San Francisco Theological Seminary

San Francisco Theological Seminary prepares leaders for the Church of Jesus Christ sent by the Holy Spirit in God's mission to the world. SFTS is committed to the education of students in spiritual formation, critical theological reflection and the skills and arts of ministry, to serve in congregations, the wider church, the classroom and the public sphere. Read the mission statement.

History and Location

In the mid-nineteenth century, Presbyterians in the San Francisco Bay area were determined to establish a denominational seminary that would have a global perspective, yet be attuned to the unique needs of congregations in the West.

In 1871 San Francisco Theological Seminary was founded. Nineteen years later, with the gift of a spectacular hilltop site across the Golden Gate, the seminary relocated to Marin County, in what is now the town of San Anselmo. In 1991 SFTS began offering Master of Divinity classes in Southern California and today SFTS is the only mainstream denominational seminary to have two fully accredited degree granting locations. SFTS/SC offers a new model of theological education for an urban environment — a non-residential congregationally based commuting program for mature adults.

What programs does San Francisco Theological Seminary offer?

The seminary's six degree programs provide approximately 700 students with a deepened faith perspective that is in touch with the complex issues affecting contemporary ministry. Master of Divinity students may choose to emphasize Christian Spirituality, World Christianity or Biblical Studies within regular degree programs. A concentration in globalization provides study encounters with cultures other than the student's own, inside or outside the United States. Students with a concentration in Christian Spirituality participate in continuing spiritual guidance groups and seminars on spiritual life and leadership. Those emphasizing Biblical Studies must do intermediate work in at least one biblical language. In addition to the Master of Divinity degree, SFTS offers a Doctor of Ministry and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies and, through the Graduate Theological Union, the Master of Arts, Doctor of Philosophy and the Doctor of Theology. Hundreds of lay people and clergy also participate each year in a variety of retreats, continuing education seminars and courses.