The GTU is both a consortium of schools, institutes and centers and a degree-granting institution. Through the combined resources of eight member seminaries in close geographical proximity, students have access to the expertise of 106 faculty members offering a wide range of courses. It is an ecumenical and interfaith union of resources brought together in a spirit of commitment and cooperation. The GTU also has one of the most comprehensive theological libraries in the country.
The GTU consortially confers the academic degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy. Each of the eight member schools offers professional degrees such as the Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, and Doctor of Ministry.
GTU students and faculty represent the rich tapestry of American and Global religious traditions. Our member schools and faculty resources represent a range of Roman Catholic orders and Protestant denominations as well as Islamic, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, and Orthodox studies. Individuals come to the GTU with diverse denominational, faith, and spiritual ties, including Episcopal/Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, United Church of Christ, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Swedenborgian, Hindu, Seventh Day Adventist, Mormon, and others.
There are 113 students in the PhD program, and there are 815 students enrolled in all of the degree programs offered by all of the member schools.
The GTU MA is a 36-unit program, completely tailored to the unique interests and goals of our students. We offer an academically rigious program with the option for a research thesis or professional, practical-application portfolio depending on each student's future goals. The Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree is a three-to-four-year program, specifically preparing persons for lay and ordained ministries and pastoral work. Each member seminary offers the MDiv degree designed in accordance with the denominational affiliation of that school. Member schools may also offer MTS and proprietary MA degrees that may be more denominationally oriented.
The member schools of the Graduate Theological Union are:
- Berkeley School of Theology (American Baptist Churches USA)
- Church Divinity School of the Pacific (Episcopal)
- Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology
- Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University
- Institute of Buddhist Studies
- Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
- Pacific School of Religion (Multi-denominational)
- San Francisco Theological Seminary (Presbyterian)
Academic Centers
- Center for Arts and Religion
- Center for Dharma Studies
- Center for Islamic Studies
- Richard S. Dinner Center for Jewish Studies
- Center for Theology and Natural Sciences
Affiliates and Institutes
- Center for Swedenborgian Studies
- Newbigin House of Studies
- New College Berkeley
- Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute
- Wilmette Institute
The GTU is a private institution, separate and independent of UC Berkeley. Nevertheless, we have an important “casual” cooperative relationship with UCB, allowing cross-registration in courses and library borrowing privileges at the University. UC Berkeley is just a block away from the GTU library and near six of the member schools.
Yes, please do! We encourage prospective students to visit and acquaint themselves with our programs, facilities, and community. The GTU Admissions Office can arrange for you to visit our campus, meet faculty and students, and even sit in on a class that interests you. To schedule a visit, please email us at admissions@gtu.edu.
With over 10 specialized concentrations, you may find multiple areas of interest. We recommend thinking about your long-term goals and how an MA might align with your future plans. Are you interested in research or real-world application? What topics do you want to pursue in depth? Find out which MA faculty advisors are interested in some of the topics you are thinking about and schedule times to speak with them. Talk with the Director of Recruitment and Admissions who can guide you in the process and inform you of all your options. If you are interested in a field that isn't already listed but still falls within the GTU's mission, you'll want to select the Self-Designed Concentration and work with an advisor to create a personalized program.
Fall 2025 International Student Deadline May 1st 2025
Fall 2025 Final Deadline July 1st 2025
International students applying from a country in which English is not the official language must submit a TOEFL or IELTS score from within the last two years. Applicants to the program are expected to have a TOEFL score of at least 80 (internet) 213 (computer) or 550 (paper). For the Academic IELTS, the minimum score is 7.0 with a preference for a 7.5 score.
If you are admitted to the GTU you will need to certify sufficient financial resources to be granted the documentation necessary to secure a student visa. See the International Student information page for more details.
No, the MA and PhD are two wholly separate programs, each requiring a distinct application process. An MA or MDiv is required for the doctoral program; admission to the MA does not guarantee admission to the doctoral program.
The MA application is available completely online! You submit your application, statement of purpose, transcripts, and letters of recommendation, through the online application portal. While unofficial transcripts can be used for the application process, all enrolled students will need official transcripts on file. You may submit them electronically to admissions@gtu.edu or have them mailed GTU Admissions Office, 2400 Ridge Road, Berkeley, CA 94709.
As of December 2022, the GRE is no longer a required application material. The Admissions Committee will not include GRE scores in the review process, even if an applicant supplies them.
It is crucial to have references that can attest to your ability to do scholarly work at the graduate level. If you have not been in school for some time, or for some reason you are unable to obtain recommendations from persons with whom you have studied, try to obtain recommendations from personal or professional acquaintances who have scholarly credentials and can attest to your academic abilities. This might be a clergy member with advanced degrees, or a supervisor from your professional endeavors.
See the current tuition and fees page.
The Bay Area has one of the country’s most competitive housing markets, so we recommend starting your search as soon as you are committed if you are relocating to study at the GTU. There are many helpful resources to assist you, beginning with those listed on the housing page.
Absolutely! Please see our Online MA page to learn more about study options. You'll also need to confirm that GTU distance education is authorized in your state. Please contact admissions@gtu.edu if you have any questions, and start your application here.
Yes, MA students may enroll full-time or part-time. We also offer in-person, fully online, and hybrid options for students with courses being offered synchronously and asynchronously. Our MA program is designed to put our students first, and give everyone an opportunity to further their education, regardless of their life circumstances.
Students can apply for loans and work study through the GTU Financial Aid office. Check the financial aid section for more information.
If you would like to take a class you may do so as an “Unclassified” or “Special Student.” Once you know what class you would like to take, determine which school faculty member is offering the course and sign up through that school. If you are interested in classes in Islamic Studies, Jewish Studies, or Hindu Studies, you would sign up through the GTU admissions office. You may also be interested in pursuing a Certificate program, generally a year-long opportunity to take courses to explore an interest. The GTU and many of its member schools offer certificate programs. For information about the Certificate programs at the GTU, go to the Other Study Options page.
The GTU offers classes at different times during the fall and spring semesters, including some night classes. There are also intensive classes offered in the January intersession, and during the Summer Session.