Hybrid Course Information
Beginning in Fall 2011, UPSem is initiating a three-year pilot program for MDiv courses using a hybrid format. Hybrid in this context means a combination of asynchronous distance learning using Blackboard or some other technology with two visits to campus of two to three days each, (whether it meets for two or three days, the course will consist of the same number of contact hours). Attendance at all classes during these campus days is required. These courses will count toward current UPSem degree programs, but at this time a full MDiv degree is not being offered through the hybrid format. The MACE degree continues to be offered in the hybrid format through the Extended Campus Program.
The pilot program will follow a two-semester calendar, with courses offered in the fall and spring. The beginning and ending dates of the courses will follow the calendar that governs Richmond residential or Charlotte campus program, depending on where the on-campus instruction is given for the hybrid course. Two hybrid courses are on the schedule for the Fall 2011 term, one in Charlotte (PRA302/Schweitzer) and the other in Richmond (PRA112/Rhyne).
Current UPSem students are eligible to take hybrid courses, but they will not be allowed to register for a hybrid-format course that conflicts with a Richmond residential, Charlotte, or ECP course they also intend to take, in accordance with UPSem's current registration and attendance policies. Auditors are not allowed in hybrid-format courses. To enable more Richmond and Charlotte students to take these courses, they will be offered on the following schedule, which may be adapted slightly depending on the number of days: Wed/Thurs a.m./Fri a.m. (to lessen conflicts with the Charlotte schedule) and Thurs p.m. /Fri p.m./Sat (to lessen conflicts with the Richmond residential schedule). Students may take two hybrid-format courses in the pilot program at the same time, if they should wish to do so and if they can work out a schedule that avoids conflicts with other courses for which they are registering.
Registration Information:
Current UPSem students may register during their scheduled registration periods. Students in good-standing who are matriculated in an institution with which UPSem has a cross-registration agreement may request registration by contacting the Registrar of their home school.
UPSem alumni and all other interested parties may request admission by contacting the UPSem Admissions Department and completing the process requesting non-degree, limited enrollment. Enrollment as a non-degree student allows one to take up to four courses at UPSem within institutional guidelines, hybrid courses included. There is limited-enrollment information here for those who are interested. It is also possible to contact Amanda Montague in the Admissions office (800-229-2990 ext. 339) for more information.
Transfer Credit Policy
Guidelines for Transfer of Credits to Professional Degree Program:
Upon request of the Admissions Office, the Registrar will initiate the transfer credit assessment process for applicants whose files are complete. Currently enrolled students should contact the Registrar directly. Academic credits completed within the past eight years at regionally accredited institutions in the United States or in schools with equivalent standing overseas may be eligible for transfer. The ceiling for credits transferred into the M.A.C.E. program is 10. The ceiling for credits transferred into the M.Div. program is 16.
Course work must have been completed at an institution regionally accredited to offer degrees at the level into which the credit is transferred. Course work considered for transfer from such an institution must have been master’s level work for which academic credit was received at a level at or above a 2.3 grade-point value. Course work to be transferred must be in the subject area of divinity or Christian education or in a field considered parallel to the disciplines represented in the UPSem curriculum (e.g., philosophy, anthropology, psychology, education). Such parallel areas of study must be approved by the appropriate UPSem dean of faculty.
Transfer credit for required ("core") courses is evaluated and approved by the appropriate dean of faculty, in consultation with the chair of the department in which credit is requested and the registrar. Transfer credit for elective courses is evaluated by the Registrar and approved by the appropriate dean of faculty. If transfer credit is approved equivalent to all required courses in any given department, the student must take at least one elective at UPSem in that department. All transfer work is listed on the UPSem transcript with the grade designation "credit." Transfer work will not be considered in calculation of student grade point averages reported for degree work at UPSem. Course work completed by UPSem students at the Richmond Theological Consortium is not considered transfer credit. Registration for these courses is completed and tuition paid on the student’s home campus. Grades received appear on the transcript as they are reported to the Registrar and are included when student grade point averages are calculated.
No credits may be accepted from a conferred degree. Individuals who have completed the Master of Arts in Christian Education at a regionally accredited institution in the United States or who hold an equivalent educational credential from another country may be granted advanced standing equivalent to 12 credits upon admission to the M.Div. program. Individuals who meet these same requirements and who have completed the Master of Divinity may be granted advanced standing equivalent to 10 credits upon admission to the M.A.C.E. program. Degree requirements for advanced standing students are specified in the UPSem academic catalog.
United Methodist Courses
Union Presbyterian Seminary has a consortium agreement with Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC which allows UPSem students to take courses at Wesley. Registration information can be found at the Wesley Theological Seminary website or from Stan Hargraves' office located in Watts 307, phone 804-278-4379. You can also go directly to the form by going here. Before you submit your application you will need to see Stan Hargraves for a special code that will bypass your needing to have transcripts or recommendations. After submitting your application you will also need a verification letter from the UPSem registrar or dean that you are in good standing.
Because different United Methodist conferences may have different requirements, we have provided you links to specific conference information. Please check with the appropriate United Methodist conference office for the specific requirements of your conference and Stan Hargraves, UPSem Registrar and United Methodist Advisor.
Western North Carolina Conference
You can download a listing of Wesley and UPSem courses that meet common United Methodist requirements for ordination. Please note that travel seminars may or may not meet the mission requirements of a particular conference. Additionally a preaching course is not mandated by the Discipline so not all conferences will require preaching.
UPSem courses will apply to Wesley's course prerequisites if there are any. Also both seminary's policies state that students may not take supervised ministry and another course. However students can set up their supervised ministry contract to possibly allow one course as long as they do not overlap.