Pacific School of Religion

Pacific School of Religion (PSR) is a nonprofit graduate theological school in Berkeley, California. Its focus is preparation for ministry, chaplaincy, religious education, community leadership, and related work—not undergraduate study. PSR describes its approach as progressive and ecumenical, with coursework that connects theology and spiritual formation to social change and community practice. It is part of the Graduate Theological Union, whose neighboring schools allow students to explore a wider range of religious traditions and courses.

Degrees and the current delivery format

Its main degrees include the Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Theological Studies (MTS), Master of Arts in Social Transformation (MAST), Master of Arts (MA), and Doctor of Ministry (DMin). Certificates cover theological studies, spirituality and social change, sexuality and religion, and advanced professional studies. The MDiv, MTS, and MAST are the clearest routes for students seeking preparation for pastoral or other religious leadership; the DMin is a professional doctorate for experienced ministry leaders. PSR’s stackable curriculum can let students earn a certificate after an initial year and continue toward a master’s or MDiv, subject to the chosen plan and course sequence. Some programs or courses may also be taken without entering a full degree.

Before choosing an online or hybrid plan, check the school’s current accreditation notice carefully. PSR says its programs are offered in a concurrent hybrid format pending WSCUC approval, and that availability for distance learners depends on state authorization. WSCUC lists Berkeley as the active main campus and currently lists PSR as accredited; the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) separately accredits specified theological degrees. Ask Admissions which modality and state authorization apply to the exact program and entering term, and which accreditor covers the credential you intend to earn. This is particularly important for students who need a specific credential for ordination, chaplaincy, or further doctoral study.

Tuition, scholarships, and federal aid

For 2026–27, PSR lists tuition at $865 per credit for most master’s and certificate programs and $760 per credit for the Doctor of Ministry. An application fee of $50 and other course or semester fees apply; the published schedule includes, for example, a $290 Community Association fee and a $115 contextual-learning fee per semester. Because total cost depends on credits, pace, and program fees, ask the school for a term-by-term estimate and confirm whether any required courses carry additional charges. The current tuition and fee schedule is the best place to check before applying.

Students accepted to the MDiv, MTS, or MAST may be considered for merit awards advertised at 75% of tuition for the President’s Scholarship and 50% for the Dean’s Scholarship; recipients must meet enrollment and academic-progress conditions. PSR also provides need-based scholarships, including for eligible international students. U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens can submit the FAFSA (school code G01256) to be considered for federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and, if eligible, Federal Work-Study. The school states that federal loans may be up to $20,500 annually, subject to federal rules and the student’s cost of attendance. Scholarships are limited and awards depend on eligibility, deadlines, and available funds, so request a written individual aid estimate rather than treating the advertised percentages as guaranteed.

Applying and planning a visit

PSR reviews applications on a rolling basis, but its priority scholarship dates are March 1 for fall and November 1 for spring. Applications generally require official academic transcripts and the $50 fee; Doctor of Ministry candidates also submit a résumé or CV and complete an interview. The school says a complete application review usually takes two to six weeks. Its application instructions link directly to the online form and let prospective students arrange a meeting with Admissions. If you are applying from outside California, confirm distance-learning authorization before committing to a format.

The main campus is at 1798 Scenic Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709; the school phone is (510) 849-8200. Admissions can be reached at (510) 849-8231 or admissions@psr.edu, and Financial Aid at financialaid@psr.edu. The listing shows the campus opening at 8:30 a.m. on weekdays, but a complete public schedule was not available in the sources reviewed; call before traveling to confirm office access or arrange a campus conversation. WSCUC identifies Berkeley as the active main campus; no additional branch campus is listed there.

What student reviews suggest

Recent graduate-student comments on Niche describe a personally attentive faculty and a learning environment that students found intellectually challenging and oriented toward ministry. One reviewer valued study of history from perspectives often left at the margins; another described faculty as accessible and supportive, while also noting that individual experiences with professors can differ. These small-sample comments are not a promise of any one student’s experience, but they suggest practical questions for a visit: ask how advising works in your program, what community-engaged learning placements are available, and how the school supports students whose theological views or vocational goals differ. Read graduate student perspectives and discuss your goals with Admissions and faculty before enrolling.