Why Starr King

At Starr King School for the Ministry, we’re dedicated to preparing students to become progressive religious leaders capable of meeting the challenges of the day and equipped to counter oppressions wherever they are found.

Our History

At Starr King, we’re proud of our long and inclusive history. The mission of Starr King School for the Ministry is to educate people for Unitarian Universalist ministry and for progressive religious leadership in society. Starr King first opened in 1904 because of the lack of liberal theological schools in the western United States. From the beginning, our school has been dedicated to teaching people from all backgrounds about how they can become progressive religious leaders. Our aim has always been to prepare religious leaders ready to take on the challenges of the day. Now with over 115 years of experience, we are still educating, shaping, and inspiring both Unitarian Universalist and multi-religious students to become the progressive religious leaders our world needs.

Variety of Classes and Programs

Our goal is to help students develop their spiritual leadership and equip them to do the work of creating social change. Starr King’s innovative educational model is rooted in the Unitarian Universalist values of countering oppressions, cultivating multi-religious life and learning, and creating just and sustainable communities. In our degree programs, students learn how to effectively do the work of progressive religious leadership in the 21st century. We believe that once students complete their degrees, they will be prepared to take on the work of progressive religious leadership and to build the beloved community wherever they serve.

Personalize Your Journey

At Starr King, our variety of courses can help prepare students for a future in leadership. Students can decide which classes would best meet their educational goals through our student-centered, adaptive educational model. They can explore our online, intensive, and low-residency options of study. We also offer fieldwork, internships, and other practical methods of learning. Students can even take classes without being enrolled in one of our degree programs! Contact us to learn more about our courses.

Financial Aid Available to Those Who Qualify

We believe that anyone who has the desire to better their community should have the opportunity to pursue that honorable goal. That’s why we offer financial aid and scholarships to those who qualify. In order to qualify for financial aid, students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online and our SKSM Institutional Tuition Scholarship Application. If you have any questions about our financial aid options, contact our Financial Aid Office. We’d be happy to counsel you as you begin your spiritual journey.

An Education that Prepares for the 21st Century

Doing the work to create a better and more just world is essential to the call of religious leadership. That’s why we emphasize our commitment to educating to counter oppressions and to creating just and sustainable communities. One way in which we fulfill this commitment is to teach by who we are and what we do. That is why we welcome not only Unitarian Universalist students, but also students from all faiths, backgrounds, ethnicities, and identities. We believe that everyone has the capacity to become a leader in their community. Through our educational model, students will be equipped to do the work of religious leadership and create social change in the 21st century world. Our programs are available to anyone who is ready to take up this vitally important work.

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About our graduate programs

Programs & Certificates

Each student’s course of study is individually designed.

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