Fresno Pacific University

What you'll study

The program requires 48 units across four areas: Biblical & Theological Reflection (21 units), Personal & Holistic Formation (6 units), Missional & Practical Application (16.5 units), and Integration & Specialization (4.5 units). Core and elective course examples include:

• BIB 520 Church & God's Mission in the World (must be taken for 3 units)
• BIB 725 Understanding, Interpreting and Teaching Scripture (3 units)
• THEO 730 Discipleship and Ethics (3 units)
• BIB 750 Old Testament Theology (3 units)
• BIB 752 New Testament Theology (3 units)
• THEO 512 The Story of the Church and Its Theology (3 units)
• Biblical literature elective: Journeying Deep Into Scripture (3 units)
• COUN 724 Interpersonal Communication and Family Systems (minimum 2 units)
• MIN 704 Discerning Vocation and Calling (1 unit)
• MIN 712 The Charismatic Experience (1.5 units)
• MIN 714 Spirit, Character, and Transformation (1.5 units)
• MIN 553 Leading Organizations and Volunteers for Mission (3 units)
• MIN 718 Effective Contemporary Public Communication (3 units)
• THEO 719 Exploring Secular Culture & Connecting with Secular People (3 units)
• MIN 750D Cross-Cultural Encounter: San Francisco (1.5 units)
• MIN 762 Exegeting and Serving Your Neighborhood (1.5 units)
• MIN 768 Serving Resiliently Through Crises and Trauma (MA students required to take 1.5 units)
• MIN 793 The Practice of Ministry (minimum 3 units; must be an FPU Biblical Seminary course)
• BIB 790CM Senior Seminar - Christian Ministries (3 units)
• Specialization elective units (1.5 units)

The curriculum intentionally mixes MFT and ministry students in foundational courses and includes guest teaching mentors and local pastor faculty involvement to bridge scholarship and practice.

Entry requirements

The course page does not list specific admission criteria. Prospective applicants should consult the seminary admissions office or the program catalog for official entry requirements and application steps.

Career prospects

The MA aims to equip graduates for a variety of ministry settings: pastoral roles, leadership in Christian agencies, enhanced volunteer or marketplace ministry, and other contexts where biblical-theological grounding and pastoral leadership skills are needed. The program’s focus on practicum, leadership skills and contextual interpretation prepares students for long-term, sustainable ministry and congregational care.

Scholarships & funding angle

The source text does not provide detailed scholarship or tuition figures. Applicants should review Fresno Pacific University’s seminary financial aid pages and contact the seminary for information about grants, seminary-specific aid and application steps for funding.