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.
Terry Brensinger, Ph.D.
Randy White, D.Min.
David Bruce Rose, Ph.D.
Admission requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited University
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Completion of FPBS application materials
Course listing
Required Courses (72 Units)
Biblical And Theological Reflection (33 Units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIB 720 | The Church and God's Mission in the World * | 3 |
| BIB 725 | Understanding, Interpreting, and Teaching Scripture | 3 |
| THEO 730 | Discipleship and Ethics * | 3 |
Biblical Languages
Choose either Greek OR Hebrew (9)
Students may petition to substitute biblical language requirements (9 units) with BIB 722 - Biblical Language Tools (3) and (6) units of Bible content courses.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIB 712 and BIB 711 and BIB 710 | Intermediate Greek Exegesis and Elementary Greek II and Elementary Greek I | 9 |
or
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIB 717 and BIB 716 and BIB 715 | Intermediate Hebrew Exegesis and Elementary Hebrew II and Elementary Hebrew I | 9 |
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIB 750 | Old Testament Theology ** | 3 |
| BIB 752 | New Testament Theology ** | 3 |
| THEO 712 | Story of the Church & Its Theology | 3 |
| Journeying Deep into Scripture - Any Bible elective | 3 | |
| Engaging the Tradition - Any History or Theology elective | 3 |
** 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 | 3 |
Missional and Practical Application (22 Units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MIN 718 | Effective Contemporary Public Communication | 3 |
| MIN 719 | Exploring Secular Cultures/Connecting with Secular People | 3 |
| MIN 753 | Leading Organizations & 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 | 2 |
| PACS 700 | Basic Institute in Conflict Management and Mediation | 2 |
| MIN 793A | The Practice of Ministry I * *** | 1.5 |
| MIN 793B | The Practice of Ministry II * *** | 1.5 |
| MIN 793C | The Practice of Ministry III * *** | 1.5 |
| MIN 793D | The Practice of Ministry IV * *** | 1.5 |
*** 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 790 or MIN 799 | Senior Seminar * or Thesis * | 3 or 3-6 |
| MIN 770 | Ministry Discernment * | 0 |
* Must be an FPU Biblical Seminary course
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Program details
Master of Divinity
Delivery mode
On campus
Cost per unit
$470
Number of units
72
Accreditation
Association of Theological Schools
Locations
Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary has formed me as a devoted follower of Jesus. My time here has equipped me with the tools needed for a lifetime of fruitful ministry in service of God’s kingdom.
Dustin Maddox
- Master of Divinity