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The Master of Arts in Theology provides you with specialized education of biblical and systematic theology and history of Christianity. The program focuses on the disciplines and resources of biblical interpretation allowing graduates to continue education on their own well after program completion.
Highlights
- Purposeful community of learners and leaders
- Experienced and published faculty
- Theologically diverse student body
- MFT and ministry students integrated in foundational courses
- Option to study in Israel each summer
- Option to attend the Hispanic Summer Program
- Diverse practicum opportunities
- Online courses available
- Fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Career opportunities
Graduating with a Master of Arts in Theology from Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary will prepare you for a future of teaching and writing in your area of expertise. Graduates of this degree have the option of becoming a teaching pastor or using it as a gateway to achieving their Ph.D. in order to teach at the collegiate level.
Program director
Mark Baker, Ph.D.
Faculty
Valerie Rempel, Ph.D.
Tim Geddert, Ph.D.
Brian Ross, D.Min.
Lynn Jost, 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 (60 Units)
Foundations
| 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 *** | 2 - 3 |
| BIB 750 | Old Testament Theology ** | 3 |
| HIST 712 | History of Christianity | 3 |
| MIN 704 | Discerning Vocation and Calling * | 1 |
| MIN 750D | Cross-Cultural Encounter: San Francisco | 1.5 |
| THEO 712 | The Story of the Church and Its Theology *** | 2 - 3 |
Expanding the Base
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIB 726 | Advanced Biblical Interpretation | 2 |
| BIB 752 | New Testament Theology ** | 3 |
| MIN 760 | Practicum Assessment and Discernment | 0 |
| HIST 716 THEO 760 HIST 718 | The Evangelical Anabaptist Story or Evangelical Anabaptist Confessions of Faith or North American Religious History | 3 3 3 |
| THEO 730 | Discipleship and Ethics *** | 2 - 3 * |
| THEO 734 | Contemporary Theology *** | 2 - 3 |
Practicing the Theory (3 Units)
Choose one
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| COUN 724 MIN 718 | Interpersonal Communication *** or Effective Contemporary Public Communication | 2 - 3 3 |
| MIN 732 MIN 740 or MIN 742 or MIN 793A and MIN 793B | Church Educational Ministries or Preaching I or Preaching for Contemporary Listeners or The Practice of Ministry I * and The Practice of Ministry II * | 3 3 3 1.5 1.5 |
Capstone Learning
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIB 790TH THEO 799 | Senior Seminar - Theology * or Thesis | 3 3-6 |
| MIN 770TH | Ministry Discernment - Theology | 0 |
Electives
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Theology or History courses | 9 | |
| Bible course | 3 | |
| Free electives | 7.5-10.5 |
*Must be FPU Biblical Seminary course.
**At least one biblical theology course must be an FPU Biblical Seminary course.
***Must be taken as a 3 unit course
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Program details
Theology
Delivery mode
On campus
Cost per unit
$485
Number of units
60
Accreditation
Association of Theological Schools
Locations
FPU has exceeded my expectations. The theology program has challenged me, encouraged me, and helped me hone my skills and discover my calling. I am passionate about helping others make meaning out of their experiences and encounter new depths of God’s love.
Grace Spencer
- Theology