Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology

The Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology (DSPT) is a private, nonprofit graduate school in Berkeley, California. Rooted in the Catholic Dominican tradition, it brings classical philosophy into conversation with theology and contemporary questions. DSPT is accredited by WSCUC and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), and offers graduate study rather than undergraduate degrees. It may suit applicants seeking a small, academically focused setting for advanced work in philosophy, Catholic theology, or preparation for ordained ministry.

Degrees, courses and the Berkeley connection

DSPT’s main degrees are the two-year Master of Arts in Philosophy, the two-year Master of Arts in Theology, and the Master of Divinity (MDiv), a three-year program reserved for candidates for Catholic priestly ordination. Students can also pursue a concurrent MA in Philosophy and Theology, completing two degrees over three years, or choose certificates in philosophical or theological studies and special-student coursework. The MA programs include thesis and examination options. Applicants should compare those paths carefully: the MDiv has specific formation and prerequisite requirements, while the MA programs call for a bachelor’s degree, academic writing, recommendations, and ordinarily a minimum GPA.

A notable advantage is membership in the Graduate Theological Union (GTU), a Berkeley consortium of seminaries and graduate schools. DSPT students may cross-register for eligible GTU courses and, subject to program, enrollment, and approval rules, selected UC Berkeley courses. The arrangement broadens the academic conversation and library access, but it is not automatic admission to another school or unrestricted enrollment. DSPT posts its own course schedule for each semester and offers advising on which outside courses can count toward a degree. Start with the program directory and confirm cross-registration rules with the Registrar before planning a course of study.

Tuition, scholarships and financial aid

For 2026–27, tuition is $980 per unit across DSPT programs. A typical three-unit course costs $2,940; 12 units, the school’s full-time load for financial-aid purposes, costs $11,760 per semester. The school also lists a $95 student activity and campus technology fee per semester, plus program-related costs such as books, housing, food, transportation, and health expenses. Its published nine-month estimate for non-tuition expenses is $34,721, with housing and other living costs a substantial part of the Berkeley budget. These are estimates; review the current cost-of-attendance schedule and ask the Financial Aid Office how your enrollment status affects the total.

DSPT offers competitive awards that can materially reduce tuition for eligible full-time degree applicants. The St. Albert the Great Scholarship & Assistantship provides selected candidates full tuition, a $12,000 annual living stipend, and a student assistantship; the St. Catherine of Siena Scholarship can cover full tuition for qualified MA students. Scholarship applications and the FAFSA have a March 1 priority deadline, and the federal school code is 016673. Federal loans and veteran education benefits are also listed. Scholarships are not guaranteed and have program, enrollment, and application conditions, so contact the school about eligibility and the net cost before enrolling. See the university’s financial aid and scholarship information.

Campus, contact and what students report

DSPT’s campus and main office are at 2301 Vine Street, Berkeley, CA 94708. Call (510) 849-2030 or email info@dspt.edu. The published office schedule is Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., and by appointment; the campus is closed on weekends. Because this is a single-site graduate school, contact the Registrar or Admissions before visiting to confirm access and arrange a meeting.

The limited student reviews available online praise knowledgeable, intellectually challenging professors, exposure to varied viewpoints, and scholarship support. They also raise concerns about a quiet student social scene and occasional difficulty reaching staff promptly; the comments are from 2022, so ask current students how advising and community life work now. Visitor comments more recently focus on the peaceful setting and the Blackfriars Gallery, offering little evidence about classroom experience. Applicants can review the application steps and apply, then speak with Admissions about program fit, course sequencing, financial aid, and cross-registration.