Fuller Theological Seminary (CA)

1. History Fuller Theological Seminary was founded in 1947 in Pasadena, California, by Charles E. Fuller, a renowned evangelical radio broadcaster, and Harold John Ockenga, a prominent theologian. The seminary was established with the mission to combine rigorous academic excellence with a strong commitment to evangelical faith. Over the decades, Fuller has grown to become one of the largest multidenominational seminaries in the world, known for its impact on global Christian thought and its emphasis on both intellectual scholarship and practical ministry. With campuses and learning hubs across the United States and internationally, Fuller has trained tens of thousands of students for leadership in the church, missions, counseling, and broader societal engagement.
2. Faculty Fuller’s faculty is composed of world-class scholars who are leaders in their respective fields, including theology, psychology, missiology, and biblical studies. Many hold advanced degrees from prestigious universities and seminaries worldwide, contributing significantly to academic publications and theological discourse. Fuller’s professors are not only academically accomplished but also deeply engaged in ministry, church planting, and global Christian work. This combination of scholarship and practical experience ensures that students are well-prepared to face both theological and pastoral challenges in diverse ministry contexts.
3. Academic Programs Fuller offers a broad range of academic programs at both the graduate and doctoral levels, designed to meet the needs of students pursuing various types of ministry, academic research, and counseling. These include:

• Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
• Master of Arts in Theology (M.A.T.)
• Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry (M.A.T.M.)
• Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies (M.A.I.S.)
• Master of Arts in Theology and Psychology (M.A.T.P.)
• Master of Arts in Christian Leadership (M.A.C.L.)
• Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)
• Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
• Ph.D. in Theology, Intercultural Studies, and Psychology

The seminary also offers unique integrative programs, particularly in psychology and theology, reflecting Fuller’s distinctive emphasis on combining these disciplines for Christian counseling and pastoral care. Fuller's renowned School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy is a leader in integrating psychological science with Christian faith.

4. Tuition & Fees Fuller Theological Seminary's tuition rates vary by program and academic level. Below are general estimates:

• Master’s Programs: Around $550 to $750 per credit hour, depending on the specific program.
• Doctoral Programs: Typically range from $600 to $1,200 per credit hour.

Additional costs include registration fees, technology fees for online learning, and books or materials. Fuller offers financial aid through scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities to assist students in managing the cost of tuition. Certain scholarships are available for those pursuing full-time ministry or vocational counseling.

5. Location Fuller’s main campus is located in Pasadena, California, a vibrant city near Los Angeles known for its cultural and academic environment. The seminary also operates several regional campuses across the United States, including in Arizona, Texas, and Colorado, allowing for greater accessibility to students nationwide. Additionally, Fuller has expanded its online learning programs, making its theological education available to students worldwide. The Pasadena campus provides a unique blend of academic rigor and urban ministry opportunities, making it a hub for Christian thought and action in Southern California.
6. Denomination Fuller Theological Seminary is multidenominational, welcoming students from a wide variety of Christian backgrounds. While its theological stance is rooted in evangelical Christianity, the seminary prides itself on its ecumenical approach, encouraging dialogue and learning across denominational lines. This inclusive environment fosters a rich theological diversity among its student body and faculty, enabling students to explore their faith while deepening their commitment to core evangelical principles such as the authority of Scripture, the Trinity, and the centrality of Christ in salvation.
7. Curriculum & Key Subjects Fuller’s curriculum is designed to provide a solid foundation in theological education while allowing students to specialize in areas relevant to their ministry or vocational goals. Key subjects include:

• Biblical Exegesis & Hermeneutics
• Systematic Theology
• Historical Theology
• Missiology & Global Christianity
• Pastoral Theology & Ministry Leadership
• Counseling and Psychology (for the Psy.D. and counseling programs)
• Intercultural Studies and Church Planting
• Apologetics and Ethics

Courses are designed to be both academically rigorous and practically applicable, preparing students to engage effectively in ministry, missions, and counseling roles within diverse contexts.

8. Online Learning Fuller offers a comprehensive suite of online programs, allowing students to pursue theological education remotely while maintaining high academic standards. Many core courses are available online, and Fuller has developed an interactive and engaging virtual learning environment. Online students have access to the same faculty expertise and resources as on-campus students, making Fuller’s programs highly flexible for those unable to attend in person due to geographical or scheduling constraints.
9. Accreditation Fuller Theological Seminary is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). These accreditations ensure that Fuller’s degrees are recognized by churches, denominations, and academic institutions worldwide. Accreditation also guarantees the seminary’s commitment to maintaining high standards in theological education and student support services.
10. Spiritual Formation Spiritual formation is central to Fuller’s mission. The seminary places strong emphasis on personal spiritual growth alongside academic learning. Students are encouraged to participate in chapel services, prayer groups, mentorship opportunities, and community engagement. Fuller offers spiritual direction programs to foster deeper relationships with God and cultivate personal spiritual disciplines. This holistic approach ensures that students not only grow in their theological knowledge but also in their personal faith and ministry readiness.
11. Denominational Neutrality Though Fuller is rooted in evangelical Christianity, it maintains denominational neutrality, embracing students from a wide range of Christian traditions. This neutral stance allows for rich theological diversity while maintaining a strong commitment to evangelical orthodoxy. The seminary's openness encourages constructive dialogue on issues of theology and practice, enriching the academic and spiritual experiences of its students.