Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology

The Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology (DSPT) stands as a unique intellectual beacon in Berkeley, California, rooted deeply in the rich tradition of the Dominican Order. As a member of the Graduate Theological Union (GTU), DSPT offers a vibrant academic environment for advanced study in philosophy and theology, preparing students for lives of scholarship, ministry, and ethical leadership. It is particularly known for its commitment to integrating faith and reason, drawing on centuries of Dominican intellectual heritage while engaging with contemporary thought and global challenges.

DSPT's history is intricately linked with the Catholic Church's expansion in California, dating back to 1850 when Pope Pius IX established the Diocese of Monterey and appointed Dominican priest Joseph Alemany as its first bishop. Tasked with forming the Western Dominican Province, Alemany and Reverend Francis Sadoc Vilarrasa founded the first house of studies in Monterey in 1851. This foundational seminary, initially created to rebuild the Catholic infrastructure post-Gold Rush, evolved through several relocations—from Benicia to Oakland (as the College of St. Albert the Great) and eventually to Berkeley, demonstrating its enduring adaptability and commitment to intellectual formation.

In 1964, the College of St. Albert the Great took a significant step by joining the Graduate Theological Union (GTU), solidifying its position within a leading consortium of theological schools. This affiliation, coupled with WASC accreditation, underscored its academic rigor. Renamed the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in 1978, DSPT continues to thrive within the GTU, offering a robust graduate curriculum. Its permanent campus in North Berkeley, established in 2006, places it at the heart of a dynamic academic community, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and spiritual growth.

Prospective students will find a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment at DSPT, dedicated to fostering deep inquiry and spiritual formation. With recent initiatives like the Traditional Dominican Rite course and new scholarship programs for graduate students, DSPT remains committed to both its profound historical legacy and innovative approaches to theological and philosophical education, preparing students to critically engage with the world through the lens of Dominican thought.