Who We Are

Since our formation in 1812, we have sustained the intention of our founders to provide education for Christian ministry that is scholarly, pastoral, and engaged with contemporary life. In July 2010, Union-PSCE changed its name to Union Presbyterian Seminary to reflect a new vision for its future, signifying the new creation in which God is calling this historic seminary to participate.

Our graduates serve as pastors of Christian congregations, directors of Christian education, chaplains, international mission workers, social workers, camp directors, and professors of Bible, theology, or religious studies at colleges, universities, and seminaries.

Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia, occupies a 56-acre campus in historic Ginter Park in Richmond’s Northside, with classroom buildings, a mix of student housing options, landscaped grounds, and one of the finest theological libraries in the United States. The campus is on the national historic registry. Worship is held several times a week when classes are in session. Students organize and lead worship, with additional participation and leadership from faculty, alumni, and staff. In addition, the community participates in meals, formal and informal fellowship gatherings, lectures and discussions, community service opportunities, social events, and athletic programs. Students are encouraged to become involved in the life of local congregations.

We also offer programs at a second campus in Charlotte, North Carolina, located in a state-of-the-art facility on the campus of Sharon Presbyterian Church. The curriculum at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Charlotte is designed especially for second-career students who continue full or part-time work while pursuing theological study. The fellowship of the student cohorts along with the leadership and support of the faculty and staff is a particular strength of the program.

We provide a variety of degree programs for those seeking to serve the church of Jesus Christ. Both the Richmond and Charlotte campuses offer the Master of Divinity (M.Div.), the Master of Arts in Christian Education (M.A.C.E.), a dual degrees option (M.Div./M.A.C.E), and a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) degree. The Richmond campus also offers the Master of Theology (Th.M.) degree; and a Master of Arts in Public Theology (M.A.P.T.) to deepen the capacity of individuals engaging in public theology, a field which draws on biblical, historical, theological, ethical, and practical resources of the Christian faith in order to serve the common good of society.

Our faculty has given the institution a reputation for excellence. These scholars, teachers, and preachers express a profound and vital Christian faith, and have written hundreds of books, articles, and curricula that have an important effect on the life of the contemporary Christian church. Jacqueline E. Lapsley, our president, is a leading scholar of the Old Testament. We have approximately 180 students enrolled in programs to prepare for ministry as pastors, educators, and scholars in service to the church.

Accreditation

SACSCOC. Union Presbyterian Seminary is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award master’s and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Union Presbyterian Seminary.

The Commission should only be contacted concerning an institution’s significant non-compliance with a requirement or standard. Normal inquiries about Union Presbyterian Seminary (such as admission requirements, campus locations, financial aid, education programs, housing, etc.) should be directed to the Seminary, not the Commission’s office.

ATS. Union Presbyterian Seminary is also accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. In Richmond, there are five approved degree programs: Master of Arts in Christian Education, Master of Arts in Practical Theology, Master of Divinity, Master of Theology, Doctor of Ministry. In Charlotte, there are three approved degree programs: Master of Arts in Christian Education, Master of Divinity, and Doctor of Ministry.

Commission contact information: The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, 10 Summit Park Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15275-1110, USA. Telephone: 412-788-6505 Fax: 412-788-6510 Website: www.ats.edu.

United Methodist. Both campuses are fully accredited by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church for the instruction of United Methodist students who seek to be pastors.

Union Presbyterian Seminary does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law applicable to a religious educational institution.  The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the school’s non-discrimination policies.

UPSem Nondiscrimination and Antiharassment Policy

Reporting Harassment or Discrimination

2023 Annual Security Report

For inquiries regarding non-discrimination on the basis of sex, disability, and/or age:

Lisa McLennan, Title IX Coordinator, Charlotte Campus
980-636-1669
lmclennan@upsem.edu

Michelle Walker, Title IX Coordinator, Richmond Campus
Watts 100
804-278-4252
mwalker@upsem.edu