3041 Broadway
New York, NY 10027

Union Theological seminary is a private independent nondenominational theological seminary located in New York City. Union Theological Seminary was Presbyterian at its founding in 1836, but because the college welcomed people of all Christian faiths from its first days, Union Theological Seminary says it is the oldest nondenominational theological seminary in New York City. The Union Theological Seminary officially separated itself from the church in 1892 and has since remained independent.

In 1910, the Union Theological Seminary moved to its present campus in New York City. The seminary felt it important to move closer to other institutions in the city such as Columbia University, Teachers College, Barnard College, The Riverside Church, The Jewish Theological Seminary of America, and churches and community organizations in Harlem. Since 1896, an arrangement with Columbia University have enabled students wishing to earn a Master's of Arts and a Doctorate Degree in Philosophy in Religion to do so through a special partnership between the two schools.

Today, more than 280 students attend Union Theological Seminary each year. Approximately half of the students at Union Theological Seminary who enter the school are over age 35 and nearly 60 percent are women. Union Theological Seminary is known for its richly diverse student body. Over 30 percent of the student population are minority and they come from over 30 religious affiliations. Students can earn Master's Degrees in: divinity, arts, sacred theology and a doctorate in philosophy in religion. This program is highly competitive and only a few select students participate each year. Students may participate in Field Education program, which helps them put into practice the theory they are learning in the classroom. Students enrolled in the Master of Divinity program must complete a yearlong supervised field placement prior to graduation.

Students have a vast wealth of resources at Union Theological Seminary. In addition to having access to the resources available through the public library system in New York City, the Burke Library on campus is the largest theological library in the Western Hemisphere and is part of the Columbia Library System. It is home to more than 700,000 printed volumes, periodicals, manuscripts and historical volumes.


Quick Facts:

There are more than 10,000 alumni of Union Theological Seminary. Approximately 40 percent are involved in parish ministers. Over 20 percent are in academia.

There are 15 student organizations and clubs in which students can become involved at Union Theological Seminary.

A three-day annual retreat for graduating seniors gives students an opportunity to reflect on their time at Union Theological Seminary, as well as contemplating their future.

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.