Iliff School of Theology

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Degrees Offered at Iliff School of Theology

Iliff School of Theology appears in our ranking of the 50 Most Affordable Master’s in Theology Degree Programs Online.

Iliff School of Theology offers a rich combination of academics and experiences designed to carry graduates throughout life. The school not only focuses on the professional growth of students but also on their personal growth as well. A large majority of instructors at the school are faculty with only 11 percent noted as an adjunct, or non-tenured. All programs taught at Iliff School of Theology engage in theology, history, sociology, ethics and many tenets of the Christian faith. The five degree programs offered at the school are available online, on campus or in a hybrid version.

The Master of Divinity at the Iliff School of Theology is a three-year program with a 21st Century approach to Christian ministry. It is designed for those who wish to serve in professional ministry, both pastoral and congregational as well as those who wish to enter chaplaincy, advocacy or non-profit leadership. The degree prepares graduates for ordination in most traditions and is normally a requirement to enter chaplaincy. The program is offered on campus or may be taken in a cohort option which is a hybrid format. Most courses are offered online but students are required to visit the campus two or three times per year for weekend praxis courses and week-long intensives. Courses that may be required include:

  • Ancient and Emerging Practices
  • Comparative Religious Traditions
  • Constructive Theology
  • Feminist Theology
  • Hebrew Bible and New Testament Literature
  • Historical Development/Exploration of Religious Traditions
  • Media, Religion and Culture
  • Practical Theology
  • Preacher as Self: Cultivating an Authentic Voice
  • Sacred Texts
  • Social/Contextual Analysis
  • Theology and Religious Practices

An internship is also required to complete the degree program.

The Master of Arts in Social Justice and Ethics at Iliff School of Theology is a two-year master’s degree that helps students gain an understanding of social change leadership. The program creates leaders with the skills necessary to hold leadership roles in civic agencies in an effort to address social, political and educational issues. Courses that may be required include:

  • Community Organizing
  • Ethical Analysis & Advocacy
  • Foundations of Social Justice and Ethics
  • Social Media Peace and Justice
  • Storytelling and Narrative Justice

An internship and practice in social justice are also required. The program is available both on campus and online.

In addition to these degree programs, the Iliff School of Theology offers a Master of Arts in Pastoral and Spiritual Care and Master of Theological Studies. The school also offers a joint Doctor of Philosophy in the Study of Religion in partnership with the University of Denver.

About Iliff School of Theology

In 1884, Elizabeth Iliff Warren provided a $100,000 endowment to create a theological school in the Denver area. In 1892, the school opened as part of what was then the Colorado Seminary, now the University of Denver. In 1903, Iliff separated from the University of Denver, incorporating as an independent institution. The school began offering online classes through their Journey platform in 2010.

Today, Iliff School of Theology is recognized as a leading graduate theological school, serving more than 30 denominations and faith traditions. The school focuses on dialogue and its importance in today’s world. The school is one of 13 United Methodist theological schools in the country with an ecumenical, multi-ethnic faculty that bring a wide range of experience into the classroom.

Iliff School of Theology sits on an eight-acre campus adjoining the University of Denver campus. Buildings range from the historical Iliff Hall, the first building on the campus, to the very modern Skaggs Hall. More than 2,100 graduates work and serve around the globe, sharing the knowledge they gained at the school to address the needs of communities, whether on a local, regional, national or global scale.

Iliff School of Technology Accreditation Details

Iliff School of Technology is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Regional accreditation indicates that Iliff offers students the highest level of education based on criteria developed by the Commission. Iliff agrees to periodic evaluations in order to confirm that their programs continue to meet the Commission’s criteria. Any areas identified as needing improvement are addressed as soon as possible.

As a religious institute of higher learning, Iliff is also accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of Theological Schools. It is also listed by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church as an official seminary for that denomination.

Iliff School of Technology Application Requirements

In order to apply for master’s degree programs at the Iliff School of Technology, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university and must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 in all undergraduate work. Applicants must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, letters of references, a current resume, and a financial plan. An application essay may be required as well. For the Doctor of Philosophy, applicants must have a master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

Iliff School of Technology Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time tuition is $19,824 per year while part-time tuition is $826 per credit hour.

Financial aid is available and is awarded based on both merit and financial need. Students may be offered institutional grants, federal loans or work-study programs. The Financial Aid Office is committed to helping any student who wishes to attend Iliff School of Theology afford their higher education goals. Institutional grants and scholarships are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

In order to qualify for any financial assistance, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA must be renewed on an annual basis. Applications for federal loans may be completed at StudentLoans.gov. All students must complete an electronic entrance and exit counseling session through the federal website if they accept federal student loans.

The mission of Iliff School of Theology is to educate leaders using the United Methodist heritage as a foundation. Iliff School of Theology creates graduates with strong theological imaginations who are committed to social justice, inclusiveness and religious diversity.