Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, California

The Graduate Theological Union is the most comprehensive center for the graduate study of religion in North America. With a focus on interreligious and interdisciplinary perspectives, GTU faculty and students engage the world’s great religions and wisdom traditions in contemporary contexts. The GTU educates innovative leaders for the academy, religious organizations, and the nonprofit sector, equipping scholars to embody the critical thinking, ethical frameworks, compassionate values, and spiritual foundations essential to building a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.

Students enrolled at the GTU or any of its member schools have the opportunity to choose from among more than 700 courses offered across the consortium each year. With 8 member schools, 5 academic centers, and 4 affiliates, the GTU is one of the largest theological consortiums in the world. The GTU works collaboratively with the University of California, Berkeley, and is the home of the Flora Lamson Hewlett Library, one of the most comprehensive theological libraries in the country.

The mission of the GTU is to

• Educate scholars for vocations devoted to study and service
• Equip leaders for a world of diverse religions and cultures
• Teach patterns of faith that encourage justice and care of the planet
• Serve as an educational and theological resource for local communities, the nation, and the world.

As a consortium, the GTU confers the academic degrees of Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Each of the eight member schools offers other degrees such as the Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Theological Studies (MTS) and Doctor of Ministry (DMin). The GTU also provides opportunities not available in a single school setting, through a variety of centers, institutes, and programs.

Our graduates are both rigorous thinkers and passionate doers. They have taught at eminent universities and seminaries, ministered to a broad range of congregations, and have crossed borders of all sorts - cultural, economic, religious, and political - to serve our world.

The GTU is located in Berkeley, California, where the diversity of cultures and faith traditions reflects our own. Social activism, critical thinking, and openness to new ideas are deeply rooted in this city. Imbued with this spirit, we have created innovative programs that unite living faith traditions with other disciplines.