
Kenrick Glennon Seminary is a Roman Catholic institution for the formation of prospective priests in the St. Louis area. Its present identity brings together two stages of preparation: college-level study associated with Glennon College and graduate theological study associated with Kenrick School of Theology.
Kenrick Seminary traces its history to 1893 and takes its name from Peter Richard Kenrick, a former archbishop of St. Louis. Glennon College, named for Cardinal John J. Glennon, was established later to serve men at the college stage of priestly formation. Their combined identity explains why applicants may encounter different academic and formation expectations depending on where they are in their education.
Kenrick Glennon Seminary is organized around two principal academic stages rather than a broad collection of undergraduate colleges. Glennon College serves college-level seminarians, while Kenrick School of Theology serves men preparing for priestly ministry at the graduate level.
College-level work emphasizes philosophy and other studies relevant to later theological education. The graduate stage centers on theology, Scripture and preparation for pastoral ministry. Academic coursework is only one part of the program: seminarians also participate in spiritual, human and pastoral formation. An applicant comparing credentials should confirm which school would enroll them, what credential their course of study leads to and whether any previous coursework satisfies that stage's requirements.
Kenrick Glennon Seminary is in the St. Louis, Missouri, area. Its campus setting differs from a downtown university: students should expect a residential seminary environment while retaining access to the parishes, institutions and services of the wider metropolitan area.
That location matters particularly for pastoral assignments and for applicants sponsored by dioceses outside Missouri. Before making travel or commuting plans, applicants should verify their assigned campus address and whether their formation program requires residence.
Kenrick Glennon Seminary's stated purpose is to prepare men for Roman Catholic priesthood. Its educational approach joins academic study with human, spiritual and pastoral formation rather than treating a degree alone as the measure of readiness for ministry.
This religious purpose shapes daily life as well as admissions. Worship, community living, spiritual direction and supervised ministry may be integral parts of formation. Prospective students should distinguish between applying to study an academic subject and entering a process of discernment for priesthood; the latter normally involves a sponsoring diocese or religious community.
Name of the institution
Kenrick Glennon SeminaryLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
Suburb: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, graduate with no undergraduate degreesInstitution size category
Under 1,000Kenrick Glennon Seminary is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Master's degreeData last updated on November 2, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.