Union Theological Seminary offers a variety of non-credit programs providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. Ranging from a few days to a semester or longer, the courses/programs are open to anyone looking to expand their knowledge, whether your interests are in social justice activism or faith leadership, or you are seeking personal enrichment. Consider one of our programs and make an investment in yourself.
Union’s Continuing Education courses offer the opportunity to the public to join our students and the wider Union community in exploring new ideas, skills, and world views. Many of these programs are available in online or low-residency formats.
Continuing Education
Advanced Certificate Programs
Union’s advanced certificate programs are designed for students who want to apply spiritual and theological learning to practical societal application. The four-course, twelve-credit graduate program can be completed in as little as 9 months (but students have up to 24 months). Courses are taught by Union’s full-time faculty members as well as adjunct faculty and lecturers, taken with other Union students pursuing on-campus and online certificates and degrees. Courses are available on weekdays, weeknights, and, in some cases, weekends. Many courses can be taken online, but students will have a greater selection of courses and be able to complete the degree in the least time by taking some on-campus coursework. Courses are available in fall and spring term, with some offerings in January and summer. Certificates may serve either as a stand-alone credential for those interested in a particular area of focus or as a stackable credential that can later be applied toward a full seminary master’s degree. Read more about these programs here.
Encore Transition Program
The Encore Transition Program at Union Theological Seminary engages a diverse group of 12-15 like-minded 55+ adults in discernment, dialogue, and experience with what an “encore” stage of productive, social-purpose focused adulthood might look like. Encore runs weekly seminar-style sessions to maximize participant engagement. Assigned readings and exercises are designed to provoke discernment, self-reflection, and contemplation.
Commitment: 4-month commitment | 2 Cohorts Each Year
Application Timeline: Applications will open July 2022 for Fall 2022 Cohort
Application: Application Closed
Rise Together
RISE Together at Union Theological Seminary is a female mentorship network that connects women of color seminary students and early to mid-career clergy to experienced women ministers, senior pastors, faculty, and community leaders. Through mentoring relationships, intergenerational and peer support networks, RISE members experience safe spaces for Renewal, Inspiration, Support and Empowerment. Learn More
Commitment: 2-year commitment | March 2022 through March 2024
Application Timeline: November 2021 – December 2021
Apply: Application Closed
The Collaborative for Faith Leadership
The Collaborative for Faith Leadership at Union Theological Seminary addresses the challenges and rewards of faith leadership across traditions and denominations to imagine and re-imagine the work of faith leadership. Participants in the Collaborative for Faith Leadership will engage with the faculty and administration of Union Theological Seminary, community leaders and seasoned pastors at each evening seminar.
Commitment: 1-semester commitment – February 2020 – May 2020
Application Timeline: January 1, 2020 – February 10, 2020
Apply: Application Closed
