Master of Arts in Public Theology

Master of Arts in Public Theology at Union Presbyterian Seminary

The 46‑credit M.A.P.T. deepens your capacity to bring biblical, historical, theological, ethical, and practical wisdom into the public square. Studies can be tailored to focus on policy, ecological concerns, economic justice, gender, interreligious dialogue, or race and reconciliation. Typical completion: 2–3 years, depending on pace. Study in hybrid formats on either campus: Charlotte’s rhythm includes a monthly in‑person gathering; Richmond’s hybrid includes a 4-day residency each semester.

Financial aid: 80% tuition assistance is available and students may also apply for need based aid covering up to 100% of tuition costs. 

Apply

  • How to Apply

    • To get started with your application process, reach out to our Directors of Admission, Annie Franklin Arvin (call/text 804-291-8314) or Ashlee Anderson (call/text 980-475-1066). You can also learn more about which learning modality works best for you. Applications are hosted in SONIS. Need assistance? Check out our SONIS application guide, or reach out to us with questions.

      Transcripts

      To complete your admissions packet, request all transcripts from each accredited institution you have attended. A final transcript showing a bachelor’s degree and the date conferred must be on file before a student may enroll. Official (signed and sealed) transcripts, showing courses and grades, from ALL previously attended academic institutions are required. Institutions can email eScripts to admissions@upsem.edu or mail paper transcripts to:

      Union Presbyterian Seminary
      Office of Admissions
      3401 Brook Road
      Richmond VA 23227

      Do not send transcripts to the Charlotte campus.

      Background check

      A background check is required of all applicants who are US Citizens, Resident Aliens, and International Applicants who have lived in the US for more than two years. To order your background check, go to the CastleBranch website (link), enter “ua37” into the Package Code field and click go. Review and agree to the Terms and Conditions of Use, then click continue to proceed to payment and confirmation.

      Personal Disclosure Form

      Complete your Personal Disclosure Form.

      Complete your interview

      Interview with a faculty member, in person or virtually on Zoom. You can email Admissions Assistant Bonnie Hoffman or call 804-278-4221 to arrange your interview.

      International applicants

      International applicants should follow the instructions on the International Applicants page.

  • Course Requirements

      • Required areas, with a focus on the public dimension (12 credit hours):
        • Bible (3 credit hours)
        • Theology or Ethics (3 credit hours)
        • History or Missiology (3 credit hours)
        • Practical Theology or Christian Education (3 credit hours)
      • Center-related courses (9 credit hours): The following list illustrates the kinds of elective courses that may be offered in the program:
        • Biennial conference of the Center for Womanist Leadership, with additional requirements for course credit.
        • A conference that involves two or all three Centers, with additional requirements for course credit.
        • A series of seminars over an academic term offered by the three Centers.
        • A course that brings together the foci of the three Centers, with additional requirements for course credit.
        • Courses offered by faculty that tie into the work of one or more Centers.
        • Courses by qualified practitioners that are related to the three Centers.
      • Travel seminar (3 credit hours)
        • Students to whom this presents a hardship could request a waiver from the academic dean and substitute an appropriate elective in relation to the work of one of the three Centers.
      • Electives (6 credit hours)
        • Students may select courses in relation to any of the areas of our curriculum or the work of the three centers. Students may propose one directed study per year, under extraordinary circumstances, under the provisions of the academic catalog.
      • Final project (6 credit hours)
        • The final project may consist of field-based learning, an independent research project, an integrative project, or a combination of these.

  • Details and Deadlines

    • Requirements

      Candidates for the M.A.P.T. program normally must have received a bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from a four-year college or university accredited by one of the regional accrediting agencies in the United States or hold an equivalent educational credential from another country.

      An online interview with a member of the faculty is required. Please contact Admissions at 804-278-4221 or by email at admissions@upsem.edu to arrange your interview.

      Program Contacts

      Rev. Annie Franklin Arvin or Rev. Ashlee Anderson

      Application Deadlines

      • October 1 – Spring I term deadline
      • February 1 – Spring II term deadline
      • June 1 – Fall term deadline

      References

      • 3 references (one academic, one professional, one pastoral)

      Official Transcripts

      • October 1 – Spring I term deadline
      • February 1 – Spring II term deadline
      • June 1 – Fall term deadline

      Background Check & Disclosure Form

      Required.

      Faculty Interview

      Required.

      Essay

      Required.