The Union Experience
Flexible modalities for your call
At Union Presbyterian Seminary, theological education is both rigorous and rooted in community. Our hybrid and residential options in Richmond and Charlotte make seminary study accessible and affordable—without compromising the depth of formation that defines a Union education. Through a blend of online learning and intentional in-person gatherings, students experience academic excellence alongside shared worship, meals, and fellowship. Whether you study through the Charlotte hybrid format, the Richmond hybrid residency, or as part of the Community Scholars, you’ll join a diverse, supportive learning community committed to faithful, creative, and compassionate leadership in today’s world.
Hybrid at Charlotte
Format
12 in-person Saturdays/year
Features
Charlotte based classes are a combination of online (both synchronous and asynchronous) and hybrid. Classes can be on Saturday morning, afternoon, or during the week in the evening. Our hybrid classes take place on Saturday and have an in-person component 4 Saturdays per term-usually once per month. When we are together in person, we have midday worship and lunch together and end the day with a social gathering.
Faculty
We have 21 faculty members, including 7 full-time professors based primarily in Richmond. This incredible community of scholars, teachers, and mentors is deeply committed to student learning and formation. Faculty teach and engage with students across both campuses throughout the year—ensuring every student benefits from their expertise and care. Faculty from both campuses serve all students.
Formation
Each term begins with an in-person gathering before transitioning to virtual classes until we meet again. This regular rhythm of connection—four in-person gatherings per term across three terms each year—creates a strong sense of community. Our days together are full of energy, with students filling breaks with lively hallway conversations, walks around campus, coffee breaks, and quiet moments in the library.
Hybrid at Richmond
Format
4-day residency, 3 times/year
Features
Richmond based classes are a combination of online (both synchronous and asynchronous) and hybrid. Classes can be M-F during the day or evening. Our Richmond hybrid classes have a 4 day in-person residency component each term. We provide access to campus housing and share meals, worship, fellowship, community building and spiritual formation opportunities while on campus together.
Faculty
We have 21 faculty members, including 14 full-time professors based primarily in Richmond. This incredible community of scholars, teachers, and mentors is deeply committed to student learning and formation. Faculty teach and engage with students across both campuses throughout the year—ensuring every student benefits from their expertise and care. Faculty from both campuses serve all students.
Formation
The Richmond hybrid experience is intended to cultivate a vibrant, engaging community that begins taking shape online from the very start of the semester. By the time we gather in person a few weeks later, it will already feel like we’ve known one another for some time. Our four-day residency will be full and lively—life-giving and energizing—yet also designed with space for reflection and rest, honoring the rhythms of every member of our community.
Community Scholars
Format
Covenantal Community Scholars
Features
Join a small group of Richmond campus residents that seek to live in an intentional Christian community with shared meals, recreation, service, worship, spiritual practices, and study life together that take place outside of regularly scheduled classes.
Faculty
Student shepherds lead the Community Scholars in helping to mentor new students, plan gatherings, facilitate welcoming students to campus and cultivate relationships.
Formation
This small group helps create their own covenant and makes plans for life together with the support and equipping of our seminary staff.
