Welcome! We are excited about your interest in our professional and scholastic degree programs. Congratulations on getting to this place in your spiritual discernment process. You may apply to the MDiv or MASC programs using the appropriate steps provided below. Learn more about our certificates here.
We encourage early applications to allow time for admission committee review, financial aid, scholarship applications, and other planning. We use a rolling admissions process, with deadlines at the first of each month with a priority deadline and a final deadline.
If applying for a scholarship, your application has priority consideration based on the earliest application received. Scholarship applications can be submitted after admissions application is completed.
Next Application Deadline: Jan 1, 2026
Apply by December 1 to start in Spring. Apply by June 1 to start in Fall.
Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
3 years, 72 credits – $69,120
Master of Arts in Social Change (MASC)
2 years, 36 credits – $34,560
Joint
M.Div./MASC
90 credits – $86,400
Certificates
Academic Catalog
How To Apply
1. Apply
Please complete the online application. The application fee of $65.00 is required with your submission. The application includes three sections:
- Personal Information: Complete the personal Information section as completely as possible. Questions marked with an asterisk (*) are required.
- References: Input complete contact information for three references, including a religious community leader, an educator/adviser, and a personal reference.
- Essay Uploads: Complete your Personal Essay Statements and an Autobiographical Statement and attach them to the space provided on your application. Please attach them in PDF format. We encourage you to review the questions asked in the Personal Essay.
2. Request Official Transcripts
From all institutions of higher education attended. We can admit a small percentage of students without a Bachelor’s Degree.
- Please send official electronic transcripts to the following email address: admissions@sksm.edu
- Please send official transcripts by regular mail to:
Starr King School for the Ministry
Attn: Admissions
414 13th St. Suite 700
Oakland, CA 94612
3. Applicant Interview
Once your application is complete the Admissions Office will schedule an Applicant Interview with you. The meeting is typically an hour. We can arrange a Zoom or Skype meeting with you. During the meeting, we will have the opportunity to get to know each other, discuss your motivations for applying to your program, and your commitment to Starr King’s Core Values.
4. Apply for Financial Aid
Financial Aid is awarded to those who qualify and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov. The SKSM federal school code is G04080. To find out more about financial aid, please click here.
5. Submit Intent to Start, Enrollment Agreement, and Deposit
- Please complete the intent to start via SurveyMonkey link that will be provided to you.
- Review and sign the Enrollment Agreement.
- Review and sign the current School Performance Fact Sheet included with Enrollment Agreement.
- Submit $200 deposit (refundable if the Enrollment Agreement is cancelled within seven days of signing or the first class session).
- Please send check or money order to:
Starr King School for the Ministry
Attn: Admissions
414 13th St. Suite 700
Oakland, CA 94612
FAQs
How long are the degree programs?
- M.Div.: Most of our students work, have partners, families, and lead full lives. Most students average ~4 years.
- MASC: ~2 years
Do I need to take the GRE?
No, not for any of our programs.
Can I pursue my degree completely online?
For years, we have been providing courses via a hybrid format, making it easy when the pandemic started. At the beginning of the pandemic, our accrediting body, The Association of Theological Schools, permanently waived residential requirements. While we are still considering how to approach this going forward (we love having people in physical community), you can currently get your entire degree online.
Where will I find work with a MASC degree?
You will be prepared to assume a professional role in institutions and organizations that work for progressive social change. The employment field includes non-profit organizations, social service agencies, political action organizations, administrative and leadership positions in denominational bodies and religious associations, church staffs, educational programs, health organizations, community centers, interfaith organizations, and research institutes.
Can I talk to students who have graduated from the MASC program?
Yes, email admissions@sksm.edu to make the request. In the interim, listen to an audio podcast below of two Starr King students discussing what excites them about the Master of Arts in Social Change degree program; what drew them to the academic community; and what they learned in the required course, Educating to Counter Oppressions to Create Just and Sustainable Communities.
Start your Application
If you have questions or need technical support completing the application,
please contact us at admissions@sksm.edu or call us at 510-902-3994.