A United Church of Christ seminary educating theological leaders for justice and transformative ministry since 1850.
Eden Theological Seminary offers five graduate degree programs: Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master of Community Leadership (M.C.L.), Master of Arts in Professional Studies (M.A.P.S.), Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.), and Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.). All classes and programming are delivered in blended format, combining fully online asynchronous courses with on-campus and hybrid synchronous options, enabling students to participate from anywhere. The seminary also offers graduate credit certificates and community learning programs including an End-of-Life Doula Certificate and the Walker Leadership Institute.
The seminary occupies a 20-acre wooded property in Webster Groves, featuring the Samuel D. Press Education Center (inspired by Oxford's Magdalen Tower), Wehrli Chapel, Luhr Reading Room, and Schroer Commons. On-campus apartment-style housing in one- and two-bedroom units is available for students and faculty, fostering a close-knit community. The campus hosts weekly community lunches, visiting lecturers, worship services, and provides convenient access to St. Louis. The Eden-Webster Library system partners with Webster University's Emerson Library, maintaining historically significant collections in the Luhr Reading Room.
Applications are accepted year-round online. Fall entry requires applications by August 1; spring entry by December 15. Applicants must submit a resume, writing samples, self-portrait, government-issued ID, references, transcripts (if applicable), and pay a $50 application fee. The seminary welcomes new applicants, international students, and those with or without prior church affiliation, emphasizing accessibility and inclusive theological education.
Eden graduates serve as pastors, denominational leaders, and justice advocates globally. Notable alumni include Reinhold Niebuhr (Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient), Walter Brueggemann (renowned Old Testament scholar), John Dorhauer (9th General Minister and President of the UCC), and Traci Blackmon (former Associate General Minister for Justice and Witness Ministries and spiritual voice in the Black Lives Matter movement). The seminary received a $10 million grant from the Lilly Endowment to expand support for Christian leaders and congregations.