Is your call to bold, Christian service?

At Union Presbyterian Seminary, our academic programs combine rigorous, accessible theological education with deep spiritual formation.

text

Grounded in Scripture and the Reformed and ecumenical traditions, students develop the hermeneutical, prophetic, and pastoral skills needed to lead in today’s complex ministry contexts. Through close engagement with dedicated faculty and a flexible, hybrid learning model, UPSem prepares leaders to serve the church and the world with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love.

Academic Programs

Doctor of Ministry (30 credits)

D.Min. | Doctor of Ministry

Strengthen Your Ministry. Lead with Wisdom and Courage.

An advanced professional degree for experienced ministry leaders seeking renewal and deeper formation.

Mode: Online-based cohort

Tuition: Total tuition for this multi-year degree program is $10,000. Students are eligible for need-based aid.

Key Dates: Apply by March 1 for consideration.

Learn More

Master of Theology (30 credits)

Th.M.

Deepen Your Scholarship. Expand Your Ministry.

A one-year advanced master’s degree for deeper academic study before pursuing teaching, doctoral work, or specialized ministry.

Mode: Hybrid at Richmond

Financial Aid: Accessible entry with up to 100% financial aid available for degree-seeking students.

Time to degree: One year.

Key Dates: Apply by February 1 for consideration.

Learn More

Master of Divinity (73 credits)

M.Div.

Lead Christian Faith Formation

A flexible program rooted in Scripture, theology, and real-world formation, designed to equip leaders for congregational ministry, chaplaincy, nonprofit leadership, and emerging forms of Christian service.

Modes: Hybrid at Charlotte | Hybrid at Richmond

Financial aid: Accessible entry with up to 100% financial aid available for degree-seeking students at both Richmond and Charlotte campuses.

Time to degree: Typical completion is three years, with flexible pacing that supports both full-time and part-time paths.

Key Dates:

Fall term applications due December 1 (international)
Fall term applications due June 1 (domestic)
Winter applications due October 1
Spring applications due February 1

Learn More

Master of Arts in Christian Education (49 credits)

M.A.C.E.

Prepare to Teach, Lead, and Form Faith in Every Generation

A flexible program designed for educators, leaders, and ministry practitioners who shape Christian formation in congregations, schools, and communities.

Modes: Hybrid at Charlotte | Hybrid at Richmond | Fully Online

Financial aid: Accessible entry with up to 100% financial aid available for degree-seeking students at both Richmond and Charlotte campuses.

Time to degree: Designed to be completed in two to three years.

Key Dates:

Fall term applications due December 1 (international)
Fall term applications due June 1 (domestic)
Winter applications due October 1
Spring applications due February 1

Learn More

Master of Arts in Public Theology (46 credits)

M.A.P.T.

Change individuals, communities, and the world with your faith.

A flexible program for leaders connecting theology with social justice, community leadership, advocacy, and public life.

Modes: Hybrid at Charlotte | Hybrid at Richmond | Fully Online

Financial aid: Accessible entry with up to 100% financial aid available for degree-seeking students at both Richmond and Charlotte campuses.

Time to degree: Typical completion is two to three years, depending on pace.

Key Dates:

Fall term applications due June 1
Winter applications due October 1
Spring applications due February 1

Note: At this time, the M.A.P.T. program does not accept international students.

Learn More

Master of Divinity/Master of Arts in Christian Education (88 credits)

M.Div./M.A.C.E.

Lead, Teach, and Minister with Confidence

A flexible dual program combining Christian education and theology

Modes: Hybrid at Charlotte | Hybrid at Richmond

Financial aid: Accessible entry with up to 100% financial aid available for degree-seeking students at both Richmond and Charlotte campuses.

Time to degree: Full-time completion is typically four years, with flexible pacing available to support your ministry context.

Key Dates:

Fall term applications due December 1 (international)
Fall term applications due June 1 (domestic)
Winter applications due October 1
Spring applications due February 1

Learn More

Master of Divinity/Master of Arts in Public Theology (88 credits)

M.Div./M.A.P.T.

Lead the Church, Engage the World

A combined program for students called to both congregational leadership and public ministry.

Modes: Hybrid at Charlotte | Hybrid at Richmond

Financial aid: Accessible entry with up to 100% financial aid available for degree-seeking students at both Richmond and Charlotte campuses.

Time to degree: Typical completion is four years, with flexible pacing available to support your ministry context.

Key Dates:

Fall term applications due December 1 (international)
Fall term applications due June 1 (domestic)
Winter applications due October 1
Spring applications due February 1

Learn More

Master of Arts in Christian Education/Master of Arts in Public Theology (70 credits)

M.A.C.E./M.A.P.T.

Strengthen Your Ministry. Lead with Wisdom and Courage.

Integrates Christian education with public theology, equipping you to preach, pastor, and engage public life for the common good.

Modes: Hybrid at Charlotte | Hybrid at Richmond

Financial aid: Accessible entry with up to 100% financial aid available for degree-seeking students at both Richmond and Charlotte campuses.

Key Dates:

Fall term applications due December 1 (international)
Fall term applications due June 1 (domestic)
Winter applications due October 1
Spring applications due February 1

Learn More

Certificate in Christian Education (12 credits)

C.C.E.

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.

Modes: Hybrid at Charlotte | Hybrid at Richmond | Fully Online

Cost: $500 per course

Key Dates:

Fall term applications due December 1 (international)
Fall term applications due June 1 (domestic)
Winter applications due October 1
Spring applications due March 1

Learn More

Certificate in Public Theology (12 credits)

C.P.T.

Strengthen your public‑facing ministry in this 12‑credit graduate certificate addresses policy, ecology, economic justice, gender, race and reconciliation, community care, and interreligious dialogue. Delivered in a hybrid format (online + in‑person) on both campuses, the program includes three courses linked to our academic centers plus a travel seminar that connects learning with lived contexts. This program is designed for those not seeking a full degree, and is intended to be completed in 1-2 years. 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.

Modes: Hybrid at Charlotte | Hybrid at Richmond

Cost: $500 per course

Key Dates:

Fall term applications due December 1 (international)
Fall term applications due June 1 (domestic)
Winter applications due October 1
Spring applications due March 1

Learn More

Course Listings

Admissions Calendar

Fall

February 1
Th.M. applications due

March 15
D.Min. applications and materials due

June 1
M.Div., M.A.C.E., M.A.P.T., and Dual Degree applications due

August 1
Certificate and Limited Enrollment applications due

Spring I

October 1
M.Div., M.A.C.E., M.A.P.T., and Dual Degree applications due

November 1
Certificate and Limited Enrollment applications due

Spring II

February 1
M.Div., M.A.C.E., M.A.P.T., and Dual Degree applications due

March 15
Certificate and Limited Enrollment applications due

International Applicants

December 1
International online applications due

February 1
International supplemental materials due