Biblical Seminary

Dean: Sharon Tan, Ph.D.

Overview

Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary is a learning community that develops kingdom-minded leaders who equip the church and engage the world with the transformative love of Jesus.

We give witness to a biblical theology that is both Anabaptist and evangelical, teaching that the church is called by Jesus Christ to represent God's reign in the world by the power of the Holy Spirit as its community (being), servant (doing) and messenger (telling).

The seminary practices the following intentional learning practices:

Clear and effective oral and written communication
Close reading of texts
Social analysis
Theological reflection
Collaboration
Integrity and originality
Practical application
Information research literacy

Accreditation

Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. The following degree programs are approved:

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
Master of Arts in Christian Ministries (M.A.C.M.).
Master of Arts in Community Leadership and Transformation (M.A.C.L.T.)
Master of Arts in Ministry, Leadership and Culture (M.A.M.L.C.)
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (M.A.M.F.T.).
Master of Arts in Urban Mission (M.A.I.S.)
Master of Arts (M.A. in Old Testament, New Testament, Theology)

For more information, contact:

The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada
10 Summit Park Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15275 USA
Telephone: 412-788-6505
Fax: 412-788-6510
Website: www.ats.edu

Admissions Requirements

Strong commitment to and desire for Christian ministry and service
Bachelor's degree* or its equivalent**
Application form and fee
Answers to short answer questions
Two references using the Seminary Reference Form: (1) from an academic reference, (2) from a spiritual reference.
Writing sample from undergraduate education (for ministry/missions/theology/biblical studies applicants only; can be any paper submitted for a letter grade regardless of subject). A writing prompt can be provided for applicants who do not have a sample that will meet the criteria.
Personal interview

Additional requirements for the MFT program

GRE test results
Additional course prerequisites (viewable on the MFT program page)

International students, please check International Applicants page for additional requirements and documents.

*A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or an institution accredited by one of the following agencies is acceptable:

Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
Association for Theological Schools (ATS)
Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS)
Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools (AARTS)

**Students will be considered for admission to the seminary into the M.Div., M.A.C.M., M.A.I.S., M.A.C.L.T. or M.A.M.F.T. degrees or one of the diploma/certificate programs without the equivalent of a bachelor's degree if they have:

A minimum of two years of post-secondary education (i.e. 60 semester units)
Some years of work experience, preferably in a leadership role
Evidence of life experience which has prepared them for graduate theological education

Such students may only pursue the degree or program to which they have applied. Applicants will be subject to the guidelines set out by the Association of Theological Schools which limits the number of students admitted in this category.

Advanced Standing

FPU undergraduate students may gain credit for up to 25% of specific seminary M.A. programs (15 units) or the M.Div. degree (22.5 units) if they have completed certain courses and received a final grade of B or higher. For the classes where undergraduate and graduate students are in the same classroom, undergraduates must declare the course to be used for advanced standing prior to the end of the course and must have used the graduate level syllabus. Contact the seminary admissions office for additional information and a list of specific courses.

Bible Knowledge Requirement

All degree program and certificate students must meet a Bible knowledge requirement within the first 15 units of their seminary studies. To meet this requirement, students are encouraged to attend a one-day workshop offered in the first month of the term. Alternative means of meeting the requirement are available upon inquiry with the seminary dean.