The practice of marriage and family therapy requires knowledge, skill, and insight. At 51ÁÔÆæ Pacific Biblical Seminary, you’ll be prepared with the content required for the California Marriage and Family Therapy licensure exams and you’ll engage in personal formation to become a truly skillful clinician. Courses- ranging from clinical assessment and human development to cross-cultural counseling and discipleship – integrate theology, theory, personal formation, and professional practice. Learn from published faculty with decades of experience in clinical practice and supervision.
Through the study of psychology, you’ll be equipped to aid in the healing process of those who have experienced hurt, pain, and hardship in life.
Pastoral leadership in today’s ever-changing world requires theological conviction grounded in rigorous study. At 51ÁÔÆæ 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.
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
Take online courses available
Fully accredited by the association of theological schools (ATS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Gain preparation for California’s Licensed Clinical Exam and Law & Ethics exam – FPU Biblical Seminary MFT students passed at a rate of 71% and 100% respectively
Program Directors: Brian Ross, DMin and Cynthia McGrady, Ph.D.
Overview
The intent of the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program is to prepare Christian counselors with the knowledge, skill and insight to practice counseling in the church or in clinical settings. The curriculum encourages the integration of theology, theory, personal formation and professional practice. Students are expected to engage in their own personal counseling to enhance personal growth, self-awareness and understanding of the therapeutic process in preparation for work in this field. The program covers the content areas required for state licensure exams and student membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
The intent of the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program is 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.
BIB 720 - The Church and God's Mission in the World Credits 1.5 - 3
Must be taken for 3 units and be an FPU Biblical Seminary course
THEO 712 - The Story of the Church and Its Theology Credits 1.5 - 3
Must be taken as a 3 unit course
THEO 730 - Discipleship and Ethics Credits 1.5 - 3
Must be taken for 3 units and be an FPU Biblical Seminary course
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
BIB 750 - Old Testament Theology Credits 3 **
BIB 752 - New Testament Theology Credits 3 **
BIB 760 - Theology for Integration Credits 2
*Â Students may petition to substitute biblical language requirements (9 units) with BIB 722 - Biblical Language Tools (3) and (6) units of Biblical content courses.
** Either Old Testament or New Testament Theology must be an FPU Biblical Seminary course.
Personal and Holistic Formation (4 units)
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
COUN 791A - Integration of Marriage and Family Studies I Credits 1 and
   Must be an FPU Biblical Seminary course.
COUN 791B - Integration of Marriage and Family Studies II Credits 2 or
   Must be an FPU Biblical Seminary course.
COUN 799 - Thesis Credits 3 - 6
Possibilities Await
With and FPU Education
51ÁÔÆæ 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: 51ÁÔÆæ Pacific Biblical Seminary Admission, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Box 14, 51ÁÔÆæ, CA 93702
Undergraduate alumni (traditional and degree completion) pursuing a graduate program at 51ÁÔÆæ 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 51ÁÔÆæ 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 51ÁÔÆæ 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.
* 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.
Graduating with an MDiv and MFT degree prepares your California Licensure* as a therapist and the skills to serve as a ministry leader in a variety of ministry settings. Our graduates are currently serving locally and abroad as pastors, ministry directors, counselors, in private practices, schools, and mental health facilities.
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.