Prepare to rightly handle the Word of God.
At Faith Baptist Theological Seminary, you will receive a rigorous training in biblical languages, exegesis, and hermeneutics—all in flexible course formats that fit your schedule.
5 Hallmarks of Faith Baptist Theological Seminary
1. Mentoring Relationships
2. Regionally and Nationally Accredited
3. Local Church Emphasis
4. Affordable Tuition
5. Local and International Ministry Internships
Purpose.
Since 1986, our mission has been to equip vocational Christian workers and other servant leaders while inspiring them to take the Word to the world.
Position.
As a fundamental Baptist seminary, FBTS holds a strong position on separation from apostasy, worldliness, and compromise.
Publication.
To address significant matters of theological and ministerial interest, the seminary has been publishing the Faith Pulpit since 1986.
Partnership.
Though the college and seminary have separate facilities, they share the same campus, president, and board of directors, which provides continuity of leadership and oversight.
Program.
Faith’s academic programs offer flexible course formats: 100% of classes at FBTS can be taken residentially or synchronously online.
Proven.
FBTS is nationally accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education and regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Why Faith?
Seminary Programs
Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, M.A.
Credits: 36
Format: Online or residential
This program of study can be completed in as little as 1 year.
Are you a teacher, missionary, or church worker with a Bible college degree? If you sense the need for a time of spiritual and mental refreshment and a deeper study of the Scriptures, this program is for you.
Curriculum Overview
- Introduction to Biblical Exegesis
- Old Testament and New Testament Seminars
- Theological Research
Admission Requirements
A minimum of 30 semester hours of Bible and theology at the undergraduate level, or their equivalent, is required before admission will be granted. A grade point average of 2.0 or higher is expected in your undergraduate work. You are permitted to transfer a maximum of 12 acceptable graduate credits into this program.
Faculty
Dr. Tim Little
Director of Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, Old Testament
Master of Arts in Practical Theology, M.A.
Credits: 36
Format: Online or residential
This program of study can be completed in as little as 1 year.
Have you already taken a college major in pastoral studies, biblical counseling, missions, or related biblical subjects? This program builds upon your education and stresses the importance of the application of material gained on the undergraduate level.
Curriculum Overview
- Pastoral Theology
- History of Fundamentalism
- Contemporary Christianity
Admission Requirements
A minimum of 30 semester hours of Bible and theology at the undergraduate level, or their equivalent, is required before admission will be granted. A grade point average of 2.0 or higher is expected in your undergraduate work. You are permitted to transfer a maximum of 12 acceptable graduate credits into this program. You should have at least two semesters of homiletics and an apprenticeship as a part of your undergraduate experience. This requirement may be waived, at the discretion of the seminary faculty, for those who have at least one year of full-time pastoral experience.
Faculty
Dr. Daniel Brown
Director of the D.Min. Program, Director of Master of Arts in Practical Theology
Master of Arts in Religion, M.A.R.
Credits: 32
Format: Online or residential
This program of study can be completed in as little as 1 year.
Are you a liberal arts college graduate who would like a stronger background in Bible and theology? This degree gives you a better understanding of the Scripture to aid you in your service for Christ as a lay leader in your church.
Curriculum Overview
- Theology Seminar
- Contemporary Christianity
- Old Testament and New Testament Seminars
Admission Requirements
An undergraduate bachelor’s degree is required for admission. You are permitted to transfer a maximum of six acceptable graduate credits into the program.
Faculty
Director of Master of Arts in Religion, Director of Master of Arts in Theological Studies, Bible, Theology, Humanities
Master of Arts in Theological Studies, M.A.
Credits: 36
Format: Online or residential
Available emphases:
• Christian Thought
• Systematic Theology
This program of study can be completed in as little as 1 year.
Would you like to build on your knowledge of Bible doctrine and gain a greater understanding of and appreciation for the greatness of God and His revelation to people? This program examines theology from the viewpoints of what the Bible teaches, a doctrine’s historical development, the various denominational formulations of that doctrine, and the different emphases and viewpoints currently held.
Curriculum Overview
- Introduction to Biblical Exegesis
- Old Testament and New Testament Seminar
- Theology Seminar
Admission Requirements
A minimum of 30 semester hours of Bible and theology at the undergraduate level, or their equivalent, is required before admission will be granted. A grade point average of 2.0 or higher is expected in your undergraduate work. You are permitted to transfer a maximum of 12 acceptable graduate credits into this program.
Faculty
Director of Master of Arts in Religion, Director of Master of Arts in Theological Studies, Bible, Theology, Humanities
Master of Divinity, M.Div.
Credits: 96
Format: Module and online, or residential
This program of study can be completed in as little as 3 years.
Do you want to be a pastor, missionary, teacher, or other church leader? This is the degree program for you! Expand your understanding of Hebrew, Greek, and theology. Plus, earn credit toward an expenses-paid trip to Israel. Take the trip as a course or as a capstone experience.
Curriculum Overview
- Hebrew Grammar I and II
- Greek Grammar I and II
- Systematic Theology
- Theology Capstone
Admission Requirements
This program admits students with diverse college backgrounds—university, liberal arts college, and Bible college graduates are all encouraged to apply. You are permitted to transfer a maximum of 60 acceptable graduate credits into the program.
Israel Trip for Master of Divinity Students
Starting July 2019, students enrolled in the Master of Divinity program can earn credits toward an expenses-covered trip to Israel. FBTS will cover the major expenses of the Israel trip, including airfare, accommodations, transportation, and the majority of meals. Students can take the trip as a course or as a capstone experience to the Master of Divinity program.
How the Program Works
Accumulating Credit toward the Trip
With each credit successfully completed at FBTS, M.Div. students accumulate credit towards the trip. For example, if 100% of the M.Div. credits are successfully completed at FBTS, then 100% of the Israel trip expense is covered. If a student only completes 50% of the M.Div. credits at FBTS, then only 50% of the trip expenses will be covered. In the last case, the student must pay for the remaining balance of the trip.
Applying for the Trip
Students must participate in the Israel trip in the final semester in which they graduate from the Master of Divinity program. To reserve a spot on the Israel trip, students must apply to participate in the trip by August 31 of the year of their graduation. Late applications may not be accepted, depending on space on the tour.
Exceptions and Details
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- There may be some expenses related to the trip that students will be expected to pay. For example, students may need to pay for their own passports and visas, transportation within the U.S., and some meals on the trip. Only expenses covered in a typical tourist trip to Israel are covered by FBTS.
- Students who elect to take the Israel trip as an M.Div. elective class will need to pay for the course tuition. FBTS will not cover tuition for the course.
- Only credits taken at FBTS in the Master of Divinity program count towards the trip. Students enrolled in a Master of Arts program at FBTS do not accumulate credit toward the trip.
- Only Master of Divinity students who graduate from FBTS may participate.
- Credits earned toward the Israel trip is non-transferable to another person and has no redeemable value. Credits toward the trip expires if the student does not participate in the Israel trip in the semester of graduation.
- Students who receive employee tuition discounts, such as Faith employees and family members of Faith employees, are excluded from this offer.
- Appeals to these policies can be made to the Seminary Dean. He may consult the Administrative Council in certain cases.
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Faculty
Dr. Douglas Brown
Seminary Dean, Director of Master of Divinity Program
Doctor of Ministry, D.Min.
Credits: 32
Format: Cohort
Available Tracks:
• Expository Preaching
• Shepherding and Discipleship
This program of study is typically completed in 4–5 years.
Are you a pastor or missionary looking to gain ministerial training and an advanced understanding of biblical, theological, and historical truths of God’s Word? Join our cohort and earn credit! A cohort program is a group of classmates that progresses together through a course of study. Research has shown that the cohort model helps build stronger relationships between classmates, stimulates creativity, and enhances critical thinking more effectively than individual learning.
Curriculum Overview
- Hermeneutics and Homiletics
- Contemporary Theological Issues
- Track-Specific Courses
- Extended Ministry Project
Admission Requirements
Masters Degree: This program is intended for individuals who have completed a Master of Divinity (or its educational equivalent). If you have a Master of Arts and a minimum of 60 master level credits, you may apply for consideration for entrance into the program. You must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher for your master’s academic training. You are expected to have M.Div.-level competencies in five basic areas: biblical languages (Greek and/or Hebrew), biblical studies, systematic theology, historical theology, and practical theology. If you fall short of these academic competencies, the Doctor of Ministry Admissions Committee may admit you conditionally upon completion of further master’s-level coursework.
Ministry Experience: The Doctor of Ministry program is intended for those who have engaged in substantial ministerial leadership. You must have a minimum of three years’ experience and currently be serving in a ministry context.
Church approval and recommendation: You must provide adequate approval and consent from your current ministry.
Faculty
Director of the D.Min. Program, Director of Master of Arts in Practical Theology
Dr. Douglas Brown
Seminary Dean, Director of Master of Divinity Program
Director of Master of Arts in Religion, Director of Master of Arts in Theological Studies, Bible, Theology, Humanities
Chair, Biblical Studies Program
Chair, Division of Christian Ministries, Chair, Pastoral Studies Department
Online Courses
Faith Baptist Theological Seminary offers all traditional and module seminary classes through Zoom video-conferencing, allowing students to earn a Master of Arts, Master of Divinity, or Doctor of Ministry degree without leaving their place of service.
This online learning platform brings students into live classes where they can participate in real-time discussion through high-definition cameras, microphones, and screens positioned around the room. Students who earn a degree through video-conferencing will complete the same program requirements as those who study in residence.
Catalog and Schedule
Meet Our Faculty
Our seminary faculty are current and former pastors, ministry leaders, and missionaries. All are skilled expositors and are passionate about helping you develop your gifts and prepare you for ministry.
Estimated Cost
Tuition Costs for Master’s Degrees
2024-2025 Tuition | Cost |
---|---|
Full-Time (9 or more hours) | $380 per credit hour |
Part-Time (8 or fewer hours) | $405 per credit hour |
Fees | Cost |
---|---|
Conference Audit | $100 |
Technology Fee | $25 per credit hour |
Student Benefit Fee (6+ Credit Hours) | $325 per semester |
Student Benefit Fee (Under 6 Credit Hours) | $150 per semester |
Tuition Costs for Doctor of Ministry Degree
2024-2025 Tuition | Cost |
---|---|
Regular Tuition Rate | $1,760 per unit |
Year One (3 Units) | $5,280 |
Year Two (3 Units) | $5,280 |
Year Three (2 Units) | $3,520 |
Program Total | $14,080 |
Fees | Cost |
---|---|
Application Fee | $45 |
Continuation Fee | $500 per semester (beyond year three) |
On-Campus Housing | $120 per week |
Graduation | $140 |
Scholarships
Church Match Scholarship
Available to full- and part-time students with a 2.0 GPA who plan to enter full-time ministry. If a church gives a minimum of $500, FBTS will match the amount. Students can get the scholarship for up to three years.
- Amount (M.A. Students): Up to $1,000/year
- Amount (M.Div. Students): Up to $2,000/year
- Scholarship Application Deadline: Anytime
Dean’s Scholarship
Awarded to part-time students in any program who show exceptional academic and ministerial potential. Financial need is also considered.
- Amount: Varies
- Scholarship Application Deadline: When applying to FBTS
Faithful Servant Scholarship
For pastors, assistant pastors, and missionaries who are new students. A new student is one who has never taken a class at FBTS or has not taken a seminary class for credit in the three years prior to applying for this scholarship. Available to full- and part-time students.
- Amount: 50% tuition discount on the first six credits
- Scholarship Application Deadline: When applying to FBTS
Institutional Scholarship
Full-time students enrolled in any program. See the seminary catalog for more on available institutional scholarships.
- Amount: Varies
- Scholarship Application Deadline: March 31
Elmer O. and Ida Preston Trust Fund
Available to full-time students who are Iowa residents and preparing for Christian ministry. Contact the seminary office for an application form. This scholarship is usually a combination of grants and loans.
- Amount: Varies
- Scholarship Application Deadline: July 30
I could speak at length about what I appreciated in my time at FBBC. The Lord used FBBC to both spark and stoke a desire for Christian service. This largely came from watching the servant-hearted example of those who are in leadership. I now find myself in ministry at a church and school that I love and I feel that FBBC was crucial to my preparation both academically and spiritually. I can confidently recommend FBBC because the Lord used the godly men and women who serve there to point me to Christ and to equip me to do so for others. I am grateful.
Jacob KirkwoodClass of 2019
I could speak at length about what I appreciated in my time at FBBC. The Lord used FBBC to both spark and stoke a desire for Christian service. This largely came from watching the servant-hearted example of those who are in leadership. I now find myself in ministry at a church and school that I love and I feel that FBBC was crucial to my preparation both academically and spiritually. I can confidently recommend FBBC because the Lord used the godly men and women who serve there to point me to Christ and to equip me to do so for others. I am grateful.
Jacob KirkwoodClass of 2019