Starr King School for the Ministry

Starr King School for the Ministry in Oakland, California, is a Unitarian Universalist seminary founded in 1904, committed to progressive theological education with a focus on counter-oppressive and multicultural ministry. As a member of the Graduate Theological Union, the school emphasizes social justice, environmental ethics, and interfaith leadership in a Bay Area campus setting. It offers the Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Social Change, preparing students for roles in chaplaincy, activism, and community organizing with a commitment to inclusive spirituality.

The curriculum integrates ethical reflections, cultural studies, and practical advocacy, exploring how Unitarian Universalist principles can address systemic inequities through transformative practices and interreligious dialogue. These programs support the development of skills in leadership and social change, fostering a balance of intellectual inquiry and activist engagement. The low-residency structure offers flexibility, making it ideal for those balancing studies with professional or personal responsibilities.

Student life at Starr King includes virtual cohorts for collaboration, justice-oriented retreats, and community projects that nurture empathy and collective purpose in a progressive environment. These activities contribute to building networks of change-makers equipped for lifelong advocacy. Graduates work in ministry paths that emphasize liberation, ready to serve with a foundation in counter-oppressive theology and multicultural inclusivity.