Fresno Pacific University

What you'll study

The program assembles courses from three broad areas: biblical and theological reflection, personal and holistic formation, and missional/practical application, plus an MFT specialization. Required elements include:

• Biblical and Theological Reflection (29 units) — seminar on Bible knowledge, courses such as Understanding, Interpreting and Teaching Scripture; either a Greek or Hebrew language sequence (Elementary through Intermediate exegesis) or a petitioned substitute of Biblical Language Tools plus Biblical content courses; Old Testament Theology and New Testament Theology options; Theology for Integration.
• Personal and Holistic Formation (4 units) — short courses on vocation, charismatic experience, and spiritual character and transformation.
• Missional and Practical Application (21 units) — cross-cultural counseling modules, public communication, neighborhood engagement, crisis and trauma ministry, Exploring Secular Culture, and a four-semester supervised Practice of Ministry series (MIN 793A–D).
• Specialization in MFT (48 units) — core counseling curriculum such as Introduction to Counseling; Professional Ethics in Counseling; Interpersonal Communication and Family Systems; Human Development; Family Violence; Clinical Assessment; Aging and Long-Term Care; Counseling Couples and Families; Counseling Children; plus other MFT-focused courses.

Entry requirements

The catalog does not provide specific admissions prerequisites on this page. Prospective applicants should consult the seminary admissions materials for application steps and exact entry requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for pastoral leadership roles (pastoral care, family ministry, youth work, chaplaincy, church planting, Bible teaching, community development, cross-cultural ministry) as well as clinical positions in counseling settings. The MFT coursework aligns with California licensure exam content and supports student membership in professional MFT organizations.

Scholarships & funding angle

The program page lists cost and financial aid as topics but gives no details here; interested students should review Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary’s financial aid resources and scholarship information for seminary students.