About the School of Theology

Since its founding in 1891 as Seattle Seminary, Seattle Pacific University has equipped men and women to engage the culture with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

School of Theology faculty and staff 2022

The Epistle of James tells us that reflecting deeply on faith and living out faith in the world go hand-in-hand. If you are looking for a community that is grounded in an ever-deepening and ever-challenging Christian faith, you’ll find it in the SPU School of Theology. The School of Theology houses undergraduate programs as well as Seattle Pacific Seminary.

Our Mission Statement

"The School of Theology at Seattle Pacific University aspires to embody God's diverse kingdom, equipping the people of God to be transformative agents in the world through the gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit."

Our Distinctive Vision:
Academy, Abbey, Apostolate®

In the School of Theology, we embrace a threefold model of theological education that we call “Academy, Abbey, Apostolate®.”

The interplay of scholarship, spiritual edification, and service — all informed by our Wesleyan heritage that joins "knowledge and vital piety" as a means of changing the world — defines a vision that distinguishes SPU among theology schools and seminaries. 

Degrees

The School of Theology offers a Christian Theology Major and seven minors.

Seattle Pacific Seminary offers a Master of Arts in Theology (MA) with five tracks, a Master of Divinity (MDiv), and four dual degrees in partnership with other schools at SPU. 

University Foundations Courses

In addition to undergraduate theology majors and seminary students, the School of Theology serves all undergraduate students through three required University Foundations courses: Christian Faith, Christian Scripture, and Christian Theology. These courses introduce all SPU students to the biblical heritage and distinctive doctrines and practices of various strands within the historic Christian tradition.

Center for Biblical and Theological Education

The Center for Biblical and Theological Education in the SPU School of Theology was founded to provide biblical and theological education for faculty, staff, and students; the church; and the world. One of its signature offerings is Lectio: Guided Bible Reading, an online resource of readings and podcasts led by School of Theology faculty. The CBTE was originally funded in part by a grant from the Murdock Charitable Trust.

Seattle Pacific University

Alexander and Adelaide Hall

The School of Theology is housed in historic Alexander and Adelaide Hall, a four-story, red-brick building with four hip-roofed towers. Constructed in 1893, this hall is SPU’s oldest structure.

Studying in Library

SOT Faculty Books

School of Theology faculty have published more than 60 books, on topics ranging from global Christianity, to theodicy, to women and Christianity — as well as commentaries and scholarly monographs on books and topics of the Bible. SOT faculty book page.

Inclusive Community

The Christian gospel aims to provide a clear witness to the revelation of God through Jesus Christ. For this reason, the words we choose are influential and significant.