Doctor of Ministry

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

Applicants for admission to the Doctor of Ministry program must hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a four-year college or university accredited by one of the nationally recognized regional accrediting agencies or the international equivalent.

Applicants must have completed an accredited master’s degree in a ministry-related area from a seminary or university accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada or its international equivalent. Applicants without an accredited Master of Divinity degree may be admitted, provided applicants meet each of these criteria:

(a) the ability to thoughtfully interpret scripture and the theological tradition of one’s ministry context
(b) the capacity to understand and adapt one’s ministry to the cultural context
(c) a basic self-understanding of one’s ministerial identity and vocational calling
(d) a readiness to engage in ongoing personal and spiritual formation for one’s ministry
(e) an accredited master’s degree (or its educational equivalent) in an area related to one’s ministry setting or vocational calling
(f) significant ministerial experience that enables the applicant to engage as a ministry peer with other students in this advanced professional doctorate.

Ordination is not a requirement.

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

Contact Rev. Ashlee Anderson to learn more about the D.Min. program.

Application Deadlines

March 1

References

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

Official Transcripts

Due March 1

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. Accessible entry for degree-seeking students with eligibility to receive need-based aid up to 1/3 of the program cost. 

• D.Min. Tuition & Fees

  • • $1,000 per course
    • $10,000 total tuition
    • $50 per course activity fee

Financial Aid