Master of Divinity, M.Div.

When pastoral leaders seek to engage the community,
the possibilities are endless.

Pastoral leadership in today’s ever-changing world requires theological conviction grounded in rigorous study.

At Fresno Pacific University Biblical Seminary, we’ve reimagined our flagship master of divinity (commonly known as MDiv), making it more Valley-focused and designed with input from 30 local pastors from 17 different denominations. Reduced units combine traditional classroom education with supervised ministry field experience to emphasize practical leadership skills.

You’ll study with a diverse community of learners from various denominations, and from published faculty as well as local pastors to complete the most respected and comprehensive degree for leadership within a church, para-church or faith-based non-profit organization.

Program Highlights

• Study one night a week, one class at a time
• Finish the program in less than four years
• Gain new perspectives as MFT and ministry students study together in foundational courses
• Consider studying in Israel during summer or attend Hispanic Summer Program
• Engage in diverse practicum opportunities
• Online courses available
• If you are seeking ordination as a Presbyterian minister add an optional Presbyterian certificate for only 3 additional units.
• Fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
• For a detailed program brochure, click here

Yes! Tell Me More!

Guest Teaching Mentors

FPU Biblical Seminary is excited to announce our guest teaching mentors for the Master of Divinity (M.Div.). These visionary leaders bring a wealth of experience, wisdom, and innovative perspectives to our program, enriching the educational journey of our students with their profound insights and practical experience. Jay Pathak’s deep understanding of community and Rich Villodas’s transformative leadership will undoubtedly inspire and empower you as they navigate the complex intersection of ministry and leadership in today’s world.

Faculty

Brian Ross, D.Min.

Associate Professor of Pastoral Ministries, Disciplinary Lead

Mariah Cushing, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies

Connie Nicholson, M.A.

Adjunct Instructor

Carlos Huerta, M.B.A.

Executive Director of Center for Community Transformation

Adjunct Instructor

Brian Schultz, Ph.D.

Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies

Darren Duerksen, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Intercultural Studies and Christian Ministries, Program Coordinator

Cheryl Dueck Smith, D.Arts

Director, Center for Anabaptist Studies

Assistant Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy , LMFT #38497

Peter Smith, Ph.D.

Director of Partnerships and External Relations for Seminary

Adjunct Instructor

Sheri Wiedenhoefer, M.A.

Adjunct Instructor

Other Programs of Interest

Presbyterian Certificate

Catalog

Program Director: Brian Ross, D.Min

Overview

To prepare people for pastoral leadership, family ministry, youth work, pastoral care and counseling, chaplaincy, church planting, Bible teaching, community development and cross-cultural ministry; this degree combines classroom and field-based learning to produce personal growth in biblical knowledge, theological understanding, community building, and practical ministry experience. Under supervision, students engage in the practices of ministry for four semesters. Elective units provide opportunity for specialization. The M.Div. is the required degree for admission to Doctor of Ministry programs and for board certification as a chaplain.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate commitment to live as a disciple of Jesus in Christian community.
2. Articulate commitment to a biblical theological Christian perspective.
3. Interpret diverse cultural contexts of ministry using theological perspectives integrated with social scientific approaches.
4. Practice Leadership skills in pastoral ministry.
5. Proclaim the biblical good news through culturally relevant words and deeds with the purpose of leading all people into covenant with Jesus Christ and the church.
6. Develop self-aware renewal practices that empower fulfillment of the contemporary pastoral vocation of leading, serving and reconciling in a resistant culture.
7. Provide best-practices in pastoral leadership that result in growing churches that prepare, plan, equip and empower members to engage in Gods transformative mission in the world.
8. Interpret the emerging post-Christian cultural context locally and globally.
9. Equip a congregation to attend to pastoral care needs of the congregation and its community.  

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno

Required Courses (72 Units)

Biblical and Theological Reflection (33 Units)

• BIB 709 - Bible Knowledge Requirement Seminar Credits 0
• BIB 720 - The Church and God's Mission in the World Credits 1.5 - 3

•       Must be an FPU Seminary course.

•       Must be taken for 3 units

• BIB 725 - Understanding, Interpreting and Teaching Scripture Credits 2 - 3

•       Must be taken for 3 units

• BIB 750 - Old Testament Theology Credits 3 **
• BIB 752 - New Testament Theology Credits 3 **
• THEO 712 - The Story of the Church and Its Theology Credits 1.5 - 3

•       Must be taken for 3 units

• THEO 730 - Discipleship and Ethics Credits 1.5 - 3

•       Must be an FPU Seminary course.

•       Must be taken for 3 units

• Journeying Deep into Scripture - Any Bible elective Credits 3
• Engaging the Tradition - Any History or Theology elective Credits 3 

• Biblical Languages - choose either Greek OR Hebrew (9)*

• BIB 710 - Elementary Greek I Credits 3 and
• BIB 711 - Elementary Greek II Credits 3 and
• BIB 712 - Intermediate Greek Exegesis Credits 3 or
• BIB 715 - Elementary Hebrew I Credits 3 and
• BIB 716 - Elementary Hebrew II Credits 3 and
• BIB 717 - Intermediate Hebrew Exegesis Credits 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 (6 Units)

• COUN 724 - Interpersonal Communication and Family Systems Credits 2 - 3
• MIN 704 - Discerning Vocation and Calling Credits 1
• MIN 712 - The Charismatic Experience Credits 1.5
• MIN 714 - Spirit, Character, and Transformation Credits 1.5

Missional and Practical Application (19.5 Units)

• MIN 718 - Effective Contemporary Public Communication Credits 3
• THEO 719 - Exploring Secular Culture & Connecting with Secular People Credits 3
• MIN 750D - Cross-Cultural Encounter: San Francisco Credits 1.5
• MIN 753 - Leading Organizations and Volunteers for Mission Credits 3
• MIN 762 - Exegeting and Serving Your Neighborhood Credits 1.5
• MIN 768 - Serving Resiliently Through Crises and Trauma Credits 1.5 - 3

•         Master of Divinity students only required to take 1.5 units

• MIN 793A - The Practice of Ministry I Credits 1.5

•        Must be an FPU Biblical Seminary course.

• MIN 793B - The Practice of Ministry II Credits 1.5

•        Must be an FPU Biblical Seminary course.

• MIN 793C - Practice of Ministry III Credits 1.5

•        Must be an FPU Biblical Seminary course.

• MIN 793D - Practice of Ministry IV Credits 1.5

•        Must be an FPU Biblical Seminary course.

• NOTE: Students do not need to take the Practice of Ministry series in order.

Integration and Specialization (13.5 Units)

• MIN 770DV - Ministry Discernment - MDIV Credits 0
• Elective Units for Specialization 7.5 - 10.5
• BIB 790DV - Senior Seminar - MDIV Credits 3 or
• MIN 799DV - Thesis Credits 3-6

Chaplaincy Certificate

If students desire to complete a chaplaincy certificate alongside their M.Div or to add a chaplaincy certificate to an already completed M.Div., the following requirements apply:

• MIN 707 - Orientation to Chaplaincy Credits 1.5
• THEO 762 - Religions of the World Credits 3 instead of Engaging the Tradition - Any HIST or THEO elective (3)
• Electives for specialization - only 6-9 units are required instead of 7.5-10.5

Possibilities Await
With and 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!

The decision to embark on graduate studies is a big one. Our 45+graduate programs will equip you to succeed in your career and in your life. You’ll become part of a small community of learners, thrive in a flexible learning environment and be challenged by a rigorous curriculum. Learn how much further you can go at FPU!

For more information, visit our Connect page to schedule a meeting with an admission professional or to find an upcoming information session or registration event.

Ready to take the next step?

To be considered for admission to the Master of Divinity program, please submit the following items:

• Completed Application for Admission and $45 non-refundable application fee.
• Official college/university transcript(s) verifying receipt of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and any post baccalaureate work.
  • If you are currently finishing up your degree, please submit current transcript.
  • A final transcript will need to be submitted before you may enroll in classes.
  • Transcripts can be sent electronically by your institution to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or via mail in an envelope sealed by your institution to:
    • Fresno Pacific University
      Office of the Registrar
      1717 S. Chestnut Ave.
      Fresno, CA 93702
• If your cumulative GPA for your bachelor’s degree is below a 2.5 (4.0 scale),
  a letter of explanation is required.
• Reference Forms – Two references are required for the Master of Divinity program. One spiritual reference from a pastor or other ministry leader (not a family member), and one academic reference.
• Short Answer Questions – During the application submission process, you will be asked to respond to some short answer questions in your application portal. These questions will help us get to know your character and career goals. Your file will not be reviewed for admission until your responses are received.
• Writing Sample: Submit three or more pages of original writing that you would consider some of your best work.
• Program Interview: After submitting your application materials including transcripts, a
  representative will contact you to schedule an interview.
• International applicants must submit additional documentation including English Proficiency
  Score (TOEFL=minimum of 550 PBT or 79 iBT, IELTS=6.5), certified transcripts through an FPU
  approved service, copy of passport, visa information and a statement of financial support.
• View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure here.

Special Circumstances

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition & Financial Aid

Career Opportunities

Graduates with this degree are currently serving locally and abroad as pastors, ministry directors and pastoral counselors. Graduates have planted churches and led teams in unconventional and creative ministry and community development.

Career Development Happens Here