Golden State School of Theology was initially founded in 1979 by evangelical pastors and lay persons. At the time of its organization it was called Spring Valley Bible College and Seminary and was located near San Diego, California, in Spring Valley. Organized as a nonprofit corporation, the college provided non-traditional, external study programs exclusively until the Fall of 1982, when an on-campus, resident program was opened in Alameda, CA.
In September, 1984, in order to serve a growing student population, the main campus moved to facilities in Oakland, CA, as the combined student enrollment reached nearly 350.
GSST is located in Alameda County and has a current enrollment of about 800. The program leads to associates degrees, bachelors degrees, masters degrees and first professional degrees.