Certificate Program in Christian Education

Certificate Program in Christian Education at Union Presbyterian Seminary

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.

Apply: November 1 – Spring term deadline / August 1 – Fall term deadline

Cost: $500 per course

Apply

  • 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 (link), 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.

  • Course Requirements

    • A student must complete 12 semester credit hours and meet the course requirements detailed below. As courses are completed, students will be awarded academic credit that may be applied to a degree program at Union Presbyterian Seminary or possibly transferred elsewhere.

      • Core Competency Areas (9 hours, 3 courses)
      • Students must complete one course in each of three core competency areas:
        • Faith Formation
        • Educational Theory
        • Educational Practices
      • Elective in Christian Education (3 hours, 1 course)

  • Details and Deadlines

    • Requirements

      Candidates for the admission to the Certificate Program in Christian Education 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 nationally- recognized regional accrediting agencies in the United States, or hold an equivalent educational credential from another country.

      Program Contacts

      Rev. Annie Franklin Arvin or Rev. Ashlee Anderson

      Application Deadlines

      • November 1 – Spring term deadline
      • August 1 – Fall term deadline

      References

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

      Official Transcripts

      • November 1 – Spring term deadline
      • August 1 – Fall term deadline

      Background Check & Disclosure Form

      Required.

      Faculty Interview

      Required.

      Essay

      Required.