In an effort to establish strong partnerships with Christian institutions in the Valley and enable college students who have been called to ministry to enter into their desired roles sooner, Phoenix Seminary has entered into a partnership with Arizona Christian University that allows ACU graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies degree to apply up to 30 hours of credit from their undergraduate studies toward a Master of Divinity or 15 hours of credit toward a Master of Arts degree at Phoenix Seminary.
This agreement will help students save up to two years of the time needed to earn their graduate degree as well as the associated tuition and costs needed to take those equivalent hours at the seminary level. ACU students can qualify for advanced standing in the Master of Divinity (MDiv) or Master of Arts (MA) degrees in Biblical and theological studies, or in the MA in Ministry.
Dr. Kyle DiRoberts, department chair and associate professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at Arizona Christian University, is excited to partner with his alma mater, Phoenix Seminary. “At ACU and Phoenix, we have the unique opportunity to train, equip, and send our graduates into full-time Christian ministry in less time than it would traditionally take. On top of that, these students will enter into vocational ministry having saved a lot of money. It’s a win-win situation for them.”
“As an alumnus, I look back upon my time at Phoenix Seminary with thankfulness and fondness. My professors modeled for me what it looks like to be a scholar with a shepherd's heart. Not only did they make a lasting pastoral impact on my life, but they were also leaders in their various fields of study. It is a special opportunity that our students have the ability to stay in the Valley, continue to do ministry in their church, and pursue their master's degree at Phoenix Seminary.”
To apply to the program, ACU students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a grade of B or higher in applicable ACU courses. Applicants must earn their ACU BA degree within five years of entering the graduate program at Phoenix Seminary. The maximum number of ACU hours allowed for application is 30, which is spread between the ACU BA core and concentration/emphasis courses.
Phoenix Seminary Provost J. Michael Thigpen sees this partnership as a natural fit for both institutions in the training of future shepherds and scholars. “Arizona Christian University is an ideal partner for Phoenix Seminary with its commitment to the Scriptures, focus on cultural engagement, and its passion to prepare men and women for ministry in every walk of life. ACU students are a natural fit for the advanced biblical and theological training at the core of every Phoenix Seminary degree.”
Arizona Christian University provides a biblically integrated, liberal arts education equipping graduates to serve the Lord Jesus Christ as leaders of influence and excellence in all aspects of life. It is an accredited, private, non-profit, Christian university located in Glendale, Arizona. The university exists to educate and equip followers of Christ to transform culture with the truth.
ACU offers a wide variety of degrees preparing students for successful careers while remaining committed to its vision of transforming culture with biblical truth. Students actively engage in biblically integrated academics and gain a liberal arts foundation with critical thinking skills that last a lifetime. Spiritual development is also integrated within the university experience whereas all four-year campus students receive a minor in Biblical Studies, attend chapel twice a week, and complete spiritual formation and service hours each semester.
More information about the ACU credits applied toward Phoenix Seminary degrees can be viewed by clicking the following links:
Phoenix Seminary has a similar agreement with Oklahoma Baptist University and offers advanced standing to students from Christian colleges through its Christian College Initiative which allows students who have earned biblical studies credits at the undergraduate level to be evaluated for advanced standing. Contact enrollment@ps.edu for more information.
