Certificate in Public Theology

Certificate in Public Theology at Union Presbyterian Seminary

• 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). 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

  • We accept a limited number of non-degree seeking, certificate students each year. Certificate students may choose this path for a number of reasons, such as:

    1. Continuing education for those already serving in ministry

    2. Professional or personal growth for those invested in connecting their belief system with their service to their community

    Limited Enrollment Requirements

    Applicants must have graduated from a college or university accredited by one of the nationally-recognized regional accrediting agencies.

    Limited enrollment students will take 12 credits worth of courses over the course of 1 year (3 courses in relation to the work of the Centers and a travel seminar). Exceptions must be approved by the Academic Dean.

    Certificate students are not eligible for financial aid.

    Certificate students may subsequently apply to a degree program, and if admitted, request transfer credit for a maximum of four courses through the Academic Dean. A limited enrollment student must have paid all seminary bills before being admitted to a degree program.

    Application Process

    Complete an application in SONIS. We recommend that applicants complete an online application.

    Basic instructions for the online SONIS application can be found here. To start your online application, please use these instructions.

    REFERENCES Please provide the names of two references. References should include one professional reference and a second reference who can comment on your academic ability. In considering your request, we may find it helpful to contact other sources of information.

    TRANSCRIPTS Applicants must have original transcripts, showing courses and grades, sent directly from each accredited college or university they have attended. A final transcript showing a bachelor’s degree and the date conferred must be on file before a student may enroll. Submit all transcripts. Official (signed and sealed) transcripts 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.

    ESSAY In 500-800 words, discuss an important contemporary social issue that you are actively involved in and how you see the need for theological engagement with that issue.

    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, 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.

    Complete your  Personal Disclosure Form.

• Details and Deadlines

  • Requirements

    Candidates for the Certificate Program in Public Theology 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. Conditional enrollment for those with significant life experience may also be considered.

    As courses are completed, students will be awarded academic credit that may be applied to a degree program at Union Presbyterian Seminary or transferred elsewhere.

    Program Contacts

    Rev. Annie Franklin Arvin or Rev. Ashlee Anderson

    Application Deadlines

    • November 1 – Spring term deadline
    • August 1 – Fall term deadline

    References

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

    Official Transcripts

    • November 1 – Spring term deadline
    • August 1 – Fall term deadline

    Background Check & Disclosure Form

    Required.

    Faculty Interview

    Required.

    Essay

    Required.