The Union Experience
Flexible modalities for your call
At Union Presbyterian Seminary (UPSem), theological education is rigorous, mission-driven, and rooted in community and formation. UPSem’s fully hybrid learning model—offered through our Richmond and Charlotte campuses—combines online coursework with periodic on-campus learning experiences, making seminary study more accessible and affordable without compromising academic rigor or spiritual formation. Through a blend of online learning and intentional in-person gatherings focused on learning, worship, and community connection, students experience academic excellence alongside shared meals and fellowship. Whether you study through the Charlotte hybrid format, the Richmond hybrid format, or as part of the Community Scholars residential program, you’ll join a diverse, supportive learning community preparing ethically grounded, spiritually formed, and contextually aware leaders for churches, nonprofits, educational institutions, and civic organizations.
Hybrid at Charlotte
Format
12 in-person Saturdays/year
Features
Charlotte based classes are a combination of online (both synchronous and asynchronous) and hybrid. Classes can be on Saturday morning, afternoon, or during the week in the evening. Our hybrid classes take place on Saturday and have an in-person component 4 Saturdays per term-usually once per month. When we are together in person, we have midday worship and lunch together and end the day with a social gathering.
Faculty
We have 21 faculty members, including 7 full-time professors based primarily in Charlotte. This incredible community of scholars, teachers, and mentors is deeply committed to student learning and formation. Faculty teach and engage with students across both campuses throughout the year—ensuring every student benefits from their expertise and care. Faculty from both campuses serve all students.
Formation
Each term begins with an in-person gathering before transitioning to virtual classes until we meet again. This regular rhythm of connection—four in-person gatherings per term across three terms each year—creates a strong sense of community. Our days together are full of energy, with students filling breaks with lively hallway conversations, walks around campus, coffee breaks, and quiet moments in the library.
Hybrid at Richmond
Format
4-day (Tuesday – Friday) residency, 3 times/year (September 22-25, 2026, January 19-22, 2027, and June 1-4, 2027)
Features
Richmond based classes are a combination of online (both synchronous and asynchronous) and hybrid. Classes can be M-F during the day or evening. Our Richmond hybrid classes have a 4 day in-person residency component each term. We provide access to campus housing and share meals, worship, fellowship, community building and spiritual formation opportunities while on campus together.
Faculty
We have 21 faculty members, including 14 full-time professors based primarily in Richmond. This incredible community of scholars, teachers, and mentors is deeply committed to student learning and formation. Faculty teach and engage with students across both campuses throughout the year—ensuring every student benefits from their expertise and care. Faculty from both campuses serve all students.
Formation
The Richmond hybrid experience is intended to cultivate a vibrant, engaging community that begins taking shape online from the very start of the semester. By the time we gather in person a few weeks later, it will already feel like we’ve known one another for some time. Our four-day residency will be full and lively—life-giving and energizing—yet also designed with space for reflection and rest, honoring the rhythms of every member of our community.
Community Scholars
Format
Covenantal Community Scholars
Features
Join a small group of Richmond campus residents that seek to live in an intentional Christian community with shared meals, recreation, service, worship, spiritual practices, and study life together that take place outside of regularly scheduled classes.
Faculty
Student shepherds lead the Community Scholars in helping to mentor new students, plan gatherings, facilitate welcoming students to campus and cultivate relationships.
Formation
Students take part in the Richmond hybrid experience, marked by four-day intensives at the start of each semester. This small group helps create their own covenant and makes plans for life together with the support and equipping of our seminary staff.
