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Christian Ministry & Leadership, B.A.

School of Humanities, Religion and Social Sciences

Explore Christian Ministry & Leadership, B.A.

What’s possible when you pursue God’s calling on your life?
Ministry.

Christian ministry is living out the Gospel. At Fresno Pacific, you’ll gain both biblical knowledge and practical skills for ministry – whether that’s in a church, parachurch or nonprofit organization.

Dive deep into scripture, learn to resolve conflict in pursuit of Shalom, and develop practices for personal spiritual formation.

Faculty with expertise in theology and a broad range of ministry experience will challenge you to think biblically about Jesus and His Kingdom. You’ll gain both practical and theoretical knowledge through classroom work, research, and an integrated internship with a community church or parachurch agency.

Through biblical study, you’ll be equipped to pursue your vocation in ministry.

Program Highlights

  • Meet for class one night per week
  • Progress through the entire program with a cohort of 12-22 students
  • Engage diverse classmates from a variety of life stages and cultural backgrounds
  • Study under experienced faculty and who assign relevant coursework
  • Gain hands-on experience with an integrated internship
  • Receive help in identifying your calling from faculty mentors

Upcoming Events

Catalog

Program Director: Quentin P. Kinnison, Ph.D.

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry and Leadership is designed for both traditional undergraduate and adult accelerated or degree completion program students currently in or preparing for Christian ministry. In this program students will be challenged to think biblically about Jesus and his Kingdom in relation to the larger world, cultivate personal spiritual formation, enhance competencies in ministry skills, and engage real-life ministry contexts.

The major consists of three learning components: course work, spiritual formations, and applied learning in an internship. The program course work component consists of classroom experiences designed to address the unique and ongoing challenge of Christian ministry. Classes generally meet one night a week. In addition, there are a few courses that will be online and most courses will have an online component, so some computer literacy is important. The spiritual formation component consists of courses designed to run throughout the semester, concurrent with other courses, with a retreat component at the conclusion of the semester. An internship component is integrated into the program and provides students with hands-on experience and integrated reflection. The internship also usually culminates with a retreat component at the end of each semester.

The Christian Ministry and Leadership program exists to equip students with knowledge, skills, and personal development so that they can love what God loves through a life of vocational ministry. Love what God loves by equipping yourself to join God's mission through a life of vocational ministry.

Admissions Requirements

See the Admission Policies and Requirements section of the catalog for further information on admission requirements to the university.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of biblical theology including foundational principles of biblical interpretation and a relevant, contemporary theology of the church.
  2. Perform skills in Christian leadership, practical programming, communication (written and oral), pastoral ministries and the practice of hospitality as a Christian imperative.
  3. Interpret issues of personal nature, calling, and formation.
  4. Develop proficiency and explore calling through an internship experience ministry such as youth, worship, or children's ministry.

Credit-Bearing Grades

Students must earn a C- or higher to receive credit for their Christian Ministry and Leadership courses. Exceptions: Students may receive credit for any other general education or elective course, with a D -.

Program Length/Semester Starts

This is a scheduled, 24-month cohort program. New students may be added to a cohort at the beginning of each semester (January and August).

Locations Offered

Fresno Main Campus

Degree Pathways

Christian Ministry and Leadership, B.A. (DC) Two Year Pathway  

Christian Ministry and Leadership, B.A. ADT Pathway  

Required Courses (47 Units)

The following units must be earned at Fresno Pacific University:

  • ACCT 301 - Accounting for Management Credits 3 *
  • BIB 428 - Biblical Theology Credits 3
  • BLIT/BIB Course Credits 3
  • COM 420 - Conflict Management and Resolution Credits 3
  • MIN 310 - Perspectives on Mission and Ministry Credits 2
  • MIN 330 - Disability Ministry Concepts Credits 3
  • MIN 360 - The Church in an Urban World Credits 2
  • MIN 376 - Current Practices in Evangelism and Discipleship Credits 2
  • MIN 378 - Worship Ministries Concepts Credits 2
  • MIN 392 - Biblical Interpretation and Teaching Credits 2
  • MIN 397 - Spiritual Formation: Perils, Pitfalls and Potential of Ministry Credits 2
  • MIN 398 - Spiritual Formation: Cultivating a Prayerful Heart Credits 2
  • MIN 399 - Spiritual Formation: Taking Care of the Inner Life Credits 2
  • MIN 450 - Leadership in Ministry Credits 2
  • MIN 470 - Pastoral Ministries Credits 2
  • REL 455 - Christians and Religious Neighbors Credits 3
  • THEO 300 - Introduction to Theology and Ethics Credits 3

  • * ACCT 301 may be substituted with FIN 450 or FIN 460 in consultation with the program director.

Christian Ministry & Leadership Internship Series (6 units total)

CML Internship (MIN 482 & MIN 483 series) may be completed by either 3 semesters of 2 units (preferred for adult accelerated students) or 2 summers at 3 units with the program director's approval. Students take MIN 482 in the semesters leading to their final semester and MIN 483 in their final semester.

  • MIN 482 - Christian Ministry and Leadership Internship - Integration Credits 2-3
  • MIN 483 - Christian Ministry and Leadership Internship - Summative Credits 2-3

Electives

Elective units as needed to meet the Bachelor of Arts minimums. This requirement may be met through allowable college coursework, Advanced Placement exams, College Level Examination Program, International Baccalaureate exams, and Military or ACE credit.

Lower Division Major Requirements

For more information on General Education requirements, please see: General Education: Degree Completion Students  

All students in the major are required to take the necessary general education courses in addition to those outlined in the major. Students in the Christian Ministry and Leadership program (both traditional and adult accelerated or degree completion) are required to complete BIB-100/300/314, a BLIT course, and the focus series. The focus series is achieved within the major through MIN-450 and COM-420. The BLIT/BIB and focus series courses replace the Biblical Perspectives course in Degree Completion General Education.

Students who have not completed the foreign language requirement are encouraged to take either the Biblical Hebrew or Classic Greek to complete this GE requirement.

Advanced Standing at FPU Biblical Seminary

Students who graduate from the CML program and meet all appropriate academic standards may be eligible to receive Advanced Standing to the FPU Biblical Seminary master's programs in ministry and divinity, or have courses waived for other programs. Students must pass the following undergraduate classes with a B or better to be eligible for Advanced Standing with admission to the FPU Biblical Seminary:​

BIB 100/300 MIN 397
BLIT 301-499 MIN 398
MIN 360 MIN 399
MIN 378 MIN 470
MIN 392 REL 455     

Please see Advanced Standing policy and application process or contact Seminary Admission for more information.

Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education

You already have a lot going on in your life, which is why our degree completion programs are designed to meet you where you are. You'll be surrounded by other students who will support and encourage you, by faculty mentors who are invested in your success, by opportunities to connect what you learn in the classroom to the real world, and by connections to the employers who will help you move forward in your career.

First Steps to Admission

  • Submit an application for admission (online or visit campus for a paper application)
    * Admission applications are free, no discount codes required.
  • Request official transcripts from previously attended colleges, universities and high schools and send electronically to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu
    • GED Transcripts OR any AA, AS, AS-T, AA-T from an accredited College or University as proof of High School graduation
    • This includes any military transcripts you may have, along with your military release forms (DD214).​​
  • Complete the FAFSA as early as October 1. (FAFSA Code: 001253)
    Enroll in the minimum number of units per semester to qualify for loans.
  • Schedule an appointment with your Student Financial Services Advisor 559-453-2041 sfs@fresno.edu

Requirements

  • University Admission Prerequisites

    • Minimum 6 transferable baccalaureate-level units
    • Minimum 2.4 GPA
    • 2 years post-secondary experience

  • Program Admission Prerequisites

    • 60 transferable baccalaureate-level units
    • Minimum 2.4 GPA
    • 2 years post-secondary experience 

Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) Information

All ADT degrees (AA-T & AS-T) to Christian Ministry & Leadership, B.A.

BA courses fulfilled through ADT:

  • All lower-division General Education requirements fulfilled
  • BA major has no lower-division major or co-requisite courses that could be fulfilled by the ADT.
  • All BA major courses are upper-division and are completed at FPU.
  • This program is offered as evening accelerated

ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.

Transfer Agreements

The following guidelines are used when considering transfer credit:

  • Courses completed at a regionally or ABHE, ATS, TRACS, or AARTS accredited institution
  • Baccalaureate-level courses
  • Grade of C- or better
  • Courses are not duplicate to credit already received
  • All GE and major courses must be taken for a letter grade, not pass/fail
  • No lab is required for Area 5 Physical & Biological Sciences
  • Some majors have lower division prerequisites. Select an institution below to see the school's general education and lower division major requirements

View full transfer policy Find agreements for your school 

*Transfer Agreements are only a tool. Transfer work is not considered official until it has been evaluated by the FPU Registrar’s Office.

Non-traditional Admission

Steps for Re-admission

To reenter into the Degree Completion program within 5 years of last enrollment, the student will need to complete the Degree Completion Re-admission Form. An academic advisor will determine if the student may reenter and if any conditions apply for readmission. The student will be charged at the current tuition rate for any course repeated.

*Note: If student is readmitting after 5 years of last enrollment, the student will need to refer to “First Steps to Admission".

Steps for Non-matriculated Admission

The non-matriculated application is for people who are interested in taking baccalaureate classes through the Degree Completion program, but are not seeking to be admitted into that program. Students must complete this Non-matriculated Application Form only once in order to be qualified to take courses. Applicants must also meet the two-year post-secondary experience requirement to take these courses. Financial Aid is not available, and the course limit is six units per semester with a limit of two semesters total.

For more information, or for help filling out this application, please contact Graduate and Degree Completion Admissions at (559) 453-3690.

Two-year Graduation Guarantee

FPU Degree Completion program guarantees you can complete your degree in just two years. If you meet the qualification requirements, fulfill your responsibilities under the program, and are unable to complete your major in a 2-yr. period, FPU will assume all additional tuition costs needed to complete your undergraduate degree.

Incoming requirements
  • Have at least 60 transferable units 
  • Have at least a 2.4 transfer GPA
Student responsibilities
To qualify for the guarantee students must:
  • Have most of your general education courses complete
  • Enroll in an average of 15 units per semester; not including repeated courses.
  • Remain in good academic standing by maintaining an institutional grade point average of 2.0 or higher
  • Enroll in the required number of consecutive semesters: 3-4 semesters depending on number of units transferred in
  • Make up units for any failed courses during the guarantee period, which may require you to take more than 15 units per semester.
  • Fulfill all graduation requirements, including core curriculum, major/minor requirements, and upper division course work requirements.
    • Two Year Guarantee: complete enough upper division courses to have at least 40 upper division units by the end of the 4-semester timeframe.
    • Take all required courses during the semester recommended by your Academic Advisor.
  • Register for all upcoming courses during the registration period.
* If you are transferring to FPU from the California Community College system with an AA-T or AS-T, your FPU lower-division general education [GE] requirements may be fulfilled. 

Two-Year Transfer Guarantee for ADT Pathways

FPU guarantees a student with an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) from the California Community College system, can complete their degree in just two years. If a student meets the qualification requirements, fulfills the responsibilities under the program, and are unable to complete their major in a 2-year period, FPU will assume all additional tuition costs needed to complete their undergraduate degree at FPU.

Incoming requirements
  • 60 transferable units [grades of C- or better] from the California Community College system with a completed ADT (Associate Degree for Transfer)
  • Selected an ADT matched (similar) pathway from FPU’s undergraduate degree programs
  • Have completed the necessary pre-requisites in the discipline specific to intended major
  • Have at least a 2.4 transfer GPA
Student responsibilities
To qualify for the guarantee students must:
  • Enroll in an average of 15- 18 units per semester; not including repeated courses.
  • Remain in good academic standing by maintaining an institutional grade point average of 2.0 or higher
  • Enroll in the required number of consecutive semesters: 3-4 semesters depending on number of units transferred in
  • Make up units for any failed or withdrawn courses during the guarantee period, which may require you to take more than 15-18 units per semester
    • For TUG you may have to enroll in a summer semester.
  • Fulfill all graduation requirements, including core curriculum, major requirements, and upper division course work requirements.
    • Two Year Guarantee: complete enough upper division courses to have at least 40 upper division units by the end of the 4-semester time frame.
  • Take all required courses during the semester recommended by your Academic Advisor.
  • Register for all upcoming courses during the registration period.
  • Any courses from a Community College with “D+” or lower are non-transferable and require additional courses and semesters to graduate.
  • This guarantee may not apply to students starting in a spring or summer semester start (TUG only).
  • This guarantee is limited to basic graduation requirements: 120 minimum units including general education, upper-level and elective courses sufficient for a single major.

Cost & Financial Aid

The below listed prices reflect the current and upcoming Fall and Spring semesters and do not include any financial aid. Paying for college can be an overwhelming step in education your journey. We can help you find all the possible opportunities to reduce your out of pocket costs.

Tuition & Financial Aid

2023-24
Tuition per Unit Amount
SW, ECD, LA, BM, OL, EMGT, PMGT, HCA $550
RN to BSN, CIS, CRIM, CML $525
General Ed and Electives $550
Other Costs Amount
Student services fee (per semester) $100
2022-23
Tuition per Unit Amount
SW, ECD, LA, BM, OL, EMGT, PMGT $530
HCA, RN to BSN, CIS, CRIM, CML $505
General Ed and Electives $530
Other Costs Amount
Student services fee (per semester) $100

* This is an estimate. Costs subject to change. Cost of attendance figures are used for budgeting purposes only and represent an estimate of projected tuition and fees for the coming academic year. Actual tuition rates are approved by the Board of Trustees and may vary. 

Types of aid

Financial aid can refer to scholarships, grants and loans, which are available to you from the government, the university or outside sources. Aid types vary depending on the type of student you are.

Photo of Alexandra Green

Alexandra Green

Mathematics

The grants, the academic awards, the transfer scholarship – all of it makes it so much more affordable to attend FPU. I know that school isn’t cheap for anyone, but FPU helped me realize that I could actually come to this school because they were going to help me so much financially.

Career Opportunities

While this degree is relevant to many career fields, it is especially designed for those interested in church and para-church ministries with a focus on community leadership, preaching, teaching and missional engagement. Graduates are well prepared for graduate school and seminary training.

Career Possibilities

  • Pastor
  • Children’s minister
  • Youth minister
  • Camp ministry leader
  • Missionary
  • Non-profit leader

Career Development Happens Here

The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.

  • Resume writing classes
  • Career assessments, exploration & planning
  • Job search and networking opportunities
  • and much more

Visit the Career Development Center