Listed A–Z
Azusa Pacific Seminary
Azusa, CA•Brethren in Christ Church•Evangelical•Medium campus
Azusa Pacific Seminary in Azusa, California, part of Azusa Pacific University, merges Wesleyan and Pentecostal influences in evangelical seminary education. Featuring degrees in divinity and leadership, it's a well-known Southern California seminary offering interdenominational ministry training. Course content includes the history of spiritual revival, global impact strategies, urban immersion, and theological integration, inspiring a renewed commitment.
Claremont School of Theology
Claremont, CA•United Methodist Church•Progressive•Small campus
Claremont School of Theology (CST), a Methodist-affiliated institution founded in 1885 and located in Claremont, California (near Los Angeles), is celebrated for its progressive approach to process theology and interreligious studies. As a leading choice among progressive Methodist seminaries and interfaith theology programs in California, CST offers interreligious master's and doctoral degrees in online, in-person, and hybrid formats, fostering dialogue across faith traditions. Its commitment to pluralism and social impact creates a welcoming space for a diverse student body, including significant BIPOC representation and multiple religious backgrounds, making it ideal for those seeking to engage in multifaith cooperation and theological innovation.
Franciscan School of Theology
San Diego, CA•Roman Catholic•Progressive•Small campus
Franciscan School of Theology, located in San Diego, California, serves as a Catholic institution rooted in Franciscan spirituality and mission outreach, affiliated with the University of San Diego since 2015. The school focuses on themes of simplicity, peace, and care for creation, making it a suitable option for students interested in Franciscan seminaries in California or programs in Catholic ecological theology. Its educational approach draws from the vision of St.
Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary of Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA•Mennonite Brethren•Progressive•Small campus
Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, part of Fresno Pacific University in Fresno, California, serves as a theological institution rooted in Anabaptist traditions, with an emphasis on urban peacemaking and community transformation. Established in 1955, the seminary is recognized for its contributions to Mennonite education in California and programs in biblical peace studies, offering a setting that blends evangelism, justice, and shalom principles for students interested in ministry within diverse urban environments. The seminary's graduate programs include the Master of Divinity, focusing on evangelism and justice, along with courses that explore Hispanic ministry integrations, peace theological foundations, community development tactics, and pursuits of shalom.
Fuller Theological Seminary
Pasadena, CA•Inter/Multidenominational•Evangelical•Large campus
Fuller Theological Seminary, located in Pasadena, California, serves as an evangelical institution known for integrating global perspectives and psychological insights into theological education. Founded in 1947 by Charles E. Fuller, the seminary emphasizes evangelical innovation and missiology, providing a platform for students interested in California-based evangelical programs or those focused on cultural relevance in ministry.
Gateway Seminary
Ontario, CA•Southern Baptist Convention•Conservative•Medium campus
Gateway Seminary, located in Ontario, California, operates as a Southern Baptist institution dedicated to missions and church planting, with a history dating back to 1944 when it was known as Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. The seminary emphasizes evangelism and global outreach, serving as a multicultural environment that prepares students for ministry in diverse urban areas across the West Coast and beyond. With multiple campuses offering unique cultural experiences, it appeals to those interested in Baptist missionary training and dynamic church multiplication efforts.
Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University
Berkeley, CA•Roman Catholic•Progressive•Small campus
Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University, located in Berkeley, California, serves as a Jesuit institution rooted in Ignatian spirituality and the tradition of discernment and action. Affiliated with the Graduate Theological Union since 1969, the school emphasizes academic discernment and social ministry, making it a relevant choice for students interested in Jesuit seminaries in California or programs focused on Ignatian theological studies. Its setting in a diverse and innovative environment supports exploration of how faith intersects with justice and service in contemporary society.
St. John’s Seminary (CA)
Camarillo, CA•Roman Catholic•Conservative•Small campus
St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, California, is a Roman Catholic diocesan seminary founded in 1939, committed to forming priests for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and other dioceses with a focus on multicultural ministry. The institution offers the Master of Divinity and pre-theology programs, emphasizing sacramental theology, ethical studies, and pastoral skills in a campus known for its orchards and eucalyptus groves.
Talbot School of Theology of Biola University
La Mirada, CA•Inter/Multidenominational•Conservative•Medium campus
Talbot School of Theology at Biola University in La Mirada, California, is an evangelical institution founded in 1952, committed to biblically centered education that equips students for ministry leadership with a focus on spiritual formation and doctrinal integrity. As part of Biola University, the school emphasizes the integration of faith and learning on its sunny Southern California campus, offering the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Theology, and Doctor of Ministry to prepare individuals for roles in pastoral ministry, missions, and Christian education. The curriculum covers biblical exegesis, systematic theology, ethical studies, and practical ministry skills, supporting exploration of how evangelical principles can inform personal transformation and cultural engagement through rigorous analysis and applied practices.
The Master’s Seminary
Sun Valley, CA•Inter/Multidenominational•Conservative•Small campus
The Master's Seminary, located on the campus of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, serves as an evangelical institution affiliated with The Master's University and Seminary, founded in 1986 by John MacArthur to train men for pastoral ministry in a conservative Baptist tradition. Emphasizing biblical inerrancy and expository preaching, the seminary focuses on equipping students for church leadership with a commitment to doctrinal precision and spiritual maturity. It offers the Master of Divinity as its primary program, alongside the Master of Theology and the Doctor of Ministry, preparing individuals for roles in pastoral ministry, teaching, and missions with a foundation in Reformed theology and practical application.
Rankings reviewed: August 13, 2026 — see our Ranking Methodology
Every school here has been hand-selected for this category. The order is not a ranking — schools are listed alphabetically.