is designated for a first-career student from West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church with demonstrated need and a commitment to pastoral ministry.

    The Storey Scholarship Fund
    This award assists students working in the area of religious communication.

    The Paul E. Stuckey Ministerial Scholarship Fund
    The fund, established by Dr. and Mrs. Stuckey and friends in celebration of his retirement, is awarded to a student from the West Ohio Conference who is pursuing a career in pastoral ministry.

    The Edwin M. and Ruth Turner Scholarship Fund
    This award assists students who are working in youth ministry.

    The Daryl Ward Scholarship Fund
    This award was established to honor the ministry of The Rev. Dr. Daryl Ward, pastor of Omega Baptist Church and former President and Chief Operating Officer for United Theological Seminary. When fully funded, this award will be designated for a first-year student of Pan-African descent with a commitment to ministry within related contexts such as Black Church, Urban Ministry, Africa, Jamaica, etc.