Meadville Lombard is different from non-UU theological schools. Here are some of the qualities that make it unique:

The Curriculum
Courses are offered at Meadville Lombard that are not found in the curricula of most non-UU schools. These include an introductory theology sequence that traces the development of UU theology from early Christian history to contemporary liberal thinkers, courses in UU history, ethics studied from the standpoint of liberal religion, UU religious education, world religions, religious humanism, and the art and practice of ministry (including preaching) from a UU perspective.

The Instructional Style
Classes are small and the seminar method is typical. Course content emphasizes a Unitarian Universalist approach to religion. For example, courses in the arts of ministry sequence emphasize distinctively UU methods and content of preaching, worship, leadership, pastoral care and religious education.

The Meadville Lombard Community
There is a strong bond between professors and students and a real sense of community exemplified in the support and caring of each for all. UU professors and administrators care about the students' spiritual and intellectual growth and our UU movement. There is an emphasis on ministerial formation led by experienced ministers. The community gathers weekly for Vespers services on Wednesdays led by faculty and students and often followed by social events.

The Consortium
Meadville Lombard is part of the Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS) which includes twelve other schools, four of which are within a few blocks of Meadville Lombard plus the University of Chicago. Residential students may take courses at any of the ACTS schools, all of which are affiliated with other major denominations.

In addition, Meadville Lombard residential students must take at least four courses at the graduate schools of the University of Chicago including its world-class Divinity School. Classes at these other schools mean more choices than what students can find at a single school. This enables the student to have the best of both worlds: a UU education but one that is not isolated from the rest of the religious universe.

Our Distinctive Contributions
In addition to having the only full-time professor of liberal religious education, Meadville Lombard has the only predominantly UU faculty of any seminary in the world.  Our library is one of the foremost resource centers for the study of liberal religion.