Listed A–Z
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.
Eden Theological Seminary
Webster Groves, MO•United Church of Christ•Progressive•Small campus
Eden Theological Seminary, located in St. Louis, Missouri, operates as a graduate theological institution affiliated with the United Church of Christ (UCC), founded in 1850 by German Evangelical immigrants. The seminary holds accreditation from the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), offering education that emphasizes progressive theology and public engagement.
Fuller Theological Seminary
Pasadena, CA•Inter/Multidenominational•Evangelical•Large campus
Fuller Theological Seminary, located in Pasadena, California, serves as an evangelical institution known for integrating global perspectives and psychological insights into theological education. Founded in 1947 by Charles E. Fuller, the seminary emphasizes evangelical innovation and missiology, providing a platform for students interested in California-based evangelical programs or those focused on cultural relevance in ministry.
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Evanston, IL•United Methodist Church•Progressive•Medium campus
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, located in Evanston, Illinois, serves as a graduate theological institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church, drawing from Wesleyan roots to emphasize justice and progressive ministry. Established through the merger of Garrett Biblical Institute (founded in 1853) and Evangelical Theological Seminary (founded in 1873), the seminary focuses on forming leaders who cultivate communities of justice, compassion, and hope. It provides an ecumenical environment suitable for students interested in Chicago-area Methodist seminaries or programs in progressive pastoral training.
Iliff School of Theology
Denver, CO•United Methodist Church•Progressive•Small campus
Iliff School of Theology, located in Denver, Colorado, operates as a graduate theological institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church, with a focus on social justice and progressive theology. Established in 1892 to advance Methodist education in the Rockies, the school emphasizes inclusive practices and innovative approaches to faith, making it a relevant choice for students interested in Colorado progressive seminaries or programs centered on activist training. Its urban setting in Denver provides a context for exploring theology integrated with community activism and ethical frameworks in a changing world.
Luther Seminary
St. Paul, MN•Evangelical Lutheran Church in America•Progressive•Medium campus
Luther Seminary, located in St. Paul, Minnesota, serves as the largest institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), emphasizing gospel proclamation through word and sacrament. Established in 1869 to advance Lutheran ideals in the Midwest, the seminary focuses on renewing faith communities through diverse chapels and international ties in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota.
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.
Pacific School of Religion
Berkeley, CA•United Church of Christ•Progressive•Small campus
Pacific School of Religion, located in Berkeley, California, serves as a progressive Christian interdenominational seminary founded in 1866, maintaining covenantal relationships with the United Church of Christ, United Methodist Church, and Disciples of Christ. As a member of the Graduate Theological Union, it emphasizes social change, leadership development, and an inclusive Gospel, preparing spiritually-rooted leaders for justice work in diverse religious traditions. It offers the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Ministry, equipping students for roles in ministry, academia, and advocacy with a focus on rigorous scholarship and practical training.
Vanderbilt University Divinity School
Nashville, TN•Inter/Multidenominational•Progressive•Medium campus
Vanderbilt University Divinity School in Nashville, Tennessee, is a graduate theological institution committed to preparing leaders for Christian ministry and public leadership through personal formation and social justice. The school offers programs in theological inquiry with concentrations like Spirituality and Activism, Global Christianities and Interreligious Encounter, and Prison and Carceral Studies, attracting students interested in interreligious dialogue and ethical engagement. It provides lifelong learning options, including executive education and vocational training, for those seeking to deepen their callings in a global, multi-religious framework.
Wake Forest University School of Divinity
Winston-Salem, NC•Inter/Multidenominational•Progressive•Small campus
Wake Forest University School of Divinity in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is marking its 25th anniversary in 2025, reflecting on a quarter-century of graduate theological education rooted in justice, reconciliation, and compassion. The school is committed to holistic formation, attracting students to its ecumenical community, which focuses on prophetic public witness and faithful leadership in a pluralistic world. It offers programs centered on theological inquiry and personal development, preparing individuals for ministry and scholarship with a motto that underscores where calling meets courage and faith becomes action.
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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