Mennonite Brethren Studies

Print Seminary Application Checklist

Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education

Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary is rooted in the evangelical, Anabaptist tradition, and like you, we are passionate about making a tangible difference in the Central Valley and around the world. You’ll learn this through spirited inquiry, thoughtful reflection and hands-on experience. If you want a place to explore and pursue your calling in a practical way – join us!

First Steps to Admission

• Review the admission requirements for your chosen program.
• Submit an application for admission online
  * There is a $90 application fee.
• Request official transcripts from previously attended colleges, universities and high schools and send electronically to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu
  • If you graduated from FPU, you do not need to request transcripts.
• Submit remaining admission requirements via fax, email or postal mail.
  • Mail: Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary Admission, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Box 14, Fresno, CA 93702
  • Email: Seminary@fresno.edu

Apply now

Requirements*

• Commitment to and desire for Christian ministry and Service
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (minimum 2.5 GPA; 3.0 for MFT program*)
• Application form and fee
• Short Answer Questions
• Two references. One should be from a spiritual mentor, and one should be an academic reference.
  • Please do not use a family member as the pastoral or employer reference
• Writing sample from your undergraduate education
  • This can be any paper submitted for a letter grade regardless of subject
• Check your specific program's requirements

*Under special circumstances these requirements may be waived.

FPU Undergraduate Alumni Admission

Undergraduate alumni (traditional and degree completion) pursuing a graduate program at Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary may have courses waived towards their seminary program. Students must complete the qualifying undergraduate course with a grade of B or higher to receive seminary course credit. Once students have been admitted to a seminary program, they must complete the Advanced Standing form in Sunbird Central to officially request advanced standing at the seminary.

Admission with a GPA below 2.5 or below 3.0 for the MFT program

In some circumstances, we are willing to waive the GPA requirement if the student demonstrates high maturity and/or life experience that demonstrates they can perform well in the program. We take into account their ministry experience for BIB/MIN programs, their GRE score, volunteer counseling hours experience and psych pre-requisites for the MFT degree. We encourage people with a low GPA to still apply so we can look over their materials.

Admission without a Bachelor's Degree

Students will be considered for admission to Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary into the M.Div., M.A.CM, M.A. CLT, or M.A. MLC degrees or one of our certificate programs without the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree if they have:

• 60 semester units or two years of post-secondary education minimum
• Significant ministry experience
• Evidence of life experience which has prepared them for graduate theological education

In compliance with the Association of Theological Schools such students may only pursue the degree or program to which they have applied.

Additional Bible Knowledge Requirement

The Bible Knowledge Requirement (BKR) is a one-day, no credit class with an examination at the end of the day. The BKR is required to be met during the first month of your first term.

Non-Matriculated Students

Students may enroll in up to 6 units of courses for credit/audit at Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary without being admitted into a degree or certificate program. This is considered a non-matriculated status.

State authorization is a federal requirement in the Higher Education Act that requires institutions to be authorized in the state in which online programs are offered. Fresno Pacific University works regularly with individual state authorization agencies to meet each state's requirements. Currently, Fresno Pacific University has received authorization to offer online degree programs in all but nine states: Georgia, Michigan, New York, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington D.C. and Wisconsin.

For the latest updates on the status of FPU's authorization in your state, contact your FPU Admissions representative.

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 opportunities to reduce your out of pocket costs.

2024-25

Tuition per Unit	Amount
Theology / Bib / Religion	$530
MFT / Counseling	$590

Other Costs	Amount
Student Services Fee	$175

2023-24

Tuition per Unit	Amount
Theology / Bib / Religion	$515
MFT / Counseling	$570

Other Costs	Amount
Student Body Fee	$115
Seminary Technology	$50

* 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.

• Institutional Aid
• Federal Aid
• Federal Work Study
• Loans
• Private Loans
• State Aid
• Private Scholarships

View FPBS Private Scholarships

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