
HJ International Graduate School for Peace and Public Leadership is a New York City graduate institution that traces its history to the Unification Theological Seminary, founded in 1975 in Barrytown, New York. Its original purpose was theological education connected to the Unification movement. The current name reflects a broader emphasis on peace and public leadership while retaining that religious heritage.
The distinction between the founding site and the present location matters: applicants should evaluate the school as a New York City graduate institution, not assume that programs or facilities described in older Barrytown materials remain available. Its name change also means that historical records may appear under Unification Theological Seminary.
HJ International Graduate School for Peace and Public Leadership is a specialized graduate school, not a university organized around undergraduate colleges and majors. Its academic focus is religious and theological study alongside questions of peace, leadership, and public engagement.
Prospective students should use the current academic catalog to distinguish degree programs from individual courses and nondegree study. In particular, they should check a program's awarded credential, required credits, research or ministry components, delivery format, and whether a proposed course of study fits their professional or personal goals. First-time college applicants seeking a bachelor's degree will need a different institution.
HJ International Graduate School for Peace and Public Leadership is located in New York City, New York. That urban setting differs substantially from the institution's historical Barrytown location and makes commuting and the cost of living important parts of an enrollment decision.
For an applicant planning to attend in person, the useful questions are where a specific class meets, how often attendance is required, and whether the schedule works with public transit or employment. Students considering a program with online or hybrid coursework should confirm which activities, if any, still require travel to New York City.
The school's stated educational direction joins peace and public leadership with its roots in theological education. Its connection to the Unification movement is relevant to understanding that mission, even for applicants primarily interested in leadership or interreligious work.
A mission statement describes institutional priorities; it does not establish that a degree produces a particular career outcome. Applicants may want to examine required courses, faculty research interests, and any expectations concerning religious study or practice to decide how well the school's philosophy matches their own aims.
Name of the institution
HJ International Graduate School for Peace and Public LeadershipLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, graduate with no undergraduate degreesInstitution size category
Under 1,000HJ International Graduate School for Peace and Public Leadership is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Doctor's degree - professional practiceData last updated on November 2, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.