Is Fuller Seminary a good place for Presbyterian students? 

Fuller's faculty includes professors across the seminary who are either ordained ministers or members of Presbyterian congregations. Meet our Presbyterian faculty here. They represent a solid core of Reformed theology in the fundamental disciplines of biblical studies, church history, and systematic theology. At the same time, Fuller is a place of remarkable diversity, drawing students from around the world and at least 80 different church traditions. Fuller offers Presbyterian students an outstanding education in the Reformed tradition at what is arguably the most ecumenical seminary in America.

Presbyterians comprise the largest segment of denominational traditions among both students and faculty at Fuller. For several years, more PC(USA) students have attended Fuller than any other seminary. Fuller and the Office of Presbyterian Ministries cordially welcome students from the Covenant Order of Presbyterians (ECO), Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC), Presbyterian Church of America (PCA), Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC), Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK), Korean Presbyterian Church in America (KPCA), and Korean American Presbyterian Church (KAPC) students as well.

Fuller offers master's and doctoral degree programs through three schools—the School of Intercultural Studies (formerly School of World Mission), School of Psychology, and School of Theology—and students preparing for pastoral ministry are encouraged to take classes in all three schools. This interdisciplinary curriculum produces women and men who bring to the church a remarkable set of skills.

What kind of relationship does Fuller have with Presbyterian seminaries? 

Fuller enjoys a collegial relationship with PC(USA) seminaries. The Committee on Theological Education (COTE) of the PC(USA) invites Fuller to send a representative to each of its meetings.

Is Fuller Seminary officially related to any one Presbyterian Church? 

Fuller Seminary is a multidenominational school with no official ties to any single church, Presbyterian or otherwise. Ever since the seminary's founding in 1947, however, many Fuller alumni have gone on to serve God in the PC(USA) or its predecessor. At the present time we are working to strengthen our relationships with the Covenant Order of Presbyterians, Evangelical Presbyterian Church, the various Korean Presbyterian churches, and the Presbyterian Church in America.

Are all Presbyterians welcome at Fuller? 

Yes! And the Office of Presbyterian Ministries is happy to serve them all.

What courses does Fuller offer in the distinctives of the Reformed tradition? 

In addition to the core courses in biblical studies, church history, and systematic theology, Fuller offers four classes for Presbyterian students: CH551—American Presbyterian History and Programs; CH549—Presbyterian Creeds; DP505—Presbyterian Polity and Worship; and DP504—Reformed Worship. These classes correspond to courses required at PC(USA) seminaries. Ron Kernaghan teaches Presbyterian History and Programs as well as Worship in the Reformed Tradition.  John Thompson teaches courses in Reformed Theology, and Mickie Choi-Hoe, formerly Interim Executive Presbyter of Hanmi Presbytery, teaches Polity and Worship.

How are Fuller students nurtured in the Reformed tradition? 

In addition to Fuller’s course offerings, the Office of Presbyterian Ministries hosts:  

·      Monday morning worship gathering

·      Small groups for prayer, Bible study, and spiritual formation

·      An annual retreat program with special speakers <link?>

·      A Seminar on Fiscal Fitness with the PC(USA) Board of Pensions and a seminar on appropriate boundaries in ministry and relationships

·      Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly staff and local pastors in Pasadena each year to discuss life and issues in the Presbyterian Churches

·      Programs of spiritual formation.

How do Fuller students perform on the standard ordination tests? 

At the present time we have information only about students who have taken the PC(USA) exams. Fuller students do very well and rank among the top scorers.

Is it possible to take the ordination exams at Fuller? 

Yes. All of the examinations for ordination in the PC(USA) are offered at Fuller's Pasadena campus. The Office of Presbyterian Ministries proctors the examinations.

My Presbytery knows little or nothing about Fuller Seminary. Is there a convenient way to help it understand what Fuller has to offer? 

The Office of Presbyterian Ministries webpages offer information that responds to most questions that would be of concern to those not acquainted with the seminary. Other questions may be addressed to the director, Ron Kernaghan, at 626-584-5589 or ronaldk@fuller.edu. In addition, the director is happy to meet with presbytery representatives in person, in video conference via Skype, or by phone.

How can I contact the Office of Presbyterian Ministries at Fuller? 

You may reach us by e-mail at presbymin@fuller.edu or by phone at 626-584-5582.

Our church has an open position for an intern or part-time student. Is it possible to interview your students for positions in our church? 

Interviews can be arranged by contacting our office. 

How can our church publicize our internships or staff positions at Fuller? 

Copies of job descriptions and Church Information Forms should be sent to the Office of Presbyterian Ministries and to Career Services.

How many PC(USA) students have attended Fuller? 

Over the last ten years, about 300 PC(USA) students have taken classes at Fuller's campuses each year. Of these, approximately 130 of them are annually enrolled in the Master of Divinity degree program.

What does it cost to complete a Master of Divinity degree at Fuller? 

Please visit Fuller's Tuition and Fees page for the most current financial information.

What financial aid is available to Presbyterian students? 

Each year the Office of Financial Aid at Fuller offers 38 full-tuition scholarships for PC(USA) students. Fuller also offers an array of student loan and work-study programs.

Where is the Office of Presbyterian Ministries located on the Fuller campus? 

Our office is located on both the first and second floors of Carnell Hall on the Pasadena campus. You can find us behind the Catalyst building.

How do I apply to Fuller Seminary? 

Contact the Admissions Office.

Still have questions?   

Contact Ron Kernaghan at ronaldk@fuller.edu or Chris Murphy at  chrismurphy@fuller.edu.