When understanding history shapes the future, the possibilities are endless.
Our certificate in Mennonite Brethren studies provides you with an orientation to the Mennonite Brethren church and its Anabaptist heritage. It is designed for pastors who are being credentialed by the MB denomination as well as students who are interested in their own personal enrichment. The focus is on biblical theology with an evangelical Anabaptist orientation.
Composed of courses designed by a team of Mennonite Brethren scholars, our curriculum has been approved by MB leaders for orientation to the church. The faculty teaches in a personal and hands-on manner and the certificate can be completed fully online.
Faculty who take great interest in student academic success
Anabaptist focused coursework and experiences
Option to study in Israel each summer
Option to attend the Hispanic Summer Program
Fully online program with some coursework offered in person
Fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
The Mennonite Distance Education Scholarship covers 100% of the online program for active members of Mennonite Brethren churches
25% discount for Mennonite, Mennonite Brethren, and BIC church members and 75% additional discount for Mennonite Brethren Church Members and Attenders.
This certificate provides an orientation to the Mennonite Brethren church. It is designed for pastors who are being credentialed by the denomination and meets requirements for MB studies orientation, as well as students who are interested in their own personal enrichment. The certificate focuses on biblical theology with an evangelical Anabaptist orientation. It is a building block to current ATS-accredited programs.
Admissions Requirements
In addition to the standard admissions requirements, applicants must demonstrate or submit:
Commitment to an evangelical Anabaptist community of learners
Bachelor's degree from an accredited school with a minimum GPA of 2.5
Personal profile statement
Three letters of reference
English competency
Locations Offered
Online
Required Courses (9 Units)
Mennonite Brethren Studies (6 Units)
HIST 716 - The Evangelical Anabaptist Story Credits 3
THEO 760 - Evangelical Anabaptist Confessions of Faith Credits 3
Evangelical Anabaptist Studies (3 Units)
Choose one course:
BIB 720 - The Church and God's Mission in the World Credits 1.5 - 3
   Must be taken as a 3 unit course
THEO 730 - Discipleship and Ethics Credits 1.5 - 3
Must be taken as a 3 unit course
BIB 750 - Old Testament Theology Credits 3
BIB 752 - New Testament Theology Credits 3
Possibilities Await
With an 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.
State Authorization
State authorization is a federal requirement in the Higher Education Act that requires institutions to be authorized in the state in which online programs are offered. 51ÁÔÆæ works regularly with individual state authorization agencies to meet each state's requirements. Currently, 51ÁÔÆæ has received authorization to offer online degree programs in all but nine states: Georgia, Michigan, New York, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington D.C. and Wisconsin.
For the latest updates on the status of FPU's authorization in your state, contact your FPU Admissions representative.
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.
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.