Admissions

Find where you're called to lead

Whether you’re discerning a call to ministry, deepening your faith, or preparing to lead in new contexts, hybrid learning options through our Richmond and Charlotte campuses make this journey both accessible, affordable, and transformative.

To learn more about our degree programs and the application process, please fill out the Inquiry Form. Our Admissions team reviews each application individually. You can also reach our Admissions team anytime at admissions@upsem.edu—we look forward to beginning the conversation.

We’re honored to walk with you as you explore where God is calling you to serve. At Union Presbyterian Seminary, theological education is formation for faithful, creative, and compassionate leadership in today’s world.

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Admissions Calendar

Fall

February 1
Th.M. applications due

March 1
D.Min. applications and materials due

June 1
M.Div., M.A.C.E., M.A.P.T., and Dual Degree applications due

August 1
Certificate and Limited Enrollment applications due

Winter

October 1
M.Div., M.A.C.E., M.A.P.T., and Dual Degree applications due

November 1
Certificate and Limited Enrollment applications due

Spring

February 1
M.Div., M.A.C.E., M.A.P.T., and Dual Degree applications due

March 15
Certificate and Limited Enrollment applications due

International Applicants

December 1
International online applications due

February 1
International supplemental materials due

Academic Programs

Doctor of Ministry (30 credits)

D.Min. | Doctor of Ministry

Strengthen Your Ministry. Lead with Wisdom and Courage.

An advanced professional degree for experienced ministry leaders seeking renewal and deeper formation.

Mode: Online-based cohort

Tuition: Total tuition for this multi-year degree program is $10,000. Students are eligible for need-based aid.

Key Dates: Apply by March 1 for consideration.

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Master of Theology (30 credits)

Th.M.

Deepen Your Scholarship. Expand Your Ministry.

A one-year advanced master’s degree for deeper academic study before pursuing teaching, doctoral work, or specialized ministry.

Mode: Hybrid at Richmond

Financial Aid: Accessible entry with up to 100% financial aid available for degree-seeking students.

Time to degree: One year.

Key Dates: Apply by February 1 for consideration.

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Master of Divinity (73 credits)

M.Div.

Lead Christian Faith Formation

A flexible program rooted in Scripture, theology, and real-world formation, designed to equip leaders for congregational ministry, chaplaincy, nonprofit leadership, and emerging forms of Christian service.

Modes: Hybrid at Charlotte | Hybrid at Richmond

Financial aid: Accessible entry with up to 100% financial aid available for degree-seeking students at both Richmond and Charlotte campuses.

Time to degree: Typical completion is three years, with flexible pacing that supports both full-time and part-time paths.

Key Dates:

Fall term applications due December 1 (international)
Fall term applications due June 1 (domestic)
Winter applications due October 1
Spring applications due February 1

Learn More

Master of Arts in Christian Education (49 credits)

M.A.C.E.

Prepare to Teach, Lead, and Form Faith in Every Generation

A flexible program designed for educators, leaders, and ministry practitioners who shape Christian formation in congregations, schools, and communities.

Modes: Hybrid at Charlotte | Hybrid at Richmond | Fully Online

Financial aid: Accessible entry with up to 100% financial aid available for degree-seeking students at both Richmond and Charlotte campuses.

Time to degree: Designed to be completed in two to three years.

Key Dates:

Fall term applications due December 1 (international)
Fall term applications due June 1 (domestic)
Winter applications due October 1
Spring applications due February 1

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Master of Arts in Public Theology (46 credits)

M.A.P.T.

Change individuals, communities, and the world with your faith.

A flexible program for leaders connecting theology with social justice, community leadership, advocacy, and public life.

Modes: Hybrid at Charlotte | Hybrid at Richmond | Fully Online

Financial aid: Accessible entry with up to 100% financial aid available for degree-seeking students at both Richmond and Charlotte campuses.

Time to degree: Typical completion is two to three years, depending on pace.

Key Dates:

Fall term applications due June 1
Winter applications due October 1
Spring applications due February 1

Note: At this time, the M.A.P.T. program does not accept international students.

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Master of Divinity/Master of Arts in Christian Education (88 credits)

M.Div./M.A.C.E.

Lead, Teach, and Minister with Confidence

A flexible dual program combining Christian education and theology

Modes: Hybrid at Charlotte | Hybrid at Richmond

Financial aid: Accessible entry with up to 100% financial aid available for degree-seeking students at both Richmond and Charlotte campuses.

Time to degree: Full-time completion is typically four years, with flexible pacing available to support your ministry context.

Key Dates:

Fall term applications due December 1 (international)
Fall term applications due June 1 (domestic)
Winter applications due October 1
Spring applications due February 1

Learn More

Master of Divinity/Master of Arts in Public Theology (88 credits)

M.Div./M.A.P.T.

Lead the Church, Engage the World

A combined program for students called to both congregational leadership and public ministry.

Modes: Hybrid at Charlotte | Hybrid at Richmond

Financial aid: Accessible entry with up to 100% financial aid available for degree-seeking students at both Richmond and Charlotte campuses.

Time to degree: Typical completion is four years, with flexible pacing available to support your ministry context.

Key Dates:

Fall term applications due December 1 (international)
Fall term applications due June 1 (domestic)
Winter applications due October 1
Spring applications due February 1

Learn More

Master of Arts in Christian Education/Master of Arts in Public Theology (70 credits)

M.A.C.E./M.A.P.T.

Strengthen Your Ministry. Lead with Wisdom and Courage.

Integrates Christian education with public theology, equipping you to preach, pastor, and engage public life for the common good.

Modes: Hybrid at Charlotte | Hybrid at Richmond

Financial aid: Accessible entry with up to 100% financial aid available for degree-seeking students at both Richmond and Charlotte campuses.

Key Dates:

Fall term applications due December 1 (international)
Fall term applications due June 1 (domestic)
Winter applications due October 1
Spring applications due February 1

Learn More

Certificate in Christian Education (12 credits)

C.C.E.

This 12‑credit graduate certificate equips pastors, educators, and congregational leaders with best practices in educational theory, faith formation, and teaching practice. Students will develop competencies in three core areas of Christian Education: Educational Theory, Faith Formation and Educational Practices. The curriculum supports those pursuing PC(USA) Educator Certification requirements, and is intended to be completed in 1-2 years. Complete fully online or study 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.

Modes: Hybrid at Charlotte | Hybrid at Richmond | Fully Online

Cost: $500 per course

Key Dates:

Fall term applications due December 1 (international)
Fall term applications due June 1 (domestic)
Winter applications due October 1
Spring applications due March 1

Learn More

Certificate in Public Theology (12 credits)

C.P.T.

Strengthen your public‑facing ministry in this 12‑credit graduate certificate addresses policy, ecology, economic justice, gender, race and reconciliation, community care, and interreligious dialogue. Delivered in a hybrid format (online + in‑person) on both campuses, the program includes three courses linked to our academic centers plus a travel seminar that connects learning with lived contexts. This program is designed for those not seeking a full degree, and is intended to be completed in 1-2 years. Study 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.

Modes: Hybrid at Charlotte | Hybrid at Richmond

Cost: $500 per course

Key Dates:

Fall term applications due December 1 (international)
Fall term applications due June 1 (domestic)
Winter applications due October 1
Spring applications due March 1

Learn More

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Applicant Information

International Applicants

Union Presbyterian Seminary has equipped ordained ministers, church leaders, and Christian educators for the global church for more than 200 years. The community at Union finds immeasurable strength in a far-reaching variety of perspectives and experiences. We welcome and celebrate applications from all students, regardless of citizenship or residency.

[LEARN MORE ABOUT INTERNATIONAL ADMISSION]

Transfer Applicants

Looking to keep developing your faith? UPSem allows students to transfer credits toward our M.A.C.E., M.Div., and M.A.P.T. programs from institutions accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, or from institutions offering graduate-level work accredited by one of the nationally recognized regional accrediting agencies in the United States.

[FIND OUT MORE]

Limited Enrollment Applicants

Apply to Audit

Auditing provides an opportunity to receive instruction in a particular course without receiving a grade or course credit. Auditors are expected to attend class sessions and may listen in class; the instructor is not required to review any written work auditors may choose to do. Audit is by permission of instructor, and the instructor shall also set all terms of the audit.

Graduates of Union Presbyterian Seminary and other RTC institutions, degree-seeking students, spouses of current Union students, and staff members employed by Union and RTC schools, as well as their spouses, may audit one course per term at no charge, as long as the course is otherwise available to auditors and as long as procedures for signing up for audit have been followed. To audit additional courses in one term, and for all other auditors, there is a non-refundable fee of $200.

Application Process

1. Obtain permission of the course instructor.

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

3. Complete a 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.

4. Instructions to pay the $200 course fee will be provided after audit course approval.

For help or information, email Admissions Assistant Bonnie Hoffman or call 804-278-4221.