Center Semillero for
Hispanic/Latino Theology
transformative academics for Spanish-speaking students
Apply to an Academic Program Today!
About the Center
Purposeful Hispanic/Latino Theological Study
Rooted in the wisdom of Proverbs 4:5 — “Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding” — Center Semillero offers a transformative academic experience for Spanish-speaking students seeking theological depth and pastoral formation. UST’s two graduate programs — the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture (MASE) and the Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology (MATP) — are 100 percent online, fully in Spanish, and designed to empower leaders for service in multicultural communities, Catholic dioceses, parishes, non-profit organizations, chaplaincy and educational settings, among other areas.
Our Curriculum
What Sets Us Apart
- 100% Online & In Spanish: Designed for accessibility, our programs allow students to study from anywhere in the world while engaging deeply in their native language.
- Catholic University Excellence: As a pioneer in Hispanic theological education, UST offers rigorous academics with all faculty holding doctoral degrees and UST holding a SACSCOC accreditation.
- Flexible & Affordable: Complete your degree in 1–2 years at your own pace, with a tuition model that respects your vocation and budget.
- Strategic Partnership with the Pontifical University of Mexico (UPM): Through a formal liaison, Center Semillero collaborates with the Pontificia Universidad de México to promote faculty exchange, shared academic resources, and cross-border theological dialogue. Professors with Pontifical Doctoral Degrees from the UPM teach our students.
Academic Programs
Chart Your Course
The Center Semillero offers two graduate programs – the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture (MASE) and the Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology (MATP). Both are fully in Spanish and fully online. Students encounter the Bible and theological study in the beauty and depth of their native Spanish language with clarity, cultural resonance, and spiritual familiarity.
Faithful Leadership
Center Semillero Leadership
Rev. Dempsey Rosales Acosta, SSL., STD.
Under the leadership of Rev. Dempsey Rosales Acosta SSL., STD., the Center Semillero embraces theological education as a transformative journey, uniting enlightening academics with deep spiritual and intellectual formation. This vision grounds theological reflection in cultural context, the lived experience of the Church, and the real pastoral needs of today’s Spanish-speaking communities.
Rooted in Mission
Program Highlights
- Biblically Inspired Mission: Our curriculum is shaped by the call to grow in holiness, serve the Church, and enrich personal faith.
- Four Pillars of Formation: Kindness, discipline, knowledge, and community guide every aspect of the student experience.
- Real-World Impact: Graduates serve as catechists, educators, pastoral leaders, chaplains, professors, editors, non-profit managers, and bridge-builders in diverse faith communities.
- Global Faculty, Global Reach: Our professors hail from diverse regions including Latin America, Europe, and the United States, and hold PhDs and Pontifical Doctorates, offering students a rich tapestry of theological perspectives and pastoral insights.
- International Student Body: Students from across the Americas and beyond form a vibrant learning community, united by faith and a shared commitment to service.
Program Overview
Considering Center Semillero at UST?
Discover how our programs form leaders through engaging academics, pastoral depth, and a vibrant multicultural community. Explore answers to common questions about our academic focus, masters programs, and student experience. For personalized guidance, contact Mrs. Belinda Trujillo at trujilmb@stthom.edu or 713‑628‑6221.
How does the Center Semillero teach Scripture all in Spanish?
At the Center Semillero, students encounter the Bible in the beauty and depth of their native Spanish language. This allows them to understand Scripture with clarity, cultural resonance, and spiritual familiarity. Through guided study, learners explore how the experiences of the disciples illuminate their own lives, always with the richness of shared language and cultural understanding.
Who should consider studying through the Center Semillero?
Everyone who feels comfortable with Spanish is invited to study at the Center Semillero: lay men and women, religious and consecrated persons, deacons, and priests. Our programs welcome all who desire to grow in Scripture and pastoral theology within a culturally resonant, Spanish‑speaking learning community.
What academic programs are offered?
The Center Semillero offers two graduate programs – the Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture (MASE) and the Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology (MATP). Both are fully in Spanish and fully online.
How does the Center Semillero support enhanced engagement beyond an online experience?
The Center Semillero offers a rich formation experience that extends well beyond virtual learning. Students participate in hybrid spiritual retreats, academic and pastoral symposia, personalized advising sessions, and community‑building gatherings that deepen their learning and spiritual growth. A signature pilgrimage experience further invites students to encounter Scripture and Theology in transformative ways while journeying with their classmates.
Join Our Community
Preparing Leaders for Ministry
The Center Semillero at the University of St. Thomas offers a fully online academic community rooted in cultural understanding, biblical depth, and pastoral service. Graduates of our Master of Sacred Scripture and Master of Pastoral Theology programs are well‑prepared for roles in parish ministry, catechesis, adult faith formation, Catholic education, diocesan leadership, and other pastoral and nonprofit settings.