FAQ

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Q: What are some of the unique features of United?

A: United provides an emphasis on supervised practical ministry, Ministry Formation and Integration Groups (formation, integration, support from peers and mentors), coursework on Church Renewal, communication course options (video, computer, editing skills), and the Intercultural Program (also known as the Transcultural Experience).

Q: What is the Intercultural Program (also referred to as the Transcultural Experience)? Is it a requirement for all students?

A: Each student in the Master of Divinity program must complete a sequence of three courses as part of the Intercultural Program. Students in other degree programs may also participate.

This requirement is fulfilled through two classes and a Transcultural Experience. The Transcultural Experience can be either a short trip for a minimum of two weeks or a longer immersion experience. Students must take the three courses in the following order:

1. ICP 201 Christianity and Culture

2. ICP 202 Transcultural Experience

3. ICP 203 Intercultural Ministry

The primary purpose of the Intercultural Program is to provide students with another perspective from which to view their ministry. We are often unaware of how much our attitudes and perceptions toward Christianity are influenced by the culture in which we live. When we step outside that culture, we can see it, and ourselves, more clearly.

After gaining a new understanding of the interdependence of cultures, people and faith, we are better prepared to learn skills for engaging in ministry with people from other cultures as well as discern the taken-for-granted assumptions of our own culture.

See the Intercultural Program web page for details.

Q: How do I apply to United?

A: The process, printable forms, and on-line applications are available on this web site under How to Apply or contact the Admissions Office:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | 937.529.2201.

Q: How do I apply for scholarships?

A: New students may apply for scholarships when they apply for Admission regardless of whether the applicant intends to begin in the Fall Semester or the Spring Semester. Applications for United scholarships are available from the Admissions Office. United scholarship forms (PDF) may also be printed from the web site. See the Scholarships web page for details.

Q: I see that insurance is required for registration. Does the seminary have an insurance plan that I can purchase?

A: We do not sell or endorse any particular student insurance plan, but we do have some brochures in the Admissions Office from companies that provide student insurance. Upon request, we will send you whatever we have available.

Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | 937.529.2220

Q: What paperwork do I need to receive financial aid?

A: Complete the FAFSA by paper application or online; complete all office forms and return with a copy of current tax information. An Award Notification will be sent after this process. See the Financial Aid web page for details.

Q: What is the process for me to receive a loan?

A: All required paperwork must be submitted before the loan process begins. First time borrowers will fill out a Master promissory note and loan amount request form. Returning borrowers need only to complete the loan request form. Copies are sent to the student for their records. The Business Office is informed of all students with loans/loan amounts.

Q: I want to do Work Study, what is the process?

A: Complete all financial aid paperwork and work study paperwork. The Contextual Education Office will contact you about your interest. Placements are both on campus (370 hours) and off campus (550 hours). The work load varies from 10 to 20 hours per week. Paychecks are received every two weeks in the Business Office.

Q: I have applied to the D.Min. program and have been accepted. I need financial aid. What is available?

A: D.Min. students are not eligible for tuition aid grants. They must complete the financial aid process to qualify for a loan. Their loan status is checked before the loan is certified and mailed out. Students are mailed copies of all paperwork. The Business Office receives a roster with all information/loan amounts.

Contact: Edna Ebersole, Director of Finance and Student Accounts
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Q: May I make payment arrangements other than those included in the letter with the registration invoice?

A: Under certain circumstances alternative arrangements may be made. Make an appointment to see Edna Ebersole to work out the details. In her absence, see Anne Brown.

Q: As an active armed services member, whom do I see about the billing of my tuition invoice?

A: Tuition charges are billed by Edna Ebersole, Director of Finance and Student Accounts.

Q: My company is paying my tuition. How do I complete registration?

A: Bring the company form to Edna Ebersole along with your registration form. She will bill the company for the tuition and fees and you will fill out a financial responsibility form in case payment is denied.

Contact: Martha Anderson, Registrar
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Q: How do I change my schedule?

A: Obtain a Course Change Record form from the Registrar’s Office or the Receptionist. Complete the form, have your advisor sign it, and submit it to the Registrar for processing.

Q: How do I request a transcript?

A: Obtain a Transcript Request Form from the Registrar’s Office or the Receptionist. Complete the form and submit it to the Registrar for processing.

Q: How do I request an Incomplete?

A: At least one week before the end of the course, obtain an Incomplete Grade form from the Registrar’s Office. Take the form to the course professor for completion. Once the professor signs the form, take it to your advisor and the Academic Dean. When all three signatures are obtained, submit the form to the Registrar for processing.

Contact: Janice Kronour, Administrative Assistant, Doctoral Studies
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Q: What are the requirements for admission to the Doctor of Ministry program?

A: You must have a Masters of Divinity or its equivalent. See the D.Min. Admissions page for details.

Students may be admitted with a Masters degree in any field. Certain courses to equal a Masters of Divinity may be required as determined by the Dean and the Doctoral Studies Admission Committee on an individual basis as they review the transcripts submitted. Students may take M.Div. equivalency coursework simultaneously with pursuing the D.Min. degree and must complete the equivalency courses before the fifth semester of the D.Min. program. A GPA of 3.0 or better is required.

Q: How do I apply?

A: You may apply online or we will send you a paper application in the mail.

Q: When can I enter the program? Where do we meet for the Intensive Week? How often?

A: Our startup weeks are in August and January each year, at each Intensive. We meet for Intensive Week in Dayton, Ohio; one week in August, and one week in January.

Q: What is an Intensive Week?

A: It is a week when all Doctor of Ministry students meet together in Dayton along with their mentors, to take three Core Courses, hear special speakers on the theme for the week, and participate in worship. It is also a time to meet with your peer group and mentor(s) for in-depth sharing and support of one another.

Q: Does my focus (peer) group meet any other times of the year? Where?

A: Yes, your focus group will meet at least once between each Intensive Week. They could meet here in Dayton, or elsewhere, depending on the location of the mentor and the wishes of the group, for about 4 days total.

Q: Does United offer a Ph.D. in Ministry?

A: No. When you receive the Doctor of Ministry degree, you may use the title “Dr.” in front of your name, but it is not the Ph.D. degree.