Master of 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

Applicants for admission to the Master of Theology 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, and must have received a master’s degree in an appropriate discipline from a seminary or university accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada or its international equivalent.

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

Please reach out to the Richmond Director of Admissions, Rev. Annie Franklin Arvin and the Th.M. Program Director, Dr. Samuel Adams before applying to the Th.M. program

Application Deadlines

February 1

References

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

Official Transcripts

Due February 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. Degree-seeking students who complete their admission application by the February 1 final deadline are eligible for significant tuition support, with aid available to those enrolled at least half-time in their degree program. Most students receive 80-100% of tuition coverage.

• Th.M. Tuition & Fees

  • $15,000 per year

  • $1,500 per term for Th.M. students who extend study past one nine-month academic calendar

  • $200 per semester for Th.M. students

  • $125 graduation fee

Financial Aid