The Master of Divinity degree, more commonly known as the M.Div., is the most respected and comprehensive degree for leadership within a church, para-church or faith-based non- profit organization. This degree is valley focused and is now offered with reduced units and combines a traditional classroom experience with supervised ministry experience outside of the classroom to prepare you to serve with theological conviction and practical leadership skills.
Highlights
- Non-Denominational Focus
- Course listings designed with input from 30 valley pastors from 17 different denominations
- Learn from local pastors: Dale Oquist, Paul Binion II, Anthony Flores and Renn Serna
- Every course includes a class session with a respected local pastor, meeting at their church facility
- Purposeful community of learners and leaders
- Experienced and published faculty
- MFT and ministry students integrated in foundational courses
- Option to study in Israel each summer
- Option to attend the Hispanic Summer Program
- Online courses available
- Fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Career opportunities
We have skilled graduates serving locally and abroad as lead pastors, executive pastors, student ministry pastors, military chaplains, fire and law enforcement chaplains, pastoral counselors and community developers. Our graduates plant churches in areas where churches are scarce, lead teams of people in unconventional and very creative ministries, and in general bring life transformation into areas with desperate need.
Program director

Brian Ross, D.Min.
Faculty

Mark Baker, Ph.D.

Tim Geddert, Ph.D.

Lynn Jost, Ph.D.

Valerie Rempel, Ph.D.

Randy White, D.Min.

David Bruce Rose, Ph.D.
Admission requirements
- Commitment to and desire for Christian ministry and service
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited University
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Online application and fee ($90)
- Personal profile questions
- Three letters of reference
- Writing sample
Download the Admissions Checklist to get started.
Course listing
Required Courses (72 Units)
Biblical and Theological Reflection (33 Units)
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIB 709 | Bible Knowledge Requirement Seminar | 0 |
BIB 720 | The Church and God’s Mission in the World *** | 3 |
BIB 725 | Understanding, Interpreting and Teaching Scripture Must be taken for 3 units | 2 - 3 |
THEO 730 | Discipleship and Ethics *** Must be taken for 3 units | 2 - 3 |
Biblical Languages - choose either Greek OR Hebrew (9)*
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIB 710 BIB 712 BIB 711 | Elementary Greek I and Intermediate Greek Exegesis and Elementary Greek II | 3 3 3 |
Or
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIB 715 BIB 716 BIB 717 | Elementary Hebrew I and Elementary Hebrew II and Intermediate Hebrew Exegesis | 3 3 3 |
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIB 750 | Old Testament Theology ** | 3 |
BIB 752 | New Testament Theology ** | 3 |
THEO 712 | The Story of the Church and Its Theology Must be taken as a 3 unit course | 2 - 3 |
Journeying Deep into Scripture - Any Bible elective | 3 | |
Engaging the Tradition - Any History or Theology elective | 3 |
* Students may petition to substitute biblical language requirements (9 units) with BIB 722 - Biblical Language Tools (3) and (6) units of Bible content courses.
** Either BIB 750 - Old Testament Theology or BIB 752 - New Testament Theology must be an FPU Biblical Seminary course
Personal and Holistic Formation (5.5 Units)
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
MIN 704 | Discerning Vocation and Calling | 1 |
MIN 712 | The Charismatic Experience | 1.5 |
MIN 714 | Spirit, Character, and Transformation Must be taken as a 3 unit course | 2 - 3 |
Missional and Practical Application (22 Units)
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
MIN 718 | Effective Contemporary Public Communication | 3 |
THEO 719 | Exploring Secular Culture & Connecting with Secular People | 3 |
MIN 753 | Leading Organizations and Volunteers for Mission | 3 |
MIN 762 | Exegeting and Serving Your Neighborhood | 1.5 |
MIN 750D | Cross-Cultural Encounter: San Francisco | 1.5 |
COUN 768 | Serving Resiliently Through Crises and Trauma Must be taken for 2 units | 2 - 3 |
PACS 700 | Peacemaking Institute Must be taken for 2 units | 2 – 3 |
MIN 793A | The Practice of Ministry I *** | 1.5 |
MIN 793B | The Practice of Ministry II *** | 1.5 |
MIN 793C | Practice of Ministry III *** | 1.5 |
MIN 793D | Practice of Ministry IV *** | 1.5 |
NOTE: Students do not need to take the Practice of Ministry series in order.
Integration and Specialization
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Elective Units for Specialization | 5.5 - 8.5 | |
BIB 790DV MIN 799 | Senior Seminar - MDIV or Thesis *** | 3 3 - 6 |
MIN 770DV | Ministry Discernment - MDIV | 0 |
***Must be an FPU Biblical Seminary course