Course Catalog
The Course Catalog contains a listing of courses in the academic year.
The Student Handbook and links below contain information regarding Union’s degree programs, academic policies and procedures, and graduation requirements.
The Seminary reserves the right to cancel or modify policies and courses of instruction, change academic calendar dates, course instructors, and other details of the curriculum and academic programs.
Click here to view the 2017 – 2018 Course Catalog. 2018-2019 coming soon.
Course Descriptions
Click here to view Summer 2018 & January 2019 course descriptions.
Click here to view Fall 2018 course descriptions.
Click here to view Spring 2019 course descriptions.
Course Catalog Archive
To view all courses offered at Union Theological Seminary prior to 2017 – 2018, click on links below:
Course Catalog 2016-2017 | Course Catalog 2015-2016 | Course Catalog 2014-2015 | Course Catalog 2013-2014 | Course Catalog 2012-2013 | Course Catalog 2011-2012 | Course Catalog 2010-2011 | Course Catalog 2009-2010
Course submissions
Faculty, complete this form when adding a new course to the Union curriculum. If approved, the below form must also be submitted to be added as a semester offering.
Faculty, complete this form, for existing courses, when submitting course offerings for an academic year.
Academic Policies & Procedures
Students are responsible for acquainting themselves fully with the Seminary’s policies and procedures. Please review the following for academic information.
Union Student Handbook
Union International Student Handbook
Ph.D. Candidate Handbook
General Academic Information
Audit Policy
Transfer Credit Policy
Credit Hour Policy
Auditor Information
Individuals who are not enrolled in a degree program at Union may apply and register to audit a course(s). Applicants should review the above policy and complete the Auditor Application and Course Registration Form.
Change of Degree
In consultation with your academic advisor, use this form to change your degree and submit to the Registrar for processing. Your Unofficial Transcript, available via the SSO, should reflect the correct academic program.
Declaring a Concentration
M.A. students are advised to declare a concentration during their first year of study, and M.Div. students during their second year. Concentrations allow the student to intentionally enroll in focused courses.
Please use this form to declare an M.Div. Concentration.
Please use this form to declare an M.A. Concentration.
Request an Extension
Complete this form by May 11, 2018 to request an extension for Spring 2018 coursework.
Thesis Requirements
Review and complete the appropriate form below based on your academic program and final assignment before graduation.
Thesis Instructions
Thesis Proposal Template
M.Div. Thesis Proposal Form
M.A. Thesis Proposal Form
S.T.M. Extended Paper Application
If your research involves work with live human subjects (e.g., interviews, focus groups), please review Union’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) guidelines and complete an IRB application form as needed. IRB FAQ
Application for Graduation
Students intending to graduate must complete this application in order to have a diploma ordered. The Application for Graduation must be completed by February 28, 2018 for students expecting to graduate in May 2018.
Academic Program Guides
Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is a full-time, residential, three-year graduate professional degree that requires 78 credit hours, including 40-44 credits in core distribution requirements in the fields of Bible, Church History, Theology/Ethics, Practical Theology, and Interreligious Engagement. Please click to view the 2017-2018 M.Div. Program Guide.
Students may print the M.Div. Degree Planner below:
- M.Div. Degree Planner (For Most Concentrations)
- M.Div. Degree Planner (For Islam and Interreligious Engagement Concentration)
- M.Div. Degree Planner (For Buddhism and Interreligious Engagement Concentration)
- M.Div. / M.S.S.W. Degree Planner (Joint Degree with Columbia University School of Social Work)
M.Div. Degree Archive
Master of Arts
The Master of Arts (M.A.) is designed as a two-year degree program for those studying full-time. The purpose of the program is to provide students with a “basic understanding of theological disciplines for further graduate study or for general educational purposes” that will enrich students’ work in their chosen professions. Please click here to view the 2017-2018 M.A. Program Guide.
Students may print the M.A. Degree Planner below:
M.A. Degree Archive
Master of Sacred Theology
The Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) degree normally takes a minimum of one year to complete and requires satisfactory completion of 24 points taken for credit in advanced courses (200 level and higher) and a faculty-directed independent study. Please click here to view the 2017-2018 S.T.M. Program Guide
Students may print the S.T.M. Degree Planner below:
STM Degree Archive
Doctor of Philosophy
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) prepares individuals for careers in teaching and research at colleges, universities, and seminaries. The program also trains students for leadership positions in religious institutions, or at social service or social justice agencies.
Read more about the Ph.D. program here.
- Ph.D. Yearly Self Assessment Form
- Ph.D. Advisor Assessment Form
- Ph.D. Program Planning Form
- Ph.D. COMP Exam Report Form
- Proposal for Doctoral Dissertation Form
- Doctoral Dissertation Defense Form
Ph.D. Comp Templates
Doctor of Ministry
This new program aims to enhance the practice of ministry among spiritual care practitioners serving in multicultural and interreligious health care contexts. The goal of the program is to offer additional depth and breadth to those enrolled in programs preparing them to become supervisors in Clinical Pastoral Education (C.P.E.).
Read more about the D.Min. program here.