“PSR will blow your mind, embolden your heart, and strengthen your hands.”
-President David Vásquez-Levy
Who We Are
Pacific School of Religion (PSR) is a progressive Christian seminary, graduate school, and center for leadership development and social justice located in Berkeley, CA. PSR transforms individuals and communities through a flexible, stackable curriculum and a collaborative, lifelong learning ecosystem powered by diversity.
Located at the top of “Holy Hill” in Berkeley, PSR is steeped in the history, community, and culture of the San Francisco Bay Area. We’re an early member of the Graduate Theological Union (GTU), the most comprehensive center for the graduate study of religion in North America. With a focus on interreligious and interdisciplinary perspectives, the GTU engages the world’s great religions and wisdom traditions in contemporary contexts. PSR students can take classes across GTU’s schools and access the shared library and other resources.
Mission
Pacific School of Religion 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, PSR partners with students of all backgrounds to deepen their spirituality and enhance their capacity to lead in transformative ways. Connected to a broad network of religious, educational, not-for-profit, and private sector organizations—with a particular commitment to the wisdom of historically marginalized communities—PSR offers an education that is marked by innovation, reflection, and excellence.
Living a Radically Inclusive Gospel
PSR is a leader in forging a theological education devoted to a radically inclusive gospel. We are committed to creating a learning and teaching community that reflects the variety of our context and the beauty of God’s people.
As a majority people-of-color community, from the Board to our student body, we’re fiercely committed to being an anti-racist institution. We believe our strength comes through the diversity of our backgrounds, experiences, and expertise.
Our legacy of leading through disruptive times goes all the way back to our founding in 1866. PSR has and will continue to have a history of being on the right side of history.
Stackable Curriculum
PSR is the first seminary in the U.S. to offer an innovative, stackable curriculum. The course progression for our Master of Divinity program is structured so that students can earn credentials and apply their knowledge as they progress through their degree.
In their first year of study, students can earn a graduate certificate in either Sexuality and Religion or Spirituality and Social Change.
After earning a certificate, students can continue their education and earn a Master of Arts in Social Transformation with another year of coursework. If a Master of Divinity serves their vocational goals, they can complete that program with a final year of coursework.
Why just get a Master of Divinity when you can also earn a graduate-level certificate and two master’s degrees for the same time and cost? PSR helps you make every course, every dollar, and every effort count.
PSR’s Innovative Centers
Badè Museum of Biblical Archeology
The Badè Museum of Biblical Archeology creates Pexhibitions, and lectures that draw attention to the people that have been historically marginalized
Founded at PSR in 1923, the Badè is committed to bringing lessons from the ancient past to those fighting for justice, equity, equality, and inclusion today — Unafraid.
Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion (CLGS)
Founded in 2000 at PSR, CLGS was created to transform attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people within faith communities and within society at large.
Our goal is to create a new discourse on religion, gender, and sexuality for a future where all people can embrace life fully
— Unafraid.
Ignite Institute is a collective created and founded at PSR to equip leaders with the tools to step forward to help you discover your unique leadership voice.
The skills you cultivate here will light the way ahead in your work and give others the courage to move forward with you
— Unafraid.
Theological Education for Leadership (TEL)
TEL was created to equip those in full-time jobs and life transitions with the tools to answer the call to deeper service. TEL offers a flexible approach to learning and has been a program of PSR for 38 years.
If “Can I do this?” is the question on your mind, we’re here to help you answer your call— Unafraid.
