Barrytown, NY

The Unification Theological seminary is a Graduate School for the Unification and World religions located in Barrytown, New York. The mission of the Unification Theological seminary is to educate students who are wishing to enter the ministry. The Unification theological seminary also has an extension program located in New York City.

The Unification Theological Seminary was founded in the early 1970s, shortly after Reverend Moon, founder of the Unification Church, began his ministry in the United States. The Unification Theological Seminary is located on 250 acres in the Hudson River Valley. Moon often visited the seminary and led students to start a tradition there of fishing in the Hudson River, personally creating nets and teaching students the art of net fishing. The Unification Theological Seminary initially offered students a two-year religious education program. In 1980, the Unification Theological Seminary began offering a three-year divinity program for students who wanted to be better prepared entering the ministry. The Unification Theological Seminary became fully accredited to award degrees in 1996.

Today, the Unification Theological Seminary offers Master's Degrees in the following areas: religious education, divinity and a Doctorate Degree in ministry. The religious education program is a two-year professional program that provides students with the skills and knowledge for an effective career in educational ministry. The divinity program is a three year professional program designed for students who wish to enter church leadership for any of the following specialized ministries: youth, campus, interfaith, pastoral care and ministry of social service. The Doctorate Degree in ministry is an advanced theological degree for men and women already in ministry leadership positions and who want to reflect and learn more about their own spiritual and theological development. It is for students who wish to continue their education after earning the Master's in Divinity or its equivalent.

Students may choose to live on campus in the residence halls or off campus. There are limited facilities for married students. Students attending classes at the extension center in New York City are typically commuter students. Guest lectures and interfaith education is a large part of life on the Unification Theological Seminary campus.

Quick Facts:

The Unification Theological Seminary is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

There are a wide variety of on campus organizations and activities. The athletic facilities include a gym, soccer and baseball fields, tennis courts and a dojang for martial arts training.

Nature trails, the Hudson Rive and gardens on the grounds offer students with an interest in the outdoors plenty of opportunities for bird watching, cross-country skiing, ice skating and hiking.

This school profile has been compiled and updated by The CollegeBound Network. The school is not affiliated with The CollegeBound Network and shall not be considered a sponsor of this program.