Franciscan School of Theology

What Franciscan School of Theology does

Franciscan School of Theology (FST) is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) graduate theological institution affiliated with the University of San Diego and operated under the Franciscan Province of St. Barbara. Founded in 1854 at Mission Santa Barbara, FST relocated to Berkeley in 1968 as a member of the Graduate Theological Union and moved again in 2012 to the USD campus in San Diego, where it occupies the Coronado Building. It is the only Franciscan seminary and theology school of its kind in the United States, offering graduate degree and continuing education programs in the Franciscan tradition.

FST's academic portfolio spans nine offerings: on-campus Master of Theological Studies (MTS), Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Arts (MA), and a concurrent MDiv/MTS dual degree; the fully online MTS – Franciscan Theology (MTS-FT) and Online Certificate in Franciscan Theology; a hybrid Doctor of Education in Catholic Social Thought in Practice jointly with USD's School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES); plus non-degree and continuing education courses. Programs integrate rigorous theological study with spiritual formation, field education, and access to USD resources including Copley Library. The institution holds dual accreditation from the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and is authorized to enroll students across 32 U.S. states.

The institution operates with a small staff (11–50 employees) and a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, reporting a 91% retention rate and student representation from 20 countries. Revenue is generated through tuition and fees for graduate programs, supported by donations and legacy giving, federal financial aid (FAFSA School Code G11792), and scholarships including the Mary Stuart Rogers Scholarship. Recruitment is conducted directly via a relationship-based admissions process, parish and religious-order referral networks, and a digital presence spanning website, social media, and YouTube. Upcoming leadership transitions include Keith Douglass Warner OFM assuming the presidency on July 1, 2026.

Name

Franciscan School of Theology

Legal name

Franciscan School of Theology

Website

https://fst.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1854

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Franciscan School of Theology is a private 501(c)(3) graduate theological institution in San Diego, affiliated with the University of San Diego, offering graduate degrees, certificates, and continuing education in the Franciscan tradition to Catholic ministry candidates, scholars, and spiritual seekers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Graduate Theological Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Religious Organizations (8131)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Seminaries (Graduate Theology & Ministry) (EDAHAKAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis) (BPAGAJAD)

Keywords

• Graduate theological education
• Franciscan tradition studies
• Master of divinity programs
• Catholic seminary education
• Theological degree programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Berkeley

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: FST charges tuition for graduate degree programs. The school offers competitive tuition rates and various financial aid options including scholarships, tuition reduction programs, and federal loans.
2. Donations and Charitable Giving: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 94-1745605), FST receives donations through its 'Give Now' and 'Legacy Giving' programs to support students and the institution's mission.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Franciscan School of Theology delivers graduate theological education rooted in the Franciscan tradition, offering master's degrees (MTS, MDiv, MA), a concurrent MDiv/MTS dual degree, an online MTS in Franciscan Theology, a jointly delivered EdD in Catholic Social Thought in Practice, an online certificate in Franciscan Theology, and non-degree/continuing education offerings. Programs integrate academic rigor with spiritual formation and prepare students for Roman Catholic ministry, theological scholarship, chaplaincy, and service to marginalized communities.

Product overview

The Franciscan School of Theology offers a portfolio of graduate theological education programs rooted in the Franciscan tradition. The portfolio includes nine distinct programs: the on-campus Master of Theological Studies (MTS), Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Arts (MA), and Concurrent MDiv/MTS dual degree for residential students; the fully online Master of Theological Studies – Franciscan Theology (MTS-FT) and Online Certificate in Franciscan Theology for distance learners; a hybrid Doctor of Education (EdD) in Catholic Social Thought in Practice offered jointly with the University of San Diego; and non-degree and continuing education offerings for personal enrichment. Programs integrate academic formation with spiritual development and are designed to prepare students for ministry, theological education careers, and service to marginalized communities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Master of Theological Studies (MTS) A two-year on-campus graduate program that deepens understanding of theology through the Franciscan tradition, designed for both professional and spiritual growth. Intended for individuals preparing for ministry, further study, or personal formation.
• Master of Divinity (MDiv) A three-year on-campus professional degree that prepares students for ministry through rigorous theological study and formation in the Franciscan tradition. Designed for those preparing for ordained or lay ecclesial ministry.
• Master of Arts (MA) A rigorous on-campus graduate degree offering advanced study and specialization in Franciscan theology, history, and spirituality. Ideal for students pursuing research, ministry formation, or preparation for doctoral work.
• Concurrent MDiv and MTS Degree A four-year on-campus dual-degree program that combines broad theological study with professional ministerial formation, preparing students for ordained or lay ecclesial service in the Franciscan tradition.
• Online Master of Theological Studies – Franciscan Theology (MTS-FT) A two-year fully online degree grounded in the Franciscan tradition, offering rigorous theological study for educators, ministry leaders, and those seeking deeper faith formation. Offered in partnership with the University of San Diego. Authored for distance learners.
• Doctor of Education in Catholic Social Thought in Practice (EdD) A three-year professional doctoral program offered jointly with the University of San Diego's School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) that grounds students in Catholic social teaching, forming ethical, faith-driven leaders across Catholic organizations. Delivered in a hybrid format and authorized in selected U.S. states.
• Online Certificate in Franciscan Theology A flexible online certificate grounded in the Franciscan tradition, designed for personal, spiritual, and professional growth. Taught by expert faculty in an asynchronous format for those deepening understanding of Franciscan theology without committing to a full degree.
• Non-Degree Programs Flexible non-degree and personal enrichment courses designed for anyone wishing to grow in theological knowledge and spiritual depth. Offered on campus at FST.
• Continuing Education Affordable, high-quality summer courses in Franciscan spirituality, theology, and history led by renowned scholars and open to anyone seeking spiritual renewal or intellectual growth. Offered online.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% of surveyed alumni felt their degree program prepared them for work or ministry
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• University of San DiegoflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Since 2012, FST has been proudly affiliated with the University of San Diego. All FST students remain fully enrolled at FST, earning their degrees from FST while enjoying USD's classrooms, libraries, and vibrant campus life. The partnership expanded opportunities for collaboration in theology, peace and justice, nonprofit leadership, and education. FST is located on USD's campus and students have access to USD resources including Copley Library.
• Graduate Theological Union (GTU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Historical connection from FST's time in Berkeley (1968-2012) as a member of the Graduate Theological Union, an ecumenical consortium of nine theology schools dedicated to dialogue and shared scholarship.
• University of San Diego School of Leadership and Education Studies (SOLES)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint degree program: EdD in Catholic Social Thought in Practice, offered collaboratively by FST and USD's School of Leadership and Education Studies. This doctoral program grounds students in Catholic social teaching, forming ethical, faith-driven leaders across Catholic organizations.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• University of Notre Dame - Department of Theology: A major Catholic research university with a theology department offering graduate MA and PhD programs. Comparable as a Catholic graduate theology provider, though at much larger scale and with broader university portfolio.

Direct peers

• Graduate Theological Union (GTU): An ecumenical consortium of nine theology schools in Berkeley where FST was historically a member (1968-2012). Comparable as an academic consortium offering shared library and cross-registration for graduate theological study.
• Catholic Theological Union: The largest Catholic graduate school of theology in the US, based in Chicago. Comparable as a multi-religious-order Catholic graduate theology school offering MTS, MDiv, and DMin programs with similar ATS accreditation.
• Boston College School of Theology and Ministry: Jesuit-sponsored graduate school offering MTS, MDiv, and ThM programs. Comparable as a Catholic graduate theology school with similar audience of ministry candidates and lay formation.
• Catholic University of America - School of Theology: The national university of the Catholic Church in the US offering graduate theology degrees including MTS, MDiv, STL, and PhD. Comparable as an ATS-accredited Catholic graduate theology school with doctoral programs.
• Aquinas Institute of Theology: A Dominican-sponsored graduate theological school in St. Louis offering MTS and MDiv programs. Comparable as a Catholic religious-order graduate theology school with similar scale and ATS-accredited programs.
• Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University: A Jesuit graduate theological school in California offering MTS, MDiv, and ThM programs with ATS accreditation. Most direct comparable as another Catholic religious-order graduate theology school on the West Coast.
• Dominican House of Studies: A Dominican-sponsored graduate theology school in Washington, DC offering the MDiv and STL. Comparable as a Catholic religious-order seminary with similar size and formation-focused mission.
• Seton Hall University - Immaculate Conception Seminary: A Catholic diocesan seminary and school of theology in New Jersey offering MTS, MDiv, and DMin programs. Comparable as an ATS-accredited Catholic seminary with both residential and online offerings.
• Sacred Heart Major Seminary: A Catholic seminary in Detroit offering MDiv, MA, and lay formation programs. Comparable as a small Catholic seminary with ATS accreditation and similar formation-focused mission.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/FSTEDU1
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/FSTEDU1
• Facebookfacebook.com/220455346677
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/franciscan-school-of-theology
• Instagraminstagram.com/franciscanschooloftheology

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Franciscan School of Theology