
Oblate School of Theology is a Catholic graduate school in San Antonio, Texas, established by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in 1903. Its origins as a seminary help explain why theological study, ministry, and spiritual formation remain central to its work.
The school now educates people preparing for several kinds of religious and community service, not only members of the Oblate congregation. For prospective students, the important historical distinction is that this is a specialized graduate institution rather than a general-purpose college with undergraduate majors.
Oblate School of Theology organizes its academics around theology, ministry, and spirituality rather than a broad collection of undergraduate colleges. Its graduate offerings include the Master of Divinity, theology-related master's study, and doctoral work in ministry or spirituality.
The Master of Divinity is generally the most relevant option for applicants preparing for ordained or professional ministry; other programs may better suit those pursuing theological scholarship, spiritual formation, or work in lay ministry. Applicants should compare each program's curriculum, fieldwork, residency expectations, and intended professional use. A theology degree does not, by itself, confer ordination or a professional license.
Oblate School of Theology is at 285 Oblate Drive in San Antonio, Texas. Its campus is in an urban area north of downtown, so students should consider commuting time and transportation when comparing it with residential seminaries.
San Antonio provides access to churches, nonprofits, and other organizations that may be relevant to ministry or community-based learning. Those opportunities depend on a student's program and individual arrangements; their proximity does not establish that a particular placement is available. Applicants planning to drive or use public transportation should check the schedule for their courses, especially evening or intensive sessions.
Oblate School of Theology describes its purpose in terms of Catholic theological education, spiritual formation, and service. Its identity is connected to the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, a Roman Catholic religious congregation with a missionary tradition.
That religious identity shapes the school's academic focus and campus programming. Applicants from any background should review the requirements of their specific degree: studying at a Catholic institution is different from meeting a denomination's separate requirements for ordination, ministry credentials, or ecclesiastical approval.
Name of the institution
Oblate School of TheologyLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, graduate with no undergraduate degreesInstitution size category
Under 1,000Oblate School of Theology is institutionally accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools, 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 degree
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practiceData 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.