Fuller Theological Seminary’s California Coast Campus is a fully accredited extension campus of the seminary in Southern California. For 40 years, Fuller Theological Seminary has had a presence in Orange County, CA. Today, students can earn a fully accredited master’s degree at the California Coast campus.
A Seminary in Southern California
Although Fuller’s California Coast campus is only about 45 miles from the seminary’s main location in Pasadena, CA, students who come to the extension campus from the south do not have to battle Los Angeles’ traffic. The California Coast campus primarily serves students who commute from Orange County and San Diego County.
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An Online Seminary
Students at the Southern California seminary extension campus can supplement their on-site classes with online theology courses, although students do not have to take online classes to complete their degrees. All the required courses for an M.A. or M.Div. are taught on location. Online courses can be taken, however, for additional scheduling flexibility.
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Fuller Theological Seminary’s California Coast Campus
When it was first started four decades ago, the California Coast campus’ office was the in the then-director’s living room. Classes were held wherever the seminary could find free space, usually at local churches or Southern California College (Vanguard University now). As the seminary grew, it relocated to an office park in Irvine, which served as the campus for almost 20 years. Recently, the California Coast campus has moved once again, to a location that has a student lounge, library and other spaces, in addition to classrooms.
A Broadly Evangelical Seminary
The California Coast campus embodies Fuller’s theological spectrum, which is broadly evangelical. The entire student body of Fuller includes students from more than 100 denominations. The California Coast extension is that large, but it is just as theologically diverse.
Theology Degrees at Fuller’s California Coast Extension Campus
The California Coast campus of Fuller gives Southern California seminary students the opportunity to earn one of five master’s-level degrees without attending the Pasadena campus. In addition to these accredited degrees, students can also enroll in a non-degree certificate program.
Master’s of Divinity at Fuller’s California Coast Campus
The master’s of divinity (M.Div.) from Fuller is designed to be a three-year theological degree program, although many students enroll part-time and extend the length of their studies. The M.Div. program prepares students for full-time work in a church. It is an appropriate degree for pastors, missionaries and anyone who intends to work in a similar capacity.
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Master’s of Arts at Fuller’s California Coast Campus
At the Southern California campus of Fuller, students can pursue four different master’s of arts (M.A.) degrees. These programs are shorter than the M.Div. curriculum and intended for people who want to serve in a variety of capacities. The campus offers a:
- Master’s of Arts in Theology (M.A.T.)
- Master’s of Arts in Christian Leadership (M.A.C.L.)
- Master’s of Arts in Theology and Ministry (M.A.T.M.)
- Master’s of Arts in Intercultural Studies (M.A.ICS.)
(Find other theology schools with M.A. degrees).
Certificate of Christian Studies at Fuller’s California Coast Campus
The Certificate of Christian Studies is a short, non-degree course of study. Students enroll in this program for a wide range of reasons, as the curriculum is extremely flexible. Students must take four four-unit courses offered by the School of Theology, and any other two four-unit courses. The latter two courses can be from any school in Fuller Theological Seminary. These courses can later be applied to a master’s degree, if students decide to pursue that course of study at a later date.
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An Accredited Seminary
As part of Fuller Seminary, the California Coast campus is fully accredited to grant the above degrees. It is accredited by both the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), which oversees theology schools throughout North America, and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), which accredits educational institutions in California, Hawaii and on throughout the Pacific.
More Information About Fuller’s California Coast Campus
For more information, continue onto either Fuller Theological Seminary or Fuller’s California Coast.
Find Other Schools
Students who are interested in attending classes at Fuller’s California Coast campus might also be interested in:
- Seminaries in Southern California
- Evangelical seminaries
- Seminaries with master’s of arts or master’s of divinity degrees