Union at a Glance
Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York was founded as a Presbyterian seminary in 1836 and established in lower Manhattan. In 1892, the Seminary became non-denominational, and continues as the oldest independent, non-denominational seminary in the U.S. In 1910, Union took occupancy of the newly constructed buildings where the Seminary still stands in Morningside Heights, between Broadway and Claremont Avenues, and 120th and 122nd Streets, along with McGiffert Hall, the adjacent residence building.
Faculty
| Faculty, Adjunct Faculty and Lecturers |
50 |
| Artists and Scholars in Residence |
4 |
| Faculty books published 2010 - 11 |
3 |
| Areas of Expertise |
Biblical studies, theology & the arts, systematic theology, church history, social ethics, psychology & religion, empire theology, liberation theology, womanist and feminist theology, theology of religion. Read More>> |
Alumni/ae
| Total living graduates |
5, 477 |
| United States |
5,128 |
| International |
349 |
| Union alumni/ae participation in fundraising |
29.5%, versus 11.6% at other schools of higher education nationwide. |
Vocation Pursuits after Graduation
- Church Ministry
- Denominational leadership (local, national and international)
- Chaplaincy in hospitals, hospices, prisons, and higher education settings
- Lay leadership and liturgical planning in churches
- Psychotherapy and pastoral counseling
- Academic professorship and administration
- Religious education and teaching in K-12 institutes
- Leadership in social service and advocacy organizations
- Business, law, medicine and journalism
Students
Union’s academic excellence coupled with its focus on social justice attracts a student body that excels in scholarship and is rich in diversity.
Degrees
| Total Candidates for All Degrees |
254 |
| Master of Divinity (including M.Div. and M.S.S.W.) |
145 |
| Master of Arts |
40 |
| Master of Sacred Theology |
13 |
| Doctor of Philosophy |
47 |
| Non-degree |
9 |
| Enrolled from other schools |
18 |
| Auditor and Visiting Scholars |
17 |
| Total number of registered |
289 |
Population
| International (including Germany, India, Japan, Kenya, Myanmar, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, and South Korea) |
10 |
| African American |
51 |
| Asian American |
9 |
| Caucasian |
162 |
| Latino/a |
11 |
| Multiracial |
8 |
| Unknown |
3 |
Age
| 20 - 24 |
34 |
| 25 - 29 |
65 |
| 30 - 34 |
57 |
| 35 - 39 |
24 |
| 40 - 49 |
36 |
| 50 - 64 |
36 |
| 65 + |
2 |
Gender
Religious Affiliation
44 Different Denominations/Religious Affiliations
| African Methodist Episcopal/Zion |
2 |
| Baptist |
24 |
| Christian/Church of Christ |
5 |
| Christian Scientist |
1 |
| Disciples of Christ |
3 |
| Episcopal/Anglican |
22 |
| Friends (Quakers)/Brethren/Mennonite |
7 |
| Hindu |
1 |
| Jewish |
4 |
| Lutheran |
12 |
| Methodist |
20 |
| Metropolitan Community Church |
2 |
| Non-denominational |
14 |
| Orthodox |
6 |
| Other |
12 |
| Pentecostal/Apostolic/Assemblies of God/Church of God/Four-Square |
10 |
| Presbyterian |
18 |
| Reformed Church in America |
3 |
| Roman Catholic |
17 |
| Unitarian Universalist |
25 |
| United Church of Christ |
15 |
| Undeclared or Unaffiliated |
31 |
Areas of Interest
Union Students serve in over 90 social agencies and faith communities in New York City, including prison and church ministry, teaching, justice work and more.
Student Organizations
There are 22 student organizations, including Peace & Justice, LGBTQ, Ecology, Reproductive Justice, Interfaith, Arts, Black, Latina/o, Sports, Women. Read More>>
Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York admits students, regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, transgender/gender non-conforming, religious affiliation, national or ethnic origin, or physical disability, to all the rights, privileges, and programs generally accorded or made available to students at the Seminary. It does not discriminate on the basis of any of these in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships and loan programs, or other programs administered by the Seminary.
Burke Library
The Burke Library, which is the largest theological library in the western hemisphere, contains rich collections for theological study and research. With holdings of over 700,000 items, the Library is recognized as one of the premier libraries in its field and includes extensive holdings of unique and special materials. Read More>>