CHARACTER AND MISSION The School of Theology is evangelical and ecumenical, diverse and inclusive, multidenominational and multicultural. Its mission is national and international in scope, urban and suburban in focus, residential and extended in location. It expresses this mission through life together as a worshipping, teaching, studying, and ministering community. The School of Theology prepares persons for lay and ordained ministries by pursuing and encouraging: Foundational theological reflection, research, and writing in the service of the church for all the disciplines of the seminary community for the academy Theological education for the entire seminary community for professional preparation and development for church, denomination, and parachurch for witness and service in the world Spiritual Formation for individual and interpersonal integrity for spiritual and intellectual maturity for corporate commitment and responsibility for competence in the practice of ministry Advanced theological study in the development of faithful scholarship in the mentoring and preparation of future teachers of the church through advanced degree programs Continuing education for the church for professional ministry for lay ministry and enrichment   THE THEOLOGICAL CURRICULUM The theological curriculum which aims at excellence must combine breadth, depth and balance. It must include the basic areas for everyone engaged in Christian ministry, and yet provide courses of special interest and concern to the individual student. It must be grounded in the Scriptures, the sure and solid authority of our faith, and be concerned for efforts to express faith in a coherent system of truth. It must reflect understanding of the traditions of the past, and show awareness of the needs of the present and the future. It must preserve what is genuine within the historic experience of the church while being open to what may be new by Christ’s Spirit. Fuller approaches its task of theological training by way of the great Protestant tradition of biblical studies in the languages in which God was pleased to reveal his word. Greek and Hebrew are prerequisites for many biblical courses and are constantly used in instruction. Courses in the theology and history division give the student a close acquaintance with the classical thinking of the church in its effort through the ages to express this revelation and to apply it as a guide through the perplexities and ambiguities of life. This background sets the stage for the ministry courses in which the various approaches to teaching God’s word are shaped from the perspective of theology. A curriculum cannot include everything a servant of God will need for the rapidly changing world of the last decade of the 20th century, but it should not omit that which is essential. Furthermore, it must supply the basic content and skills which will enable one to feed God’s flock and to maintain personal growth with increasing responsibilities. ADMISSION General standards for admission to Fuller Theological Seminary may be found in the second section of this catalog. Specific requirements for entering degree or certificate programs are given within each program section. In addition, applicants for whom English is a second language must take a written and oral language examination (TOEFL). A score of 240 (587 on the paper test) is required for admission to master’s-level programs, and a score of 250 (600 on the paper test) is required for admission to the Th.M. and doctoral programs. Applicants to master’s-level programs with TOEFL scores between 200 (533 paper) and 237 (583 paper) who are otherwise qualified for admission may seek admission through Fuller’s English as a Second Language Program. See the Admissions section of this catalog for details.   DEGREE AND CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS The School of Theology offers the following degree and certificate programs: Master of Divinity Master of Arts in Theology Master of Arts in (a Specialized Ministry) Master of Arts in Youth, Family, and Culture Master of Arts in Family Life Education Master of Arts in Evangelism Master of Arts in Multicultural Ministries Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry Master of Arts in Recovery Ministry Master of Arts in Worship, Theology, and the Arts Master of Arts in Christian Leadership Certificate of Christian Studies Certificate in Recovery Ministry Certificate in Youth Ministry Doctor of Ministry Master of Theology Doctor of Philosophy in Theology Concentrations in a variety of areas are available in several of these degrees.   Alternative Diplomas and Transcripts In some circumstances, a diploma or transcript from a theological seminary may cause significant difficulties in the places where our alumni/ae are working or seek to work. To resolve this problem, Fuller Theological Seminary has taken legal steps to allow it also to identify itself as Fuller Graduate Schools: School of Theology School of Psychology School of Intercultural Studies Fuller Theological Seminary remains the true legal name. Criteria. The right to receive an alternative diploma and/or transcripts with the heading Fuller Graduate Schools may be granted for the following reasons: Physical Safety. Students who are living and working in areas that are known to be hostile to Christians or to religious institutions may be granted an alternative diploma and/or transcript. Previous incidents of harassment of Christians, physical danger, or governments and cultures known to be hostile would be examples of contexts that may justify the alternative documents. Restriction of Professional Status. Students who are unable to pursue professional status because their diploma and transcript come from a Christian seminary may be allowed to receive the alternative documents. For example, students who wish to teach in universities in Brazil may need the alternative documents, as Brazil does not recognize doctoral diplomas and transcripts from seminaries. Further information about this option is given in the Academic Policies section of this catalog.