Degree from a Distance

"This degree is a response to requests from Midwestern pastors who have indicated interest in Seminary, but are in work or family situations that make it difficult to move to Fresno for two or three years," – Academic Dean Lynn Jost, PhD.

Degree from a Distance is designed for students to earn a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry degree over the course of four years. The degree includes a combination of courses to be taken each year including one-week module courses in the Midwest, internet-based courses, directed study courses and one- and two-week module courses on the Fresno Campus. This degree allows students to remain based in the Midwest and to continue in their current ministry assignments. The plan also allows students to experience the community of the Fresno Campus and demands minimal time away from home.

"Working in a college environment, I am familiar with strong academic expectations. Pursuing my MA through MB Biblical Seminary, however, has stretched me both academically and theologically. I love that the courses are solidly grounded in truth. The distance education format balances classroom intensives with online flexibility and support. For distance education, this is the best format I’ve found. I’d recommend it!" – student Titus Hofer of Springdale, Arkansas

2008-2009 Academic Year – Tentative

Fall 2008

Midwest: Tabor College Wichita
October 3-6
MF-540 (2-3 units): Interpersonal Communication: Words That Hurt and Heal with Delores Friesen, PhD
For more information on this course, click here.

Directed Study Courses
NT-722 (3 units): New Testament Backgrounds with Jon Isaak, PhD

Internet Courses
IM-563 (3 units): Perspectives on the World Christian Movement with Instructor Phil Walker, PhD

Spring 2009

MB Biblical Seminary – Fresno, California
January 5-18
IS-520 (3 units): Cross-Cultural Encounter

January 13-17
PM-790MCP (3 units): Missional Church in a Postmodern Context with guest instructor Milfred Minatrea, DMin

March 2-6
FP-700 (2 units): Basic Institute in Conflict Management and Mediation with Fresno Pacific University’s Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies faculty

March 2-6
CF-655 (2-3 units): Youth Ministries with Rick Bartlett, DMin

Directed Study Courses
OT-722 (3 units): Old Testament Backgrounds with Lynn Jost, PhD

Internet Courses
BI-505 (3 units): Biblical Interpretation 1 with Jon Isaak, PhD and Rick Bartlett, DMin

TS-630IC (2-3 units): Discipleship and Ethics with Mark Baker, PhD

IM-563 (3 units): Perspectives on the World Christian Movement with Instructor Phil Walker, PhD

Past Offerings

2007-2008 Academic Year

For more information on this degree or to apply, please contact Andy Johnson at ajohnson@mbseminary.edu or 1-800-251-6227 ext. 1714.

Financial Aid

MB Biblical Seminary is committed to keeping seminary education affordable for its students. As a student in our Degree from a Distance program you may qualify for the following:

Denominational Bursary
Care Matching Grant

… and various other scholarships, grants and loans. Note: There are unit minimums for many of these awards.

Visit this link or contact our Director of Financial Aid at 1-800-251-6227 ext. 1710 to find out what is available for YOUR seminary education.

Library Services

Fresno
MB Biblical Seminary shares a library with Fresno Pacific University. Click here for more information on resources available to you as a student (whether you are here on campus or in your home state) in our Degree from a Distance program.

Your Church
We encourage you to tap into resources your pastor or others in your church might have available to assist you in your studies while at seminary. These resources might include commentary sets, books, etc.