Master of Divinity/Master of Arts in Public Theology
Master of Divinity/Master of Arts in Public Theology at Union Presbyterian Seminary
This 88‑credit, 4‑year dual degree integrates the M.Div. with the Master of Arts in Public Theology (M.A.P.T.), equipping you to preach, pastor, and engage public life for the common good (policy, ecology, economic justice, interreligious dialogue, community care, race and reconciliation). Anchored by formation in worship and community, you can choose to study in a hybrid format on either campus. Charlotte’s rhythm includes a monthly in-person gathering, while Richmond’s hybrid model 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.
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 23227Do 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
- MDIV Core Curricular Competencies (51 credit hours)
- Old Testament (6 credit hours)
- New Testament (6 credit hours)
- Theology (6 credit hours)
- History of Christianity (6 credit hours)
- Christian Ethics (3 credit hours)
- Preaching and Worship (6 credit hours)
- Education (3 credit hours)
- Pastoral Care (3 credit hours)
- Supervised Ministry (6 credit hours)
- Church in the World (6 credit hours) – may be met by MAPT requirements in relation to the work of the Centers and the travel seminar; this would allow for 6 additional hours of electives
- MDIV Electives (24 credit hours)
- #1 and #2: Hebrew Option (6 credit hours)
- #3 and #4: Greek Option (6 credit hours)
- Course #5 (3 credit hours)
- Course #6 (3 credit hours)
- Course #7 (3 credit hours)
- Course #8 (3 credit hours)
- MAPT COMPONENTS (24 credit hours)
- Required areas, with a focus on the public dimension (9 credit hours): choose 3 from the following areas:
- 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): choose 3 courses that are related to the work of the Centers. The following list illustrates the kinds of elective Center-related courses that may be offered:
- 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 present 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.
- Final project (3 credit hours)
- The final project may consist of field-based learning, an independent research project, an integrative project, or a combination of these.
- Required areas, with a focus on the public dimension (9 credit hours): choose 3 from the following areas:
- MDIV Core Curricular Competencies (51 credit hours)
Details and Deadlines
Requirements
Candidates for the M.Div./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 nationally- recognized 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.
