“We will blow your mind, embolden your heart, and strengthen your hands. Come change the world.”
-President David Vásquez-Levy
At our beautiful campus in Berkeley California, we are part of the Graduate Theological Union, a consortium of the largest theological faculty in the United States.
As a progressive Christian seminary and graduate school, Pacific School of Religion is firmly committed to serving the church and non-profit organizations. PSR welcomes students from all denominations and religious backgrounds, embraces diversity, and is deeply committed to social justice.
Design Thinking
“Design Thinking” is a human-centered approach to problem solving and new product development that emerged from the high-tech, entrepreneurial world of Silicon Valley. It has evolved over the years into a process that is rooted in community-based research, ongoing testing of assumptions, a resistance to immediate answers for the sake of deeper insights, and hypothesizing future consequences. This course introduces the design thinking model with leading design thinking consultants — including an interactive workshop in which students collaborate on a realistic design challenge — and opportunities to adapt this model for leadership skills in both congregational settings and non-profit organizations for effective social change strategies.
Progressive Christian Scholarship
We draw on the depth and breadth of Christian teachings and practices, as well as a wide range of sources from a variety of spiritual and intellectual traditions, to form and transform progressive leaders and scholars who provide creative solutions to today’s challenges.
At PSR, we are shaping the global conversation of social transformation through innovative scholarship and broad public engagement.
We are building on our tradition of boldness to bring theological education into conversation with the ingenuity of historically marginalized and under-represented communities and the leading-edge innovation of congregations, companies, and social movements.
Stackable Curriculum
PSR’s curriculum offers the flexibility needed to navigate our rapidly changing world. This unique approach is called the Stackable Curriculum, and PSR is the first seminary in the nation to implement it.
First Protestant Seminary
PSR was the first Protestant seminary west of the Mississippi. Since 1866, we have continued to serve the church and transform society.
PSR is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.