Pacific School of Religion (PSR)

PSR prepares a diverse cadre of spiritually rooted leaders with the vision, resilience, and skill to create a world where all can thrive. Grounded in the rigorous study and faithful practice of progressive Christian faith, we partner with students of all backgrounds to deepen their spirituality and enhance their capacity to lead in transformative ways. All of PSR’s graduate programs and certificates are available online and on campus. 

Quick Facts

Denominational Affiliation: Interdenominational. PSR partners with the United Church of Christ, the United Methodist Church, and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) / Disciples Seminary Foundation. In addition to these partnerships, PSR students come from many traditions and communities, including the African Methodist Episcopal Church, The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries, The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and the Unitarian Universalist Association, among others. 

Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and Association of Theological Schools (ATS)

Academic Programs and Degrees

  • Doctor of Ministry (DMin): an advanced professional degree in ministry that allows students to remain in their communities while becoming part of a multiculture cohort of colleagues and faculty mentors.  

  • Master of Divinity (MDiv): a flexible three-year program with a choice of ordination and non-ordination tracks. PSR now offers a “stackable curriculum,” which allows students to earn a Certificate of Spirituality and Social Change (CCSC) or Certificate of Sexuality and Religion (CSR in their first year, the Master of Arts in Social Transformation (MAST) the second year, and the Master of Divinity (MDiv) in the third and final year.  

  • Master of Arts in Social Transformation (MAST): two-year program blending social theory and constructive theology. Students work closely with a faculty advisor and a social innovation fieldwork supervisor to devise a course of study leading to a meaningful, applied project in social transformation. 

  • Master of Theological Studies (MTS): two-year program that covers a broad survey of theological topics in addition to a focused area of study students build with a faculty mentor. 

  • Master of Arts (MA, through the GTU): two-year program focused on the interdisciplinary academic study of religion. (Note: MDiv and MA may be combined for students preparing for ministry who wish to pursue an additional academic area of study or interest.) 

  • Certificate of Theological Studies (CTS): one-year program that provides a broad foundation of theological knowledge. Perfect for adding to a previous master’s degree to reach the required preparation and academic units for chaplaincy candidates or for any church or community leader seeking a broader understanding of theology. 

  • Certificate of Sexuality and Religion (CSR): one-year program focusing on the theological, historical, ethical, pastoral, and practical dimensions of sexuality, sexual orientation, religion, and gender identity. May be combined concurrently with other PSR degree programs. 

  • Certificate of Spirituality and Social Change (CSSC): one-year program offers specialized training in spiritual and social change making. May be combined concurrently with other PSR degree programs. 

  • Certificate of Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS): one-year program designed for persons who hold professional degrees in ministry and wish to continue their education without seeking a doctoral degree. 

  • Certificate of Theological Education for Leadership (CTEL): one-year program provides online, non-credit theological leadership and ministry studies for lay and clergy leaders preparing to strengthen congregations and create new ministries. 

  • Wisdom-Based Leadership for Social Transformation: A six-week, immersive, cohort-based course offered through the Ignite Institute. The coursework anchors key leadership competencies in deep personal formation and is designed to draw you to the resources available in your own cultural and spiritual traditions. 

Facilities and Affiliated Resources: PSR’s campus, including the Badè Museum of Biblical History and the Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion, along with student housing, are in the main core of the GTU campus, near the Hewlett Library and Administrative, offices as well as UC Berkeley.  

For further information, contact:
Office of Recruitment and Admissions
Pacific School of Religion
1798 Scenic Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94709

Telephone: (510) 849-8253 or 1-800-999-0528
E-mail: admissions@psr.edu
Website: www.psr.edu

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