Overview

Iliff School of Theology is a great place to investigate and learn about the vital issues being faced in everyday life.  We acknowledge the importance of dialogue, no matter how complicated or uncomfortable a conversation may feel. We believe it is through critical engagement that change happens. Iliff is committed to justice and to advocating justice for the disenfranchised by supporting an educational process that prepares leaders to do justice in the world.

Iliff, located in beautiful Denver, CO, is one of the best theological schools in the nation.  We are an intercultural community that students experience as supportive, challenging, progressive, and enriching.

As you search for a school to develop your skills and to focus your vision through spirituality, religion, and theology, place Iliff at the top of your list!  We combine rigorous academics and practical experiences that will help you fulfill your life’s passion – whether your choice is one of personal or professional growth, nurturing your service skills for helping others, or for ministries yet to be imagined that are so desperately needed. Iliff gathers students from a variety of backgrounds; and together the students learn as much from classmates as they do from our internationally renowned faculty. Combined with the flexibility of our traditional classroom, online, or hybrid courses, an Iliff education helps learners to learn about themselves and others as the pathway for becoming an impactful, transformative leader.

Learn more about Iliff’s future, talk with an admissions counselor now – Request info, email or call 303-765-3117 or 1-800-678-3360 ext. 117.

Our Core Values

To learn about Iliff, it helps to understand the values that guide our decisions and community life. These values are an important part of what makes Iliff special. We aspire to embody these ideals in our everyday interactions.

Dynamic Spirituality

Dignity, Respect, Spirituality

• We value the creative and inspirational nature of our work: spiritual, intellectual, and vocational.
• We celebrate theological discernment and spiritual depth.
• Our core values arise out of our United Methodist heritage.

 Key Dates

1884 – Elizabeth Iliff Warren announces an offer of $100,000 to endow a theological school
1892 – The Iliff School of Theology formally opens, affiliated with the University of Denver
1903 – Iliff incorporates as an independent institution from the University of Denver
1936 – Accreditation by the newly formed American Association of Theological Schools
1956 – Ira J. Taylor Library opens with 45,000 volumes.
1973 – Accreditation by the North Central Association of Colleges as a professional doctoral degree-granting institution
1981 – Iliff and the University of Denver jointly inaugurate the Doctor of Philosophy in Religion degree program
1998 – Dedication of the $3.6 million Bacon Education Center, which includes a 15,000 square foot addition to the Ira J. Taylor Library
2010 – Launch of the Journey program, the premier progressive flexible residency MDiv in America
2014 – Under the leadership of Tom Wolfe, the community of the Iliff School of Theology committed to a year of active discernment that led to a new strategic plan
2015 – Ira J. Taylor Library renews a partnership with the University of Denver libraries to increase available resources many thousandfold
2016 – Installation of the 352-panel solar array complete, which offsets 65% of our annual electric use. See an aerial video of the project
2019 – The “Transition Generation”
2020 – Reimagining Iliff’s future
2021 – A Clear Path Forward
2022 – President Tom Wolfe announcements retirement
2023 – Appointment of new president, The Rev. Dr. Lee H. Butler, Jr.