Chicago Theological Seminary (CTS) review

History 

 CTS (Chicago Theological Seminary) has thrived on the cutting edge – both geographically and conceptually. Established in 1855 amid Chicago's booming landscape, the Seminary's inaugural purpose entailed equipping church leaders along America's then-frontier. Throughout our storied journey, CTS has stood as a vanguard in theological education, championing social justice and catalyzing societal metamorphosis.  

Why Choose CTS 

Numerous factors propel CTS to the zenith of your considerations.

A preeminent seminary boasting a lineage of theological ingenuity, it harbors a cadre of alumni emblematic of progressive religious intellect.  

Here are additional grounds: 

 CTS epitomizes progressive thought and visionary outlook among graduate schools of theology. Unearth our historical advocacy for civil rights, interfaith involvement, gender and LGBTQ equity, and other enduring pledges.
Within CTS, inclusivity reigns supreme, uniting a diverse tapestry of individuals from every corner.
Irrespective of your convictions, CTS undertakes to fortify your faith and elucidate your calling.
CTS skillfully steers you towards meaningful vocations, whether as a minister, community mobilizer, educator, chaplain, advocate, activist, or innumerable other exhilarating paths.
Guided by an esteemed faculty – luminaries in theology, inspirational wordsmiths, pioneering scholars, and transformative visionaries.
Enveloped by Chicago's eclectic ambiance, CTS thrives within a culturally vibrant milieu, fostering an ideal setting to forge and refine your convictions.
Embark on an MDiv journey with CTS, entirely accessible online.
CTS boasts dual accreditation from eminent bodies: The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools and The Higher Learning Commission.
   

Mission & Core Principles 

Chicago Theological Seminary, affiliated with the United Church of Christ, stands as a beacon, serving God, Christ's Church, diverse faith communities, and the broader global expanse. Its mission encompasses theological enlightenment, nurturing the intellectual, pastoral, and spiritual aptitude of both lay and ordained leaders, scholars, and advocates – all propelling justice and compassion. 

 Inspired by Jesus' ministry, guided by the Divine Spirit, and nurtured by faith and culture, CTS diligently fosters a sanctified learning hub that readies individuals for public ministry. Its core tenets interlock seamlessly, embodying: 

• A pledge to reciprocal learning, academic excellence, open inquiry, and rigorous engagement with texts, contexts, and practices in all educational pursuits.
• A commitment, amid a world grappling with spiritual destitution – rife with meaninglessness, love's absence, and hope's wane – to proclaim a message of divine purpose, empathy, and hope.
• A resolve, in a society underpinned by white supremacy and racism, to challenge white privilege, combat racial divides, and empower leaders who champion and celebrate cultural, ethnic, and racial diversity.
• A dedication, amidst global religious strife and a society shaped by Christian dominance, to wholeheartedly embrace religious diversity. CTS's pioneering work in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic Studies advances interfaith comprehension and collaboration.
• A fervor, within a world governed by rigid gender norms, to advocate gender parity, foster women's equality movements, and liberate humanity from constrictive gender constructs.
• A determination, in a world normed around heterosexual expression, to confront homophobia, celebrate LGBTQ+ individuals across the spectrum of sex and sexuality, and cultivate leaders who usher faith communities towards greater openness and affirmation.
• A resolve, in a world stratified by class, to dismantle structures perpetuating poverty and socioeconomic disenfranchisement. CTS aligns with the marginalized in the fight for universal liberation from deprivation, homelessness, hunger, and disease.
• A commitment, on a fragile Earth threatened by exploitation and pollution, to scrutinize ecological policies, theologies, and practices, challenging materialism and the depreciation of creation.
• A dedication, acknowledging that social divisions transcend local, national, and global realms, to foster international cooperation among like-minded individuals and institutions.

Through these avenues, we embrace not just the rhetoric but the tangible essence of diversity, recognizing the intricate interplay of our commitments. Collaboratively, we champion justice, embody mercy, and humbly traverse our spiritual path. We extend an open invitation to all who share our vision.  

Tuition & Financial Assistance 

Amid your contemplation of theological education, two common queries emerge: "What's the price tag?" and "How do I finance this endeavor?" CTS takes delight in supporting numerous eligible scholars. An array of scholarships, fellowships, grants, and federal student loans are at your disposal. Below, we address some common queries regarding expenses and financial aid at CTS. For more specific inquiries, please reach out to our Financial Aid team at financialaid@ctschicago.edu.  

APPLICATION FEE: 

A non-refundable $50 application fee applies to all online applicants. Volunteers, team forex members, Corp members, staff, and alumni of AmeriCorps, City Year, Peace Corps, and VISTA can avail an application fee waiver. To utilize this option, proof of affiliation is required. 

SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS & AWARDS: 

1. CTS, buoyed by generous donors, extends substantial financial backing to deserving students. To vie for financial aid, complete and submit the relevant CTS Scholarship Application by the priority deadline (February 15th). Additionally, U.S. citizens and permanent residents must file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by March 1st. Our FAFSA code for submissions is G01661. 
2. Need-Based Grants: Each year, tuition aid is accessible to master's level and international students, contingent upon assessed financial need via the FAFSA and CTS Scholarship Application. Renewed application is requisite for continued eligibility.
3. Merit Scholarships: Annual accolades are bestowed upon incoming students exhibiting outstanding educational readiness and potential for transformative leadership. Merit Scholarships span from 30% to 100% of tuition expenses, encompassing the duration of the degree program.
4. Named Scholarships: CTS benefits from donor-funded scholarships that offer considerable financial support across degree programs, such as:

•     Full Tuition Scholarship
•     The Reverend Abraham Kahikina Akaka Scholarship: Honoring Rev. Akaka's religious leadership and community involvement, this scholarship confers full tuition support to Hawaiian or Asian descent students.
•     The Reverend Doctor Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. Legacy Scholarship: Celebrating Rev. Dr. Wright's esteemed ministry, Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago established this scholarship, furnishing full tuition assistance to multiple students. Priority is accorded to candidates endorsed by the Trinity UCC Minister in Training program and Scholarship Committees. Additional consideration is extended to students aspiring to serve African American communities.
•     The Gilberto Castañeda LGBTQ Scholarship: In cherished memory of Gilberto Castañeda, child of Dr. Theodore Jennings and Rev. Dr. Ronna Case, this scholarship significantly aids openly LGBTQIA-identifying students.
•     The Waraich Family Scholarship: With a goal to enrich religious diversity in our student body and bolster Muslim representation, the Waraich family endows this scholarship, rendering full tuition support for one student annually. Special emphasis is on students pursuing Muslim Studies or embodying diverse religious dimensions.
•     Ruth Frost Parker Scholarship Fund: A full-tuition scholarship for a promising female student displaying aptitude as a religious leader while upholding an academic excellence record.
•     Merit Scholarships are typically classified into three tiers: Presidential – 80%, Trustee – 50%, Dean – 30%.
•     Morgan-Ebling Scholarship: A tribute to Ms. Ebling's legacy, this scholarship offers substantial tuition assistance to female students actively engaged in community activism and networking.
•     The William and Lucille Nickerson Scholarship: An homage to the parents of former trustee Mr. Robert Nickerson, this scholarship provides noteworthy tuition aid to multiple students annually, grounded in academic merit and financial need.
•     The Muriel I. Scholarship: Commemorating Ms. Olsen's life, this scholarship offers significant tuition support to female students poised for congregational ministry.
•     Thomas and Colleen Henry Scholarship: Supported by St. Pauls UCC, Chicago, this scholarship honors Tom and Colleen – both CTS alumni. It targets M.Div. students dedicated to urban ministries.
•     National Baptist Convention of America Scholarship: Extending 30% tuition aid to an NBCA member entering a master's program. Further Merit Scholarships may also be granted.
•     American Baptist College Scholarship: Offering 30% tuition aid to all ABC students entering a master's program. Additional Merit Scholarships may be awarded.
•     InterFaith Youth Core Scholarship: Annually, this scholarship grants full tuition support to an IFYC alumnus/a, while ensuring 50% tuition aid to other IFYC alumni/ae within master's programs.