Catalog
The Academic Catalog contains course-related policies and a listing of courses in an academic year.
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. Students are responsible for acquainting themselves fully with the Seminary’s policies and procedures.
Be on the lookout for the 2020-2021 Academic Catalog, to be posted on June 8th!
View the 2019-2020 Academic Catalog.
- To view Bookmarks/Navigation with Google Chrome, click the above link and the PDF should download in a new window, outside of the browser. The bookmarks may be on the left side as a list or accessible as an icon on the right side of a menu bar.
- To view Bookmarks/Navigation with Safari, right-click the above link and select Download Linked File, then open the downloaded file on your computer.
- To view Bookmarks/Navigation with Internet Explorer, click the above and the PDF should open in a new tab, with the bookmarks on the left side as a list.
To view Course Schedules, click here.
Course Catalog Archive
To view all courses offered at Union Theological Seminary prior to 2020–21, click on links below:
Course Catalog 2018-19 | Course Catalog 2017-18 | 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 Descriptions
View Summer 2020 course descriptions here.
Policies & Procedures
Student Handbook
The student handbooks contain information regarding various policies and procedures.
Union Student Handbook
Union International Student Handbook
Ph.D. Candidate Handbook
Committee on Standing Policy
View policy statement here.
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
MA students are advised to declare a concentration during their first year of study, and MDiv 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 15 to request an extension for Spring 2020 coursework.
Language Substitution
If applicable, complete this form by the end of the add/drop period in the first fall semester of the program.
Thesis & Final Project
Review and complete the appropriate form below based on your academic program and final assignment before graduation.
Thesis & Project Instructions – including Proposal template and links to Approval forms
Proposal Template (also in above PDF)
Thesis Approval form (M.A. and also in above PDF)
Project Approval form (M.Div. and also in above PDF)
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 the required Research Ethics Training. IRB FAQ.
Extended Paper – STM Students
S.T.M. Extended Paper Proposal
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 March 1, 2020 for students expecting to graduate in May 2020.
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 Program Guides
Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) 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.
View the current Master of Divinity Program Guide below:
- 2019-20 MDiv Program Guide
View and print the appropriate current MDiv Degree Planner below:
- MDiv 2019-20 (most concentrations)
- Anglican Studies 2019-20
- Buddhism & Interreligious Engagement (BIE) 2019-20
- Islam & Interreligious Engagement (IIE) 2019-20
View and print the appropriate current Dual-Degree Degree Planner below:
- MDiv/MSW 2019-20 with Columbia University School of Social Work
- MDiv/MSW 2019-20 with Silberman School at Hunter College
- MDiv/MSW Course Planning Worksheet 2019-20 with Silberman School at Hunter College
MDiv Degree Archive
- 2018-2019
- MDiv Program Guide 18-19
- MDiv Degree Planner 18-19
- Buddhism/Interreligious Engagement Concentration MDiv Degree Planner 18-19
- Islam/Interreligious Engagement Concentration MDiv Degree Planner 18-19
- Anglican Studies Concentration MDiv Degree Planner 18-19
- MDiv/MSSW Degree Planner 18-19 with Columbia University School of Social Work
- MDiv/MSW Degree Planner 18-19 with Silberman School at Hunter College
- MDiv/MSW Course Planning Sheet 18-19 with Silberman School at Hunter College
- 2017-2018:
- 2016 – 2017:
Master of Arts
The Master of Arts (MA) 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.
View the current MA Program Guide below:
- 2019-20 MA Program Guide
View and print the current MA Degree Planner below:
- 2019-20 MA Degree Planner
MA Degree Archive
- 2018-2019
- 2017 – 2018
- 2016 – 2017
Master of Sacred Theology
The Master of Sacred Theology (STM) 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.
View the current STM Program Guide below:
- 2019-20 STM Program Guide
View and print the current STM Degree Planner below:
- 2019-20 STM Degree Planner
STM Degree Archive
- 2018-2019
- 2017-2018
- 2016 – 2017:
Doctor of Philosophy
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) 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 PhD 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
PhD Comp Templates
Doctor of Ministry
Union Theological Seminary offers the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree in Spiritual Care Education and Leadership for students who want to become Certified Educators to teach Clinical Pastoral Education programs, to demonstrate competences for Clinical Educators who want to be certified as National Faculty, or to fill positions of leadership in religious or social service or social justice agencies.
Read about the origin of Union’s DMin program here.
View the current DMin Program Guide below:
- 2019-20 DMin Program Guide
DMin Degree Archive