Progressive Unitarian Universalist seminary in Chicago preparing justice-centered religious leaders.
Meadville Lombard offers graduate theological degrees including Master of Divinity (3 years), Master of Arts in Religion (18 months), Doctor of Ministry, and Certificate of Theological Studies. The curriculum integrates scholarly excellence with practical ministry experience through a Contextual Learning model featuring mentored internships and supervised site placements. The school emphasizes social justice integration across all programs, preparing students to address interlocking oppressions and lead in complex justice-making contexts.
The seminary operates as a low-residency institution, allowing students to remain in their home communities while pursuing education. Students gather on the Chicago campus two to three times annually for Convocation and in-person classes, with remote engagement between sessions. The school is located in Chicago's Loop at 180 N. Wabash Ave and maintains a library and archives serving students, faculty, and the broader Unitarian Universalist community. Students build cohort connections that extend throughout their careers.
The school accepts applications for Master of Divinity, Master of Arts (Religion), Doctor of Ministry, and Certificate programs on rolling bases after priority deadlines. Spring admission priority deadline is November 1; fall admission priority deadline is February 1 (official deadline July 1, moving to June 1 in Fall 2027). The school offers financial aid and scholarships for credit-bearing programs. Spiritual direction and lifelong learning programs operate under the Leadership Institute for Growth, Healing, and Transformation (LIGHT).
As a Unitarian Universalist institution, Meadville Lombard is committed to justice, equity, and compassion. The school integrates scholarly excellence with interculturality to shape spiritually grounded, emotionally intelligent leaders with moral imagination. It embraces students from all cultural, racial, and religious backgrounds, fostering an intentionally pluralist learning community dedicated to addressing historical and present injustices and building the Beloved Community.