4+1 Program | Gateway Seminary & California Baptist University
Through the 4+1 Program, CBU graduates in the Applied Theology, Christian Ministries, Christian Studies or Intercultural Studies programs can earn a master’s degree at Gateway Seminary in just one additional year of full-time study with Gateway and CBU faculty.
By applying 9 hours of relevant undergraduate coursework toward the 36-hour master’s program, you can complete both your bachelor's and master's degrees in five years. The remaining 27 credit hours of the Master of Biblical and Theological Studies focuses on advanced coursework in the biblical studies, church history, theology and a year-long ministry practicum. Ultimately, the program concludes with a fully-funded, international mission trip. These courses can be taken over one academic year: 12 credit hours in the fall term, 12 credit hours in the spring term, and three credit hours in the summer term.
At a Glance
4-Year Bachelor's Degree
Apply nine credit hours from bachelor's degree in Applied Theology, Christian Ministries, Christian Studies or Intercultural Studies toward your master's degree.
1-Year Master's Degree
The MBTS can be earned in one year with 27 additional credit hours.
Location
Master's classes will be offered on campus at Gateway Seminary in Ontario, California.
The Master of Biblical and Theological Studies
The Master of Biblical and Theological Studies is a 36-hour master's degree offered to California Baptist University graduates in Applied Theology, Christian Ministries, Christian Studies, and Intercultural Studies. Students in the 4+1 program apply nine credit hours from their approved bachelor's degree and earn 27 additional credit hours in biblical studies, church history and theology. Students also spend a year in a guided practicum focused on theological reflection in a ministry context. During the summer, students participate in a fully-funded Beyond Trip, an international missions experience.
Fall 2025 Term
15 weeks | 12 credit hours
|
S3100: Special Studies in Old Testament: Leviticus |
Dr. Jeff Mooney |
3 credit hours |
|
L3200: Special Studies in Theology: Sanctification |
Dr. Tony Chute |
3 credit hours |
|
E1113: Principles and Approaches to Bible Teaching |
Dr. Kristen Ferguson |
3 credit hours |
|
P1131: Ministry Leader Formation One |
Dr. Rich Johnstone |
3 credit hours |
Spring 2026 Term
15 weeks | 12 credit hours
|
S3300: Special Studies in New Testament: James |
Dr. Chris Morgan/Dr. Christy Gonet |
3 credit hours |
|
L2211: Special Studies in Theology: The Doctrine of Christ |
Dr. David Rathel |
3 credit hours |
|
L3100: Special Studies in Church History: Jonathan Edwards |
Dr. Chris Chun |
3 credit hours |
|
P1132: Ministry Leader Formation Two |
Dr. Rich Johnstone |
3 credit hours |
Summer 2026 Term
3 credit hours | Fully-funded by an endowed scholarship (tuition and trip expenses)
I2614: Short-Term Cross-Cultural Practicum (Beyond Trip) 3 credit hours
Students will complete their +1 MBTS degree with a fully-funded, international Beyond Trip, traveling as a cohort with a Gateway Seminary professor. Past destinations include Panama, Africa, Southeast Asia, Honduras, Germany, the Philippines, and Egypt. Trips are usually 8-10 days in length and require coursework outside of the actual trip, such as reading and a final paper.
Total credit hours for the MBTS Degree: 9 credits waived through Advanced Standing + 27 credits Gateway courses = 36 credit hours
Financial Aid: Generous scholarships are available for students in the 4+1 Program.
Student Life
On-campus events include weekly chapel services, conferences, and student life events focused on fellowship and academic exercises.
Student housing is available in Ontario, California. Learn more here.
FAQ
What Other Master's Degrees are available to me?
The MBTS is fully-stackable; that means MBTS credit-hours can be applied to the Master of Divinity or the Master of Theological Studies with Concentrations.
The MDiv can be earned with as little as 33 additional hours post-MBTS
The Master of Theological Studies with Theology Concentration can be earned with as little as 21 additional hours.
The Master of Theological Studies with Biblical Studies Concentration can be earned with as little as 24 additional hours.
The number of required hours is dependent on previous course study.