About Us
United Theological Seminary is a graduate professional school of The United Methodist Church, offering both master’s and doctoral theological degrees and non-degree certificates with online, hybrid, and in-person options. From its campus in Dayton, Ohio, United brings together students representing different denominations, races and nationalities in a faith-filled community that embodies the Kingdom of God, united by a desire to follow God’s call on their lives.
A Brief History of United
Motion at General Conference, Church of the United Brethren in Christ, to Found a Seminary
Upon a motion by Rev. Milton Wright, the General Conference of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ ordered the founding of a theological seminary to be supported by the whole church. Milton Wright, later elected bishop, served as first chairman of the executive committee of the seminary. Under his leadership the school was located in Dayton and at his proposal it received its first name, Union Biblical Seminary.
First Class Graduated from UBS; First Woman Accepted
The first graduating class from UBS was in 1874. Union Biblical Seminary’s first woman was accepted the same year.
Union Biblical Seminary Opened in Dayton, OH
Classes were first held at Union Biblical Seminary on October 11, 1871, in borrowed rooms at Home Street United Brethren in Christ Church in Dayton, Ohio. The young seminary had two full-time professors, the Rev. Lewis Davis, D.D. and the Rev. George A. Funkhouser, eleven students, and a minuscule library. The seminary was incorporated in the State of Ohio on November 12, 1873.
Evangelical School of Theology Founded in Reading, Pennsylvania
The Evangelical School of Theology was formed in Reading, Pennsylvania, in 1905 by The Evangelical Association. The first Bachelor of Divinity degree was granted in 1907.
Union Biblical Seminary Changes Name to Bonebrake Theological Seminary
In 1909 Union Biblical Seminary changed its name to Bonebrake Theological Seminary after a gift from John and Mary Bonebrake of over $86,000 in land. It was the largest single gift the seminary had received at the time. On January 20, 1909 Union Biblical Seminary changed its name to Bonebrake Theological Seminary, in honor of the six great uncles of John Bonebrake who had been pioneer United Brethren preachers.
The Evangelical United Brethren Church Formed
On November 16, 1946, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, The Evangelical Church and The United Brethren Church were united into The Evangelical United Brethren Church, after twenty years of negotiation. At the time of union, the new church included about 700,000 members. Bonebrake Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, and Evangelical School of Theology in Reading, Pennsylvania, became part of the new denomination.
United Theological Seminary is formed
United Theological Seminary was created by combining the full body of administrative and teaching personnel, the libraries, and the financial resources of Bonebrake Theological Seminary and Evangelical School of Theology.
The United Methodist Church Formed
With the union of The Evangelical United Brethren Church and The Methodist Church in 1968, United Theological Seminary became one of thirteen theological schools of The United Methodist Church.
Our Mission
At United Theological Seminary, our goal is to prepare faithful, fruitful Christian leaders who make disciples of Jesus Christ. We are committed to teaching the historic Christian faith in Jesus Christ passed down to us through Scripture, sacraments, creeds and the fathers and mothers of the Church; scriptural holiness for personal transformation and the transformation of the world; and church renewal through the power of the Holy Spirit.
United Today
Today, United reflects the traditions of the United Brethren, Evangelical Association, Evangelical United Brethren and United Methodist churches through an academic emphasis on the historic faith in Jesus Christ passed down to us and on scriptural holiness for personal transformation and the transformation of the world. The Spirit of God is moving at United, and we seek to join in the transforming work of the Holy Spirit to equip future leaders who will bring God’s renewal to the Church.
Our Student Body
from 23 countries
Our Student Body
from 26 countries
Represents 12-month unduplicated headcount enrollment for the 2025-2026 academic year from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.