Listed A–Z
Candler School of Theology of Emory University
Atlanta, GA•United Methodist Church•Progressive•Medium campus
Candler School of Theology, founded in 1914 as part of Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, is a United Methodist-affiliated seminary renowned for its progressive scholarship and global outreach. It fosters a diverse, inclusive community, welcoming students from over 40 denominations to a vibrant and affordable city. With accreditation from the Association of Theological Schools, Candler offers access to exceptional resources like the Pitts Theology Library and international study programs in 13 countries, creating an enriching environment for spiritual and academic growth.
Drew University Theological School
Madison, NJ•United Methodist Church•Progressive•Small campus
Drew University Theological School, located in Madison, New Jersey, operates as a graduate theological institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church, founded in 1867 to provide education for Methodist Episcopal Church ministers. The school maintains accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools since 1938. It emphasizes justice, innovation, and social theology within a Methodist framework, serving students interested in progressive seminary education in New Jersey.
Duke University Divinity School
Durham, NC•United Methodist Church•Progressive•Medium campus
Duke University Divinity School, located in Durham, North Carolina, is a graduate theological institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church and part of Duke University, a private research university founded by Methodists and Quakers. Established in 1926, the school holds accreditation from the Association of Theological Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. It emphasizes the integration of academic rigor with public theology, serving students from various denominations through programs that combine scholarship with practical ministry.
Methodist Theological School in Ohio
Delaware, OH•United Methodist Church•Progressive•Small campus
Methodist Theological School in Ohio, located in Delaware, Ohio, serves as a United Methodist institution that integrates justice with environmental creation care. Established in 1960 amid Ohio's fertile farmlands, the school emphasizes Wesleyan values and practical environmental action, making it a relevant choice for students interested in Ohio Methodist seminaries or eco-theology programs. It offers the Master of Divinity with a focus on Wesleyan social praxis, guiding learners toward eco-conscious leadership in faith communities through theological practices and models of earth stewardship.
Nazarene Theological Seminary
Kansas City, MO•Church of the Nazarene•Evangelical•Small campus
Nazarene Theological Seminary, located in Kansas City, Missouri, serves as a graduate institution in the Wesleyan-holiness tradition, preparing leaders for Christ-centered ministry. As the Church of the Nazarene's flagship seminary, it offers master's and doctoral degrees with a focus on theological scholarship, practical ministry skills, spiritual development, and contextual service. These programs aim to equip students for effective global witness and kingdom impact, blending heart and mind formation in a community of scholars dedicated to holistic education.
Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan University
Rochester, NY•Free Methodist Church•Evangelical•Small campus
Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan University in Rochester, New York, serves as a Wesleyan institution providing ministry education for students from diverse Christian denominations. Rooted in Free Methodist and Wesleyan traditions since its founding, the seminary welcomes a broad range of denominational backgrounds. It offers flexible online and on-campus options to accommodate various schedules.
Perkins School of Theology Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX•United Methodist Church•Progressive•Medium campus
Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, is a United Methodist-affiliated graduate school founded in 1914, committed to equipping persons for faithful leadership and Christian ministry in a changing world. As the oldest graduate professional school at SMU, it offers programs including the Master of Divinity, the Master of Arts in Ministry, and the Doctor of Ministry. It participates in the Graduate Program in Religious Studies leading to MA and PhD degrees.
Seattle Pacific Seminary
Seattle, WA•Free Methodist Church•Progressive•Small campus
Seattle Pacific Seminary at Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Washington, is a multi-denominational Christian graduate school rooted in Wesleyan traditions, committed to preparing leaders for ministry through spiritual, academic, and professional development. Founded as part of Seattle Pacific University, the seminary emphasizes relational theology and social justice, offering a Master of Divinity and seven Master of Arts degrees, as well as dual-degree programs in partnership with the School of Business and the School of Psychology. This inclusive approach appeals to students from various denominations seeking a seminary that values diversity and innovation in theological education.
United Theological Seminary
Dayton, OH•United Methodist Church•Progressive•Small campus
United Theological Seminary, located in Dayton, Ohio, is a United Methodist-affiliated institution founded in 1871, committed to preparing leaders for ministry through a blend of academic excellence and practical experience in a Midwestern setting. The seminary focuses on Wesleyan theology with an emphasis on social holiness and community transformation, offering a welcoming space for students from various denominations. It offers the Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, and Doctor of Ministry, equipping individuals for roles in pastoral care, education, and nonprofit leadership with a foundation in ethical reflection and spiritual growth.
Wesley Theological Seminary
Washington, DC•United Methodist Church•Progressive•Medium campus
Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., is a United Methodist-affiliated institution founded in 1882, committed to preparing leaders for Christian ministry and public leadership in a capital city setting. The seminary emphasizes theological scholarship and a prophetic voice in the public square, offering the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Ministry to equip students for roles in pastoral ministry, education, and advocacy, with a focus on global and cross-cultural ministry. Its location near political and cultural hubs provides unique opportunities for engaging faith with societal issues.
Rankings reviewed: August 23, 2025 — see our Ranking Methodology
Every school here has been hand-selected for this category. The order is not a ranking — schools are listed alphabetically.
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