Degree Programs

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Union Theological Seminary offers six degree programs; Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Arts in Religion (MAR), Master of Arts in Social Justice (MASJ), Master of Sacred Theology (STM), Master of Divinity & Social Work Dual Degree (MDSW), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), and Doctor of Ministry (DMin). High-level details from each degree are listed below. Applicants are encouraged to review the program requirements for each degree program before applying for admission.

For each entering class, Union aims to assemble a student body representing a diversity of gifts and talents, academic backgrounds, scholastic and personal experiences, professional aspirations, ages, genders, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, and religions. Applicants for most degrees are not required to have previously studied religion, but strong preparation in the liberal arts is expected.

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Not sure which program is right for you? We can help! Drop our admissions team an email at [email protected] or give us a call at 212-280-1556.


Master of Divinity

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) is a three-year professional graduate degree (78 credit) for those looking to become ordained or serve in a ministerial vocation. Students come to Union with diverse backgrounds, interests, and aspirations, so Union has designed a flexible MDiv curriculum to provide students with options for satisfying the degree requirements.

  • Foundational coursework in five fields of study: Bible/Sacred Text, History, Theology and Ethics, Practical Theology, and Interreligious Engagement
  • One-year integrative field education program
  • Selected concentration in a specific area of study
  • Flexible electives in a variety of justice-oriented subject areas

Master of Arts in Religion

The Master of Arts in Religion (MAR) is a two-year academic degree (51 credit) that prepares students for a variety of professional positions by providing a basic understanding of theological disciplines related to the interests of study. Students must specify an area of concentration as approved by the faculty advisor to the program.

  • Foundational coursework in four fields of study: Bible/Sacred Text, History, Theology/Ethics, and Interreligious Engagement
  • Flexible electives in a variety of justice-oriented subject areas
  • Six credit thesis relevant to one’s concentration/specific area of study

Master of Arts in Social Justice

The Master of Arts in Social Justice (MASJ) is a 36-credit degree that can be completed fully online and is designed for part-time students and working professionals. It prepares students to think critically, intersectionally, and creatively about the ongoing pursuit of a more just society and equitable world.

  • Foundational coursework emphasizing the religious, spiritual, and theological foundations of social justice
  • Additional required coursework in ecojustice, gender and sexuality justice, racial and ethnic justice, and interreligious engagement for social justice
  • Flexible electives in a variety of justice-oriented subject areas across all fields of study at Union

Master of Divinity & Social Work
Dual Degree

This four-year dual program (105 credit) offered by Union Theological Seminary, in partnership with Columbia University or Hunter College, provides students with an integrated understanding of spiritual and social contexts. By drawing upon entwined histories of social justice and community empowerment, the program prepares professionals to assure populations’ health and well-being while understanding and mobilizing spiritual as significant resources.

  • Foundational coursework in five fields of study: Bible/Sacred Test, Church History, Theology/ Ethics, Practical Theology, and  Interreligious Engagement
  • Methodologies in social work frameworks and anti-oppressive approaches through a year-long Practice Lab
  • Integrative social work focused field education program

Master of Sacred Theology

The Master of Sacred Theology (STM) degree is a one-year program (24 credit) offering for those who already have a theological degree at the time of application to provide a fuller mastery of one area or discipline related to teaching or ministry. As part of this program’s completion, the student must write an extended research paper on a topic of the student’s choice and language requirement. This program is frequently appealing for International students, who will demonstrate that they have studied in a baccalaureate program of comparable rigor and attained a high standing. 

  • Must have an MDiv or MA from an accredited theological program. International students must have studied in a baccalaureate program of comparable rigor and attained high standing.
  • Foundational coursework in four fields of study: Bible/Sacred Text, History, Theology/Ethics, and Interreligious Engagement
  • Extended paper and language exam
  • No transfer credits are accepted

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program offers advanced study related to theological studies, as well as a minor focus in one of these areas or other related academic disciplines. With a combination of seminars, teaching assistantships, linguistic study, and examinations, the program culminates in a dissertation project related to the student’s concentrations. By completing this program, individuals are prepared for careers in teaching and research and leadership positions in academic and religious institutions or at social service or social justice agencies.

If you have any questions about Union’s PhD Program, email Dr. Jan Rehmann at [email protected].

Doctor of Ministry

This innovative doctoral degree is designed for mid-level and senior-level faith leaders serving in various ministries in religious and secular settings. It emphasizes the evolving and emerging nature of spirituality and just leadership practice amidst religious, social, political, and demographic shifts in and across geographic contexts. Developed in collaboration with New York Theological Seminary, this program will equip graduates with the ability to link theory to practice to ground their work in spirituality, justice, and rigorous critical theo-ethical imagination. Graduates will be well-positioned to take on leadership roles in congregational ministry, faith-based and social justice organizations, as well as local and national advocacy, policy, and political action settings. This is a New York Theological Seminary legacy program of Union Theological Seminary.

Questions?

Not sure which program is right for you? We can help! Drop our admissions team an email at [email protected] or give us a call at 212-280-1556.

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