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, 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

      • 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
      • MDIV Specific Requirements (45 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 (24)

  • Course Requirements - Hebrew/Greek Exegesis

      • 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
      • MDIV Specific Requirements (45 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 (12)

  • 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.