The Franciscan Difference
There is a hidden treasure in Catholic Theology called the “Franciscan Tradition.” St. Francis of Assisi is a saint of peace, a saint of the poor, a saint respectful of each person’s God-given uniqueness, and a saint with a great love for all God’s creatures.
Human Beings Reflect Divine Image
Every individual is created in the image of God.
Joy in All Things
All of Creation leads us back to God in joy.
Other-Centered People
The individual-in-relationship is an image of the divine.
Christ Is at the Heart of All Reality
Christ, as the embodiment of God’s love, participated in the life of the universe.
Generosity of God
Giving serves as our thanks to God for our gifts and blessings.
The Franciscan Tradition
The Franciscan Difference is needed more urgently than ever in our world today. Franciscan theologians such as St. Bonaventure and John Duns Scotus have helped turn the teachings of St. Francis and St. Clare into a practical, Christ-centered theology attentive to the beauty of creation.
The Franciscan School of Theology makes this vibrant tradition the basis of its curriculum, from the study of Scripture and Systematic Theology to courses in liturgy and pastoral ministry. Multicultural in approach, inclusive of all as brothers and sisters, Franciscan Theology offers an optimistic and hope-filled view of this world and Christ’s central presence within it. Learn with us and become part of the Franciscan Difference.
Our Community
The Franciscan Difference flows from the Franciscan charism — which means grace or gift — that is rooted in the life and teachings of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi. As a joy-filled faith, our tradition challenges each of us to be present to ourselves, to one another, and to all of creation. It is this calling which ties our spirituality directly to the natural world and to our community.
As a part of the community of the Franciscan School of Theology, you will be fully supported by learned instructors and staff who are invested in your journey. As a part of the University of San Diego campus, FST offers a strong student community, excellent academic resources, and a low student-to-faculty ratio to provide our students with ample attention and guidance.
In addition to our traditional on-campus programs, we offer a virtual graduate degree program accessible to those outside the San Diego area as a means of bringing the Franciscan community to an increasingly connected world. Whether you are with us on campus or virtually, we are proud to welcome you as part of the vibrant and welcoming San Diego community.
16%
of graduates work as teachers or in campus ministry
14%
of graduates work in hospital or hospice chaplaincy
12%
of graduates continue their graduate studies
11%
of graduates go into parish or ministry work
Learn From Distinguished Theological Scholars
Our dynamic faculty cultivate learning in the classroom and beyond, bringing Franciscan spirituality into homes, parishes, hospices, hospitals, soup kitchens, and more. We are blessed to welcome a faculty of distinguished theological scholars from around the globe.
10:1
Small student to faculty ratio
55%
of students receive institutional scholarships
28%
of graduates enter into religious life
18%
of graduates go on to work in other professions
Ready to Get Started?
Select your program of interest and get started with your Enrollment Advisor
Support Our Mission
Make an impact in the lives of students and the communities they serve. Your generous support empowers our mission to form flourishing faith leaders that heal our world.
It all started with an inner need for faith seeking understanding, but I received much more than that. I got a whole community of support and new relationships between teachers, fellow students, and administrative staff. I got a profoundly important experience that will go with me not just to my next step but to every new step I take academically, professionally, and personally. Thank you FST
It was eye-opening to be surrounded by all the diversity (at FST). Between the faculty, staff, and students, there was this fraternity, and there was a community. And where else can you experience a community-like feeling in a world that is so polarized?
