Progressive Christian seminary in Manhattan training faith leaders for social justice since 1836.
Union offers rigorous graduate theological education across multiple faith traditions. Degree programs include Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Arts in Religion (MAR), Master of Arts in Social Justice (MASJ), Master of Sacred Theology (STM), Doctor of Ministry (DMin), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The curriculum emphasizes both cutting-edge theological inquiry and practical preparation for ministry and social justice work. Faculty are recognized experts in their fields, including philosophy, scripture, ethics, and contemporary religious studies.
Located in Morningside Heights near Columbia University, Barnard College, and the Jewish Theological Seminary, Union's Gothic Revival campus was completed in 1910 and is a New York City landmark. The 2.3-acre campus features the iconic Brown Memorial Tower and James Memorial Chapel. Students come from diverse faith traditions and neighborhoods worldwide. Union provides housing, worship opportunities, field education placements, and numerous institutes and initiatives focused on social justice, earth ethics, and community engagement.
Founded in 1836 by nine Presbyterian ministers to center theological education in an urban context, Union became fully independent in 1893 when it rejected denominational oversight. It emerged as a center of liberal Christianity and was the birthplace of Black theology and womanist theology. The seminary has attracted prominent thinkers including Reinhold Niebuhr, Paul Tillich, and Cornel West. Today, Union trains people of all faiths committed to social justice, maintaining its founding vision of responding to the world's pressing needs.
Union is known for progressive theological scholarship, interreligious engagement, and commitment to social justice activism. The Burke Library is one of North America's premier theological research collections. The seminary has established numerous institutes and initiatives addressing contemporary issues, from earth ethics to religious liberty. Its location in New York City provides students direct engagement with urban ministry, community organizing, and social movements.