United's Online Seminary Degree Programs
Discover a flexible, faith-filled path to ministry with United Theological Seminary’s online degree programs.
Whether you’re called to preach, teach, or serve in new ways, our online programs empower you to grow in knowledge, deepen your spiritual formation, and answer God’s call—wherever you are.
Pursue Your Calling Online
At United Theological Seminary, our fully accredited online degree programs are designed for working adults and ministry leaders who seek a flexible, Christ-centered education. Whether you’re called to pastoral ministry, teaching, or community leadership, our online programs offer the theological depth, spiritual formation, and academic excellence to help you grow—wherever you are.
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Benefits of United's Online Degrees
Flexible Schedule
United’s online programs are designed to support working pastors and busy professionals. Balance your studies with work, ministry, and family commitments by taking advantage of the flexibility that comes with online coursework.
Interactive Community
Engage in meaningful discussions, group projects, and mentorship with professors and peers through United’s supportive online learning community. You’ll build relationships that extend beyond the classroom.
Virtual Courses
Participate in live lectures and class discussions from anywhere with United’s virtual course option. These courses mirror the on-campus experience while giving you the flexibility to attend remotely.
Gathering Weeks
Join your peers on campus in Dayton, OH for Gathering Weeks, where online learning is enriched by in-person worship, shared meals, and covenantal community. These experiences strengthen both your studies and your spiritual journey.
Flexible Options with You in Mind
Searching for a high-quality education that doesn’t require you to uproot your family and leave the ministry you are doing in your community? United has flexible options designed for you! Scholarships are available for qualifying students.
Master's Degrees
Online Seminary Degree Programs
Master of Divinity
72 credit hours
Can be completed online in 2-4 years with as few as 2 Gathering Weeks on campus*
Master of Arts in Christian Ministries
45 credit hours
Can be completed primarily online in 2-3 years with as little as 1 Gathering Week on campus*
Master of Ministry
36 credit hours
Can be completed primarily online in 2 years with as little as 1 Gathering Week on campus*
Master of Theological Studies
48 credit hours
Can be completed fully online in 2-3 years
Master of Arts
36 credit hours
Can be completed fully online in 1-2 years
Online Master of Divinity
72 credit hours
United’s online MDiv is a comprehensive, foundational degree for individuals preparing for ordained ministry, spiritual leadership, or chaplaincy. It includes studies in biblical interpretation, theology, pastoral care, and practical ministry skills.
Career Opportunities: Senior Pastor, Associate Pastor, Chaplain (hospital, military, prison), Church Planter, Denominational Leader, Christian Educator, Nonprofit Executive Director.
2 On-campus Gathering Weeks required*
Online Master of Arts in Christian Ministries
45 credit hours
United’s online MACM combines theological education with creative or ministry-focused electives, enabling students to prepare for Christian leadership in and outside of the church
Career Opportunities: Worship Leader, Arts Ministry Director, Christian Author, Speaker, Faith-based Media Creator, Christian Counselor (with credentials), Church Communications Director.
1 On-campus Gathering Week is required*
Online Master of Ministry
36 credit hours
United’s online MMin is a practical degree designed to deepen skills for hands-on ministry leadership, spiritual care, and discipleship in local churches and community settings.
Career Opportunities: Associate Pastor, Executive Pastor, Ministry Director (youth, outreach, small groups), Lay Ministry Leader, Missionary, Church Staff Member, Pastoral Counselor.
1 On-campus Gathering Week is required*
Online Master of Theological Studies
48 credit hours
United’s online MTS is an academic degree that emphasizes theological research, scriptural analysis, and scholarly inquiry, often serving as a foundation for doctoral studies.
Career Opportunities: Theology Teacher, Bible Teacher, Religious Studies Lecturer, Faith-Based Author, Editor, Nonprofit Staff, Advocacy Organization Staff, Doctoral Student
Online Master of Arts
36 credit hours
United’s online MA offers a customizable theological education for students seeking a deeper understanding of scripture, theology, and ministry, often with a focus on specific interests like counseling, missions, or leadership.
Career Opportunities: Christian Counselor, Spiritual Director, Missionary, Global Ministry Leader, Church Administrator, Christian Non-profit Program Leader
*Residency requirements may vary by denomination. Each student must check with her or his own denominational leadership regarding residency requirements for ordination.
Non-Degree Programs
Earn a certificate of completion through one of our four online non-degree programs.
The Certificate in Service and Leadership (CSL) equips students for serving in a variety of ministries in a church through 10 online non-credit courses over a two-year period. The CSL is available to domestic and international students. The fully online format fits your busy schedule and allows you to complete your coursework from wherever you live.
The Certificate in Theology and Ministry (CTM) equips students for teaching, preaching, and leading in a church through 20 online non-credit courses offered over a three-year period. The CTM is available to domestic and international students. The fully online format fits your busy schedule and allows you to complete your coursework from wherever you live.
The Certificate in Worship Leadership (CWL) is intended for the cultivation and formation of worship leaders and pastors in the church. The program consists of three online non-credit courses and is offered fully online.
The Online Teaching and Learning Certificate program is designed for theological instructors or administrators to gain knowledge of and to begin teaching in a virtual environment.
For additional help, contact us!
admissions@united.edu
800.322.5817
Student Resources
Studying online at United means you’re never alone. You’ll have access to academic support and community resources designed to guide and strengthen you throughout your seminary journey.
Academic Advising
Every student is paired with a dedicated advisor for guidance throughout their program. Connect by phone or email, or reach out to admissions@united.edu.
Library
Access the Digital Theological Library (DTL) with millions of online religious and theological resources to support your studies.
Writing Center
Get one-on-one support in academic, theological, and reflective writing through the O’Brien Library’s Writing Center. Email writinghelp@united.edu.
FAQs
Online programs at United Theological Seminary are accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools and the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more at https://united.edu/accreditation-association/.
Online courses allow you to complete assignments each week before the due date at the time and place that are best for you. Learn more about flexible scheduling and program style options at United.
For online students who prefer more structured learning via a regular pace of scheduled meeting times, virtual courses allow students to participate in on-campus courses via webcam, engaging in live lectures and discussion with faculty and other students. Learn more about virtual learning at United.
Online students experience a variety of interactions with their classmates, professors, and the United community.
Classmates
Build community through online discussions and forums that allow everyone to participate. During virtual classes, engage in real-time dialogue with other students.
Professors
Get immediate answers to your questions during live lectures. Professors are also available by email whenever you have questions or need more support.
Community
Students can connect virtually with our weekly Chapel services. You can also participate in our year-round events, most of which are offered both in-person and online.
Gathering Weeks combine time on campus with online study. During Gathering Weeks on campus in Dayton, OH, you will experience a rich community life filled with worship, covenantal experiences and shared meals and activities.
Master of Theological Studies and Master of Arts can be completed fully online. Master of Arts in Christian Ministries and Master of Ministry can be completed online with as few as 1 week on campus, and Master of Divinity can be completed online with as few as 2 weeks on campus.*
*Residency requirements may vary by denomination. Each student must check with her or his own denominational leadership regarding residency requirements for ordination.
Online course duration
All master’s and certificate classes run within standard 14-week terms.
Time commitment
Every master’s class assumes a weekly time commitment of 12.5 hours a week. For instance, a two class load would be 25 hours per week and a three class load would be 37.5 hours per week.
Certificate classes assume a weekly time commitment of 9 hours per week. For instance, a two class load would be 18 hours per week and a three class load would be 27 hours per week.
Generally, there is no difference in cost between online vs. on-campus programs. Read more about our tuition and fees.
On-campus requirements vary by program.
Master of Theological Studies and Master of Arts
Can be completed fully online.
Master of Divinity
Can be completed online with as few as 2 Gathering weeks on campus. The program also requires participation in the Contextual Ministry program, which requires:
- Travel to two Contextual Ministry retreats in early October.
- Completion of four Contextual Ministry courses over two years.
- Participation in a professionally facilitated ministry group.
- Ministry in a church or community site in your area.
as well as participation in a Contextual Theology Immersion Trip.
Master of Arts in Christian Ministries and Master of Ministry
Can be completed online with as few as 1 Gathering Week on campus. The program also requires participation in the Contextual Ministry program, which requires:
- Attendance at one Contextual Ministry retreat in early October
- Completion of two Contextual Ministry courses over one year
- Completion of one unit of field education in a church or community site in your area.
Doctor of Ministry
Requires two Intensive Weeks a year. Intensive weeks are held in January and August in Dayton, OH.
Doctor of Theology
Requires a total of four weeks of summer intensives on-campus, two weeks the first summer, and one week each the second and third summer, during the mid-July intensive weeks.
Certificate in Service and Leadership, Certificate in Theology and Ministry, and Certificate in Worship and Leadership
Can be completed fully online.
Residency requirements may vary by denomination. Each student must check with her or his own denominational leadership regarding residency requirements for ordination.
United cares deeply for both the academic and spiritual formation of our community, both online and on-campus. Online students will be assigned a dedicated advisor to help the navigate their chosen program. They also have access to a variety of academic resources such as the Digital Theological Library (DTL) and the Writing Center, as well as community and spiritual resources such as annual events and weekly Chapel services.
Please see the Student Resources section above for more information.
United offers a variety of flexible learning options to fit your busy lifestyle: online, virtual learning, on-campus, and hybrid. Choose the one that fits best, or mix and match to get the right combination for this season of life. You can change your preferred program style at any time.
For help discerning which option or combination is best for you, contact our admissions team at admissions@united.edu.
