At Santa Clara University, students explore theological education, ministerial formation, religious studies, and spiritual life through offerings in the Jesuit School of Theology, the Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries, the Religious Studies Department, and the Division of Mission and Ministry. At Santa Clara University, YOU are invited to BECOME ALL THAT GOD IMAGINES. Learn more our unique offerings below.
The Jesuit School of Theology is a global ministry of the Society of Jesus and the graduate School of Theology of Santa Clara University. JST-SCU reimagines theological education and ministerial formation through an Ignatian lens to prepare women and men with intellectual competencies, spiritual depth, experiential learning, and pastoral skills for a future that is to come.
The Graduate Programs in Pastoral Ministries transforms minds, hearts, and lives by providing space for the engagement of theology and ministry. Providing outstanding theological education for people engaged in ministry, the program aims to foster competence, conscience, compassion, and ministry and accompaniment skills. We offer a MA (in-person and online) and a Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice and Chaplaincy. Students may concentrate in Latina/o ministry, Youth and Young Adult ministry, and Restorative Justice and Chaplaincy. Scholarships are available for all students.
Santa Clara University’s Department of Religious Studies plays a central role in the University’s undergraduate core curriculum, as well as offering degree programs that lead to a bachelor of arts, a minor in religious studies, and a minor in Catholic studies. Faithful to the University’s Catholic and Jesuit identity, the department offers a variety of courses in Scripture, history, and Catholic theology as well as a breadth of courses in various religious traditions and methodologies for the study of religion.
The Division of Mission and Ministry is charged with integrating the Jesuit, Catholic mission and character of the University into the life and ethos of the institution, while strengthening the University’s position as a globally recognized Jesuit, Catholic university. Mission and Ministry actively fosters key Ignatian values: Discernment & Reflection, Solidarity & Kinship, Cura Personalis, Finding God in All Things, and A Faith that Does Justice.
The Division engages and inspires the entire community - students, faculty, staff, administrators, trustees, alumni and friends of the University - to help make the mission their own and apply it concretely to their work and life.