Certificate Program in Public Theology

Lead with Confidence and Understanding

Strengthen your public-facing ministry by addressing policy, ecology, economic justice, gender, race, and reconciliation, community care, and interreligious dialogue. This 12-credit graduate certificate is designed for those not seeking a full degree and is intended to be completed in 1-2 years.

Certificate in Christian Education (C.C.E.) At-A-Glance:

Flexible Study

Can be completed fully online or 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.

Expand Your Ministry

Strengthen your public-facing ministry by addressing policy, ecology, economic justice, gender, race, and reconciliation, community care, and interreligious dialogue.

Explore Real World Contexts

Program includes three courses linked to our academic centers plus a travel seminar that connects learning with lived contexts.

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Certificate Program in Public Theology

Gain practical skills and theological grounding for engaging public life through a flexible program designed for today’s ministry and community contexts.

Online and Hybrid Learning

Study public theology with our online and hybrid models. Choose from Richmond, VA or Charlotte, NC for on-campus components.

Accredited Certificate Program

Union Presbyterian Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Application Process

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, 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.

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.

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.