An accelerated path from CBU undergraduate to a Gateway master's degree — designed for students called to ministry early.
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.
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.
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.
15 weeks | 12 credit hours
Dr. Jeff Mooney
3 credit hours
Dr. Tony Chute
3 credit hours
Dr. Kristen Ferguson
3 credit hours
3 credit hours
15 weeks | 12 credit hours
Dr. Chris Morgan/Dr. Christy Gonet
3 credit hours
Dr. Alex Stewart
L2211: Special Studies in New Testament: Revelation
3 credit hours
Dr. Chris Chun
L3100: Special Studies in Church History: Jonathan Edwards
3 credit hours
Dr. Rich Johnstone
P1132: Ministry Leader Formation Two
3 credit hours
3 credit hours | Fully-funded by an endowed scholarship (tuition and trip expenses)
Beyond Trip
I2614: Short-Term Cross-Cultural Practicum
3 credit hours
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.