Union Theological Seminary stands as a beacon of collaboration and community engagement, extending far beyond our historic campus in the heart of New York City. We are dedicated to forging and nurturing partnerships that offer tangible benefits and opportunities for our students, faculty, and community members. These alliances with a spectrum of organizations and academic institutions are cornerstones of our institutional ethos, catalyzing real-world experiences and societal contributions.
As a crucible of progressive thought and spiritual inquiry, Union is a sought-after partner for diverse entities looking to tap into our rich educational resources, cutting-edge research, and thought leadership. These partnerships enrich our academic tapestry with practical learning opportunities such as internships and cooperative programs, and in turn, invigorate our partners’ endeavors with fresh perspectives and insights. Through this symbiotic network, we collectively foster innovation and impact, rooted in our shared commitment to service and social justice.
Current Partnerships
New York Theological Consortium and Union Cross Registration Program
The Union & NY Theological Consortium Cross-Registration program allows students to enroll in courses at partner institutions, enriching their Union degree with diverse electives. Managed by the Academic Dean, this flexible program requires instructor approval and timely form submissions for each academic term.
Below are our partnered institutions:
New York Theological Seminary (NYTS)
Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS)
Fordham University: Graduate School of Religion & Religious Education
Hebrew Union College (HUC)
Columbia University
Drew University*
*Union students are permitted to take courses in the areas of United Methodist history, theology, polity, and other courses specifically related to the life and ministry of The United Methodist Church.
Dual Degree Programs
This joint program offered by Union Theological Seminary, in partnership with Columbia University (M.Div./M.S.S.W) or Hunter College (M.Div./MSW), provides students with an integrated understanding of spiritual and social contexts. The two unique degree options draw upon the entwined histories of social justice and community empowerment.
See more information about our dual degree programs here.
Chaplaincy Innovation Lab
The partnership between Chaplaincy Innovation Lab and Union presents a prime opportunity for the enhancement of chaplaincy education, innovation, and impact in diverse contexts. This collaboration aims to bolster the effectiveness of chaplains across different settings by fostering innovative approaches to chaplaincy education and training. The resultant effect will be a cohort of well-equipped professionals, capable of navigating complex challenges within their respective fields.
Academic and Student Experience Collaborative (ASEC)
Funded by the Lilly Program’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative
The Academic and Student Experience Collaborative (ASEC) will work on various collaborative initiatives with other independent seminaries in the areas of student support and career development services, curricular development and course sharing, and academic office administrative operations.
See our partnered organizations below:
Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School (CRCDS)
New York Theological Seminary (NYTS)
Campus Service Alliance of Northern Manhattan (CSANM)
Funded by the Lilly Program’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative
The Campus Service Alliance of Northern Manhattan (CSANM) will leverage a unique opportunity that Union has to work with a group of mission-aligned, physically proximate postsecondary and postsecondary-student-serving institutions to increase the quality of campus services provided and reduce the costs associated with providing them in conjunction with partners:
International House (I-House)
Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS)
Manhattan School of Music (MSM)
The Riverside Church (TRC)
Technology, Innovation, and Digital Engagement Lab (TIDEL)
Funded by the Lilly Program’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative
TIDEL is a 5-year Lilly Endowment Pathways for Tomorrow-funded initiative that aims to expand the capacity for theological schools and faith-based organizations to maximize their mission and confront critical challenges through the creative and effective use of technology.
Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School (CRCDS)
New York Theological Seminary (NYTS)
Pennsylvania College of Art & Design (PCA&D)