Graduate School of Theology

The Graduate School of Theology and Program of Catholic Studies (GST) at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia is seeking Catholics who want to pursue a fulfilling academic program of theology.

GST is a center of theological education in Philadelphia for laity, priests, and religious from the Greater Philadelphia area and the entire country.

GST conducts evening, summer, and online courses, on both the graduate and undergraduate levels, in Catholic theology and in various institute programs.

If you're looking for a dynamic and vibrant program of theology and Catholic studies, in a truly inspiring setting, then please consider contacting GST.

GST is a co-educational program of theological study, faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church and the Catholic intellectual tradition within the framework of "intellectual charity" (Benedict XVI). Fostering a loving community centered on Jesus Christ, we provide a fully integrated theological education grounded in natural reason and revealed truth. GST seeks to form students who are authentic living witnesses of the Faith sent forth to assist the Church in the joyful work of the

New Evangelization.

GST is answering Blessed John Paul II's call to build and renew the Church of the Third Millennium. GST's vision is to educate and form students who, as leaders in Church ministries and apostolates, will live by the highest intellectual and ethical standards and fully witness the Gospel in truth and love to those they are called to serve and teach.

GST was founded at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in 1969. For decades, GST has had the reputation of promoting solidly Catholic teaching with dynamic academic rigor.

Since its founding, GST has granted masters degrees in Sacred Theology to over 1,050 students, most of whom still serve the Church in various capacities.

GST is privileged to be part of the distinguished institution of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and part of such a rich heritage dating back to 1832.

The Philadelphia area is rich with the legacy of two canonized saints. St. Katharine Drexel was born and raised in Philadelphia. As a Catholic Religious, she devoted her life to educating those whom others had neglected - specifically, African Americans and Native Americans. St. John Neumann was the Bishop of Philadelphia and he notably spread Eucharistic devotion, and in his six years as bishop the number of Catholic schools grew from two to 400. Both saints are buried in the Philadelphia area.

GST is located on the beautiful, expansive campus of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary (founded in 1832), which is home to 145 seminarians from all over the country. GST students take classes within the magnificent old-stone buildings, with tree-lined sidewalks, and hallways filled with religious artwork, providing an ideal setting for theological study and growth in faith formation. GST students also enjoy a beautiful Rome-style chapel for adoration and prayer. The campus has a recently renovated, state-of-the-art library with one of the largest collections of theology books in the country. Being located in such a historically important and Catholic city, so close to the major centers of New York and Washington DC, makes GST a uniquely apt place to study theology and become more acquainted with the Church on a national level.