United Theological Seminary is one of 13 United Methodist theological schools in the United States. It was founded in 1871 by Milton Wright, a Bishop in the Church of the United Brethren in Christ and father of Wilbur, Orville and Katharine Wright. United offers accredited, innovative graduate and non-degree education programs for both clergy and laity. Now in its 149th year, United is serving 459 students, including students from 10 non-US countries and 37 denominations.
459 students
187 doctoral students
272 masters students
23 international students from 10 countries*
Students from 42 states
37% female*
63% male*
49% African American*
42% Caucasian*
10% Other (includes American Indian, Alaskan Native or Inuit, Asian or Pacific Islander, Hispanic, Multiracial, and Visa or Nonresident Alien)*
37 denominations*
* Figures represent those who responded. All figures rounded to the nearest whole number.
United conducts an alumni/ae survey.2 In 2019, 25% of the 2,043 alumni/ae contacted responded to the survey.
United’s dedication to providing an educational experience that values the local church and prepares people for pastoral ministry is recognized by judicatories and borne out in levels of ordination and service in local churches.
According to responses to this survey:
90% Would recommend United to a prospective student.
88% Are currently employed in or retired from ministry.
70% Serve in local parishes.3
13% Work in either denominational offices or chaplaincy positions.4
In the 2018-19 academic year, 72% of United students received non-loan assistance in the form of scholarships or waivers. These students received, on average, $3,400 in student aid.
[1] Represents headcount enrollment as of Fall 2019.
[2] The 2019 alumni/ae survey was sent in April 2019 to alumni/ae who graduated with a degree or certificate from United in years ranging from the 1940s to 2018, for whom the seminary had email contact information. Data collected represents a 25% response rate (520 respondents) of the 2,043 alumni/ae contacted.
[3] Or if retired, were serving in this capacity at time of retirement.
[4] Or if retired, were serving in this capacity at time of retirement.
