Certificate Program in Public Theology

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.

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.

Program Contacts

For more information, please contact Rev. Annie Franklin Arvin or Rev. Ashlee Anderson

Application Deadlines

• August 1 - Fall term deadline
• November 1 - Winter term deadline
• March 15 - Sprint term deadline

References

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

Official Transcripts

• August 1 - Fall term deadline
• November 1 - Winter term deadline
• March 15 - Sprint term deadline

Background Check & Disclosure Form

Required.

Faculty Interview

Required.

Essay

Required.

Access to an Affordable Education

Union Presbyterian Seminary is committed to making theological education accessible and affordable for all who are called to study here. 

• C.P.T. Tuition & Fees

  • $500 per course
  • $2,000 for 4 courses

Financial Aid