Master of Divinity

Master of Divinity at Union Presbyterian Seminary

Union’s 73‑credit M.Div. forms resilient pastors and public leaders for congregations, chaplaincy, nonprofits, and beyond. Expect deep biblical and theological study with tools for preaching, teaching, and pastoral care—learned in community through worship, shared meals, and faculty mentorship. 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. Full-time completion is typically 3 years; flexible pacing supports both full-time and part-time paths.

Financial aid: 80% tuition assistance is available and students may also apply for need based aid covering up to 100% of tuition costs. 

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). 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 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 - English Exegesis

      • Bible (12 hours)
        • BIBL110 – Old Testament I
        • BIBL120 – New Testament I
        • BIBL210 – Old Testament II
        • BIBL220 – New Testament II
      • History, Theology, Ethics (15 hours)
        • HIST101 – History I
        • HIST201 – History II
        • THEO101 – Theology I
        • THEO201 – Theology II
        • ETHC101 – Introduction to Christian Ethics
      • Preaching & Worship (6 hours)
        • PRAW100 Introduction to Christian Worship
        • PRAW200 Introduction to Preaching & Public Proclamation
      • Pastoral Care (3 hours)
        • PCAC101 Introduction to Pastoral  Care
      • Christian Education (3 hours)
        • Choose either one Educational Theory course (indicated by an EDTH course number) or one Faith Formation course (indicated by a FTHF course number).
      • Church in the World (6 hours)
        • Choose two Church in the World courses (indicated by a CITW course number with some exceptions; email the Registrar’s Office for a full list).
      • Supervised Ministry (6 hours)
        • SVMN101 – Supervised Ministry Internship I
        • SVMN201 – Supervised Ministry Internship II
      • Elective courses (30 hours)
        • Students may choose 10 general elective courses from among Union courses.
      •  Total 81 hours

  • Course Requirements - Hebrew/Greek Exegesis

      • Bible (12 hours)
        • LANG110 – Hebrew I
        • LANG120 – Greek I
        • LANG210 – Hebrew II
        • LANG220 – Greek II
      • Bible (12 hours)
        • BIBL201 – Old Testament I
        • BIBL202 – New Testament I
        • BIBL301 – Old Testament II
        • BIBL302 – New Testament II
      • History, Theology, & Ethics (15 hours)
        • HIST101 – History I
        • HIST201 – History II
        • THEO101 – Theology I
        • THEO201 – Theology II
        • ETHC101 – Introduction to Christian Ethics
      • Preaching & Worship (6 hours)
        • PRAW100 Introduction to Christian Worship
        • PRAW200 Introduction to Preaching & Public Proclamation
      • Pastoral Care (3 hours)
        • PCAC101 Introduction to Pastoral  Care
      • Christian Education (3 hours)
        • Choose either one Educational Theory course (indicated by an EDTH course number) or one Faith Formation course (indicated by a FTHF course number).
      • Church in the World (6 hours)
        • Choose two Church in the World courses (indicated by a CITW course number with some exceptions; email the Registrar’s Office for a full list).
      • Supervised Ministry (6 hours)
        • SVMN101  -Supervised Ministry Internship I
        • SVMN20 1- Supervised Ministry Internship II
      • General Electives (18 hours)
        • Students may choose 6 general elective courses from among Union courses.
      •  Total 81 hours

  • Details and Deadlines

    • Requirements

      Candidates for the M.Div. 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.