Introducing United’s Doctor of Theology
In summer 2024, United welcomed its inaugural cohort of Doctor of Theology (ThD) students. The new degree program is the fruit of years of dialogue and development between the faculty, staff, administration and trustees of United, and marks the first academic research doctorate in the history of the institution.
The Doctor of Theology is an advanced research degree program designed to support leading pastor-scholars, teachers and thinkers in the church, by expanding knowledge in the fields of History and Theology, Biblical Studies, and Practical Theology.
The program is competitive, admitting up to seven students per year from a pool of outstanding applicants with a demonstrated record of success in master’s work and ecclesial service. The small size allows United to offer a program that is flexible, individual and personal to our students.
Rev. Meshach Kanyion, Cincinnati, Ohio, says he was excited about “the opportunity to participate in a program that was academically demanding and would deepen my ability to serve as a pastor theologian.”
United’s ThD program is conducted primarily from a distance rather than in a more traditional residential format. It requires a total of only four weeks of in-person intensives, held annually each July at the seminary’s Dayton, Ohio campus. All other courses can be completed online.
“The first summer term intensives in the ThD program were a great experience,” reflects Rev. Joel Garrott, Florence, Ala. “It was a real gift to participate in the vital spiritual life of United in chapel and to learn from both the seminary faculty as well as peers in the program!”
Each ThD student pursues a customized plan of study suited to the student’s area of interest. This allows students to work directly with United’s faculty to develop and execute a plan of study. As a result, every student receives close mentorship in teaching, scholarship and church renewal.
The ThD program is United’s response to two major transitions in theological education. First, it is a step into the intersection of church and academy, where the future of theological education is emerging. Second, it is a further deepening of United’s capacity for partnership with network Christianity, the leading phenomenon in post-denominational Protestantism.
“I was looking for a degree that combined the academic rigor of a PhD with a strong focus on local church renewal,” says Rev. Adam Roe, Phoenix, Ariz. “The United ThD will provide a terminal degree that not only prepares me for academic service but also equips me to contribute directly to the vitality of the local church.”
At United, we are excited to say “yes” to God as we enter this critical space for the future of the church. We are committed to train the faithful and fruitful teachers necessary for making disciples of Jesus Christ in the next generation.
The Doctor of Theology program is currently accepting applications for the 2025-2026 academic year. The next term will begin in May 2025, with students attending two weeks of intensive classes in mid-July. Interested individuals can learn more at united.edu/ThD, or by contacting the Office of Admissions at 937.529.2302 or admissions@united.edu.