The Franciscan Difference
A Franciscan education offers a unique, Christ-centered viewpoint into Catholicism. Franciscan spirituality is faithful to the gospel and the Church, rooted in prayer, contemplation, and most importantly, service. Franciscans are committed to upholding the inherent dignity of creation, manifest a profound reverence for the human person as one made in God’s image and likeness, and esteem all creatures as brothers and sisters–a reflection of God’s goodness and glory.
Scholarship Opportunities
68% of FST students receive scholarships based on need, which on average covers over half of your tuition. Merit-based scholarships are available to students based on GPA, and employees of Catholic institutions are eligible for tuition reduction and grants. Speak to our enrollment advisors to see if you qualify. (619) 574-5800.
Learn from the Best
The FST faculty is comprised of world-renowned theological scholars from around the globe–and across the theological spectrum.
Learn Where
Life is Beautiful.
FST is located on the pristine campus of the University of San Diego, where the beauty of God’s creation is all around you.
Life Changing Graduate Degrees
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
The MTS is a two-year academic program in which students demonstrate a focused knowledge in their chosen theological specialization. Students will research, interpret, and apply theological knowledge, and construct a coherent, sustained theological argument reflecting an in-depth study of a theological topic.
Suitable for those interested in:
- Teaching at the elementary, secondary, or junior college level
- Working in church ministry
- Preparation for further academic work
Master of Divinity (MDiv)
A three-year professional degree preparing students for church ministry, the MDiv curriculum provides an interdisciplinary education with a theological foundation, grounded in the Franciscan tradition. Seminars, supervised field education, courses in pastoral ethics, and the cultivation of intercultural sensitivity are integral elements of this degree.
Suitable for those interested in:
- Serving in lay or ordained ecclesial and service ministries
- A career in education and professional ministry
Master of Arts (MA)
The Master of Arts degree (theology) is an academically rigorous degree that allows for specialization in Franciscan studies—especially Franciscan theology, history, and spirituality. Such specialization prepares students to work in programs of religious formation, in translation and publication of theological and historical texts, and preparation of printed and electronic resources to enhance awareness of significant authors, texts and themes of the Franciscan Tradition.
Suitable for those interested in:
- Teaching at the secondary level or in two-year college programs
- A graduate research degree in preparation for a doctoral program
| Professor of History
DEGREES
MA Graduate Theological Union 1971
MDiv Franciscan School of Theology 1972
BA San Luis Rey College 1968
SPECIALIZATION
DEGREES
MA University of Southern California
BA University of Southern California
SPECIALIZATION
DEGREES
MA Jesuit School of Technology af Berkley/GTU
BA California State University, Chico
SPECIALIZATION
Answer Your Calling
Connect with our admissions team to learn more about our programs, graduate degrees, and opportunities!
TESTIMONIALS
Audrey Anaradian, PhD
| MDiv 2019
"Seeing life through the theological and spiritual lens of the Franciscan tradition opens the heart and mind to a lens of love, beauty, and goodness that fills one with awe and gratitude."
TESTIMONIALS
Sam Nasada, OFM
| MDiv 2017
"At FST, I not only received a theological education, I gained a community. It continues to be an inspiration in recognizing that if I look up deep enough and carefully enough, there are traces of the Franciscan spirit in everyone. The spirit of Francis is still alive in many people I meet and there are so many allies in the world. That has been a great source of hope for me. That is why we as Franciscans call everyone and all creations as brothers and sisters because we are all connected."
TESTIMONIALS
Kendra McClelland
| MDiv 2017
"Our professors genuinely invest in the development of the whole person, with a deep concern for our well-being and growth as a person of inherent value and extraordinary potential. Oftentimes, they saw more potential in us than we saw in ourselves, and over the course of the semester, they challenged us to not only realize it but to surpass it."
TESTIMONIALS
Michael Brown
| MTS 2019
"It is a superlative education in faith" taught by the "most scholarly people in the world...It's very grounding and it's very satisfying."
World-Renowned Scholars
The FST faculty is comprised of distinguished theological scholars from around the globe–and across the theological spectrum.
Academic Rigor
Engage wholeheartedly in your faith journey and discover your unique role in caring for our world and the Catholic Church with rigorous master’s programs and other educational opportunities.
A Vibrant Tradition
FST embodies the rich Franciscan theological tradition, applying centuries of lived wisdom to the needs of today–and shaping compassionate leaders for our diverse world.
Accredited Education
