Master of Divinity/Master of Arts in Public Theology
Master of Divinity/Master of Arts in Public Theology at Union Presbyterian Seminary
This 88‑credit, 4‑year dual degree integrates the M.Div. with the Master of Arts in Public Theology (M.A.P.T.), equipping you to preach, pastor, and engage public life for the common good (policy, ecology, economic justice, interreligious dialogue, community care, race and reconciliation). Anchored by formation in worship and community, you can choose to study in a hybrid format on either campus. Charlotte’s rhythm includes a monthly in-person gathering, while Richmond’s hybrid model includes a 4-day residency each semester.
Financial aid: 80% tuition assistance is available and students may also apply for need based aid covering up to 100% of tuition costs.
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). You can also learn more about which learning modality works best for you. 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 23227Do 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.
Course Requirements
Master of Divinity English/ Master of Arts in Public Theology (88 credit hours)
- Common Core (28 credit hours)
- BIBL160 Old Testament Interpretation
- BIBL170 New Testament Interpretation
- HIST120 Christian History: Christianities in Context
- THEO120 Christian Theology: Faith Seeking Understanding
- ETHC120 Christian Ethics: Faith in Action
- PCAC101 The Praxis of Care in the 21st Century
- CETL100 Teaching and Learning
- SMPR100 Practicum-Based Learning in Context
- SMPR200 Project-Based Learning in Context
- THRS101 Introduction to Theological Research
- MAPT Specific Requirements (18 credit hours)
- PTHE*** Public Theology designated courses
- PTHE199-FP Final project
- MDIV Specific Requirements (21 credit hours)
- BIBL261 Old Testament Advanced Exegesis
- BIBL271 New Testament Advanced Exegesis
- PRAW101 The Church at Worship: Theology and Practice
- PRAW201 Proclamation for Church and Public Square
- HIST*** History Elective
- THEO*** Theology Elective
- ETHC*** Ethics Elective
- Electives (21 credit hours)
Master of Divinity Greek Hebrew/Master of Arts in Public Theology (88 credit hours)
- Common Core (28 credit hours)
- BIBL160 Old Testament Interpretation
- BIBL170 New Testament Interpretation
- HIST120 Christian History: Christianities in Context
- THEO120 Christian Theology: Faith Seeking Understanding
- ETHC120 Christian Ethics: Faith in Action
- PCAC101 The Praxis of Care in the 21st Century
- CETL100 Teaching and Learning
- SMPR100 Practicum-Based Learning in Context
- SMPR200 Project-Based Learning in Context
- THRS101 Introduction to Theological Research
- MAPT Specific Requirements (18 credit hours)
- PTHE*** Public Theology designated courses
- PTHE199-FP Final project
- MDIV Specific Requirements (33 credit hours)
- BIBL261 Old Testament Advanced Exegesis
- BIBL271 New Testament Advanced Exegesis
- PRAW101 The Church at Worship: Theology and Practice
- PRAW201 Proclamation for Church and Public Square
- HIST*** History Elective
- THEO*** Theology Elective
- ETHC*** Ethics Elective
- LANG100 Biblical Hebrew for Translation and Interpretation I
- LANG200Biblical Hebrew for Translation and Interpretation II
- LANG105 Koine Greek for Translation and Interpretation I
- LANG205 Koine Greek for Translation and Interpretation II
- Electives (9 credit hours)
- Common Core (28 credit hours)
Details and Deadlines
Requirements
Candidates for the M.Div./M.A.P.T. program 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.
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
Rev. Annie Franklin Arvin or Rev. Ashlee Anderson
Application Deadlines
- October 1 – Spring I term deadline
- February 1 – Spring II term deadline
- June 1 – Fall term deadline
References
- 3 references (one academic, one professional, one pastoral)
Official Transcripts
- October 1 – Spring I term deadline
- February 1 – Spring II term deadline
- June 1 – Fall term deadline
Background Check & Disclosure Form
Required.
Faculty Interview
Required.
Essay
Required.
