About the Golden State School of Theology
A Rich Heritage
Since the late 1970's, GSST has produced scores of graduates, and they can be found today serving as pastors, evangelists, teachers, youth workers, missionaries, Christian education workers, and as lay workers in a myriad of denominations. GSST graduates and current students may be found on every continent. Needless to say, we are very proud of the rich heritage of GSST.
GSST was founded in 1979 by evangelical pastors and lay persons in San Diego, CA. At the time of its inception, it was known as Spring Valley Bible College and Seminary. We change our name in 1985 to better represent the school, which by then had offices in Oakland, CA. GSST provided non-traditional external programs exclusively until 1982, when an on-campus program was implemented.
By 1985, our combined on and off campus programs were serving more than 350 students around the world. In the mid-1980's, GSST helped develop a traditional campus facility in the Philippines. Today GSST provides assistance to schools in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Ukraine.
Today, occupying the vision God has given us, GSST continues to grow on both the national and international scope. Students from anywhere in the world can complete our qualitative and quantitative programs through our Directed Internet Studies (DIS) methodology. If you have access to a computer, a Bible centered education and degree is only “time” away from you. You can complete your degree program at your own pace, in the convenience of your own home.
We do encourage you to choose GSST. Please review the program descriptions found on the online menu below. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@goldenstate.edu. You may also call us at 888-920-4667 or 209-740-7222. An Admissions Advisor is waiting to discuss your educational needs and wants.
Our Mission
GSST's mission is to mentor and equip Christians in their ministry environment with Bible centered, college level, online-delivered programs and courses, designed to enable our students to achieve their educational goals with respect to Christian service, and to enhance and advance their ministry as servants of Jesus Christ.
Philosophy of Education
The educational programs and curricula of GSST have been carefully designed to offer an unusual blend of Christian higher education. Combined with the work of the ministry in the local church assembly and para-church organizations, GSST programs can be tailored to meet the individual needs of every single Christian worker and dedicated layperson alike. Any person who desires to begin, further, or complete his or her formal Christian higher education will most probably find a program with GSST which will meet those specific needs and/or wants.
Please take the time to review our Diploma, Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral Programs. The listing of course descriptions may be viewed on the site page for each level of study.
We believe in a well balanced educational process. Therefore, courses often considered a part of secular education are required for our undergraduate programs. Thus, GSST seeks to train its students in terms of a consistent Biblical, Christian viewpoint in every field of study, This is not a narrow point of view; rather, it seeks to recognize and explain all documented facts of science and history within their proper Biblical context. Interpretations which are contrary to this perspective are not ignored, but rather are critically examined in order to test and substantiate the superiority of the Biblical framework.
Academic Standards
Because we believe so strongly in the integrated approach to Christian education, GSST makes no distinction between degrees earned in classroom residency and those earned through the Directed Internet Studies (DIS) program. In order to protect the credibility of our programs, and accordingly, the GSST academic standards are among the highest in the nation. All GSST students must maintain a 3.0 (B) average on a 4.0 scale. Our student Mentors work diligently with each of their students to ensure this is accomplished.
Spiritual Standards
In addition to these high academic standards, GSST also requires appropriately high spiritual standards for our students. Each student must provide evidence of having received Jesus Christ as their Personal Savior, be an active member of a local assembly of believers, and be willingly compliant with the policies of the school in all matters. The school reserves the right to dismiss any student who does not conduct himself or herself in a consistent manner appropriate for one who bears the image of the Lord. GSST reserves the right to determine what is or is not appropriate Christian behavior.
Privacy Policy
GSST recognizes the importance of protecting your privacy. The information we collect from you through this website will vary depending upon how you use the website, and what information you choose to provide us. If you contact us via email, or submit an online request for information, we will collect the information that you provide, including your name, contact information, email address, and any questions or comments you may have. If you submit an online application or request information, GSST will use this information to process your request and respond to your needs.
We will further use this information you provide you with responses or questions about grades, papers, etc. GSST DOES NOT provide any information to third parties or organizations, except with the permission of the student. GSST uses security measures to protect all information we gather, however, we cannot guarantee that all submissions to our website, any content residing on our services, or any transmissions from our server will be completely secure. Students are responsible for keeping their assigned passwords secret and confidential, and for notifying us if you believe your password or information has been stolen or otherwise misused.