RICHMOND, Va. (February 3, 2026) — Union Presbyterian Seminary (UPSem) is expanding its graduate and certificate programs on its Richmond campus to a fully hybrid learning model beginning in September 2026.
The mission-driven change combines online learning with on-campus residencies to expand access and emphasize connection and community. By pairing online coursework with a four-day on-campus experience each term, the new format makes it easier for students to pursue theological education.
UPSem’s mission is grounded in the Presbyterian and Reformed tradition and is committed to inclusive, ecumenical learning. The move to a fully hybrid model reflects UPSem’s understanding that theological education is both a responsibility and a calling, supporting leaders as they build a more just, faithful, and compassionate church and world.
Founded in 1812, UPSem serves about 200 students across multiple denominations at its Richmond, Virginia, and Charlotte, North Carolina campuses, preparing leaders for ministry, scholarship, and service in congregations, nonprofits, and civic institutions.
“Our hybrid model provides a rigorous academic and spiritually formative experience, while maintaining the quality and connection for which Union Presbyterian Seminary is known,” said Jacqueline E. Lapsley, president of UPSem. “This strategic shift meets students where they are. We know many UPSem students balance ministry, work, family, and community commitments, and the new format allows students to remain rooted in their communities while fully engaging in theological education and spiritual formation.”
Students learn from and develop close relationships with UPSem’s faculty, including 21 full-time and five adjunct faculty members, many of whom are globally recognized leaders in their fields. Faculty teaching and mentoring are central to UPSem’s hybrid model, ensuring a rigorous, relational, and spiritually formative educational experience.
Until now, graduate and certificate programs at UPSem’s Richmond campus were delivered primarily in person, requiring students to live near campus or relocate to pursue their degrees.
The expansion builds on the success of UPSem’s Charlotte campus, which has offered a hybrid learning model for several years by combining online coursework with four Saturday on-campus days per semester to emphasize accessible and flexible theological education.
The Master of Arts in Christian Education and Master of Arts in Public Theology degrees can be completed in two years; the Master of Divinity can be completed in three.
The Richmond campus will continue as a vital hub of theological education and community formation. UPSem is launching the Community Scholars Program, a new initiative for students who want to live in an intentional Christian community centered on shared meals, recreation, service, worship, spiritual practices, and study. The program emphasizes how life together fosters shared understanding and unity during theological education.
Throughout the year, UPSem’s Leadership Institute organizes on-campus workshops, seminars, and conferences to equip church and ministry leaders with continuing education and professional development. These programs are open to everyone—no prior degrees or experience required.
Students and ministry leaders also benefit from one of the largest theological libraries on the East Coast. The William Smith Morton Library houses more than 5,200 rare books and periodicals dating back to 1470 and offers extensive resources for church leaders, congregations, and visitors.
“This is an exciting moment for UPSem as we continue to equip diverse and thoroughly prepared leaders for a variety of ministries in a rapidly changing church and world that God so loves,” Lapsley added. “We’re excited to welcome many new learners in the years to come.”
For more information about hybrid programs and degree offerings, visit UPSem’s website.
About Union Presbyterian Seminary
Union Presbyterian Seminary is a community bound by the love of God and united in bold Christian service for the church in the world. With campuses in Richmond, Virginia, and Charlotte, North Carolina, the seminary has prepared leaders for ministry since 1812 through rigorous theological education that is scholarly, pastoral, and engaged with contemporary life. Offering a range of degree programs, Union is home to distinguished faculty, a historic campus with one of the nation’s finest theological libraries, and a vibrant community of worship, service, and fellowship. Graduates serve as pastors, educators, chaplains, mission workers, and scholars, carrying forward the seminary’s long tradition of equipping leaders for the church and the world. Learn more at upsem.edu.
