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Theology, M.A.

Biblical Seminary

Explore Theology, M.A.

When theology enriches ministry,
the possibilities are endless.

Gain specialized education in biblical and systematic theology and the history of Christianity with a Master of Arts in Theology.

At Fresno Pacific University Biblical Seminary, you’ll cultivate an area of expertise as you study with a diverse community of learners and from published faculty. Rigorous coursework integrates personal formation.

You’ll focus on the disciplines and resources of biblical interpretation, equipping you to become a teaching pastor or to pursue a doctorate.

Program Highlights

  • Gain new perspectives among a community of purposeful learners and leaders
  • Study alongside MFT and ministry students in foundational courses
  • Consider studying in Israel during summer or attend Hispanic Summer Program
  • Engage in diverse practicum opportunities
  • Take online courses available
  • Fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Emphases*

Old Testament

An emphasis in Old Testament will allow you to read your Bible in the same language that Jesus did. Study Hebrew and encounter the Old Testament in its original language to enhance your understanding of Old Testament Theology.

New Testament

An emphasis in New Testament will allow you to read the gospels, Paul, and other New Testament texts in the language in which they were written. Study Greek and encounter the New Testament in its context to enhance your understanding of New Testament Theology.

* The Theology, M.A. does not require that students choose an emphasis.

Catalog

Program Director: Mark Baker, Ph.D.

Overview

This degrees provides an understanding of the biblical and theological disciplines that will prepare the student for teaching and preaching in the church or in a college or university, and offers an academic foundation for doctoral studies.

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 education.
  5. Summarize, interpret and apply the assumptions, historical perspectives, theories and relevant literature of the academic disciplines vital to educational leadership.
  6. Demonstrate strong research and writing skills.
  7. Develop a solid foundation in the chosen field of study (theology, OT, or NT).

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno

Required Courses (60 Units)

Foundations

  • 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 taken as a 3 unit course
  • BIB 725 - Understanding, Interpreting and Teaching Scripture Credits 2 - 3
          Must be taken as a 3 unit course
  • BIB 750 - Old Testament Theology Credits 3 **
  • MIN 704 - Discerning Vocation and Calling Credits 1 *
  • MIN 750D - Cross-Cultural Encounter: San Francisco Credits 1.5
  • THEO 712 - The Story of the Church and Its Theology Credits 1.5 - 3
          Must be taken as a 3 unit course

Expanding the Base

  • BIB 726 - Advanced Biblical Interpretation Credits 2
  • BIB 752 - New Testament Theology Credits 3 **
  • MIN 760 - Practicum Assessment and Discernment Credits 0
  • HIST 724 - The Story of Radical Renewal Movements Through Church History Credits 3
  • THEO 719 - Exploring Secular Culture & Connecting with Secular People Credits 3
  • THEO 730 - Discipleship and Ethics Credits 1.5 - 3 *
          Must be taken as a 3 unit course
  • THEO 734 - Contemporary Theology Credits 2 - 3
          Must be taken as a 3 unit course

Practicing the Theory

Choose one:

  • COUN 724 - Interpersonal Communication and Family Systems Credits 2 - 3 or
          Must be taken as a 3 unit course
  • MIN 718 - Effective Contemporary Public Communication Credits 3
  • MIN 732 - Church Educational Ministries Credits 3 or
  • MIN 740 - Preaching I Credits 3 or
  • MIN 742 - Preaching for Contemporary Listeners Credits 3 or
  • MIN 793A - The Practice of Ministry I Credits 1.5 * and
  • MIN 793B - The Practice of Ministry II Credits 1.5 *

Capstone Learning

  • BIB 790TH - Senior Seminar - Theology Credits 3 * or
  • THEO 799 - Thesis Credits 3 - 6 *
  • MIN 770TH - Ministry Discernment - Theology Credits 0

*Must be FPU Biblical Seminary course.
​​​​​​​**At least one biblical theology course must be an FPU Biblical Seminary course.

Emphases (Select one emphasis area)

General Emphasis
  • 9 units of Bible, History, or Theology courses
  • 3 units of BLIT 
  • 7.5-10.5 units of free electives
Old Testament Emphasis

To achieve an emphasis in Old Testament, students must take:

  • 9 units of Hebrew language
  • 6 units of Old Testament BLIT
  • 4.5 -7.5 units of free electives
New Testament Emphasis

To achieve an emphasis in New Testament, students must take:

  • 9 units of Greek language
  • 6 units of New Testament BLIT
  • 4.5 - 7.5 units of free electives

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!

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.

Special Circumstances

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.

Cost & Financial Aid

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.

Tuition & Financial Aid

2023-24
Tuition per Unit Amount
Theology / Bib / Religion $515
MFT / Counseling $570
Other Costs Amount
Student Body Fee $115
Seminary Technology $50
2022-23
Tuition per Unit Amount
Theology / Bib / Religion $495
MFT / Counseling $550
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.

View FPBS Private Scholarships

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for a future of teaching and writing. Graduates also have the option of becoming a teaching pastor or pursuing a Ph.D. to teach at the collegiate level.

Career Development Happens Here

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