
1717 South Chestnut Avenue, Fresno, CA 93702-4709, USA


Fresno Pacific University originated in 1944 as the Pacific Bible Institute, founded to provide Christian higher education in the San Joaquin Valley. Initially focused on training church leaders, the institution gradually expanded its academic offerings and rebranded as Fresno Pacific College in 1965. This change reflected a broader curriculum and a growing commitment to liberal arts education alongside its religious foundation. In 1997, the institution attained university status, becoming Fresno Pacific University, which allowed it to increase graduate programs and further diversify its academic scope.
Throughout its history, Fresno Pacific University has maintained an emphasis on integrating faith with learning, but it simultaneously adapted to meet the evolving needs of a diverse student body. The university's growth included developing professional programs and expanding extracurricular opportunities, positioning itself as a comprehensive institution. Its historical trajectory reveals an evolution from a small, Bible-focused institute to a dynamic university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees across various disciplines.
Fresno Pacific University organizes its academic offerings through several faculties and departments designed to cater to diverse student interests and career goals. The university provides programs that span the liberal arts, sciences, business, education, and health sciences. This structure allows students to explore a broad range of disciplines while receiving specialized training in their chosen fields.
The university's departments include areas such as Business Administration, providing students with foundational and advanced knowledge in management and commerce. Its Education department prepares future educators with both theoretical and practical training relevant for various educational settings. Additionally, the university features programs within the Natural and Social Sciences, offering studies that combine empirical research methods with critical thinking to understand complex societal and environmental issues.
The Health Sciences department is also a key component, focusing on preparing students for roles in healthcare and wellness through both undergraduate and graduate-level programs. These faculties emphasize hands-on learning and community engagement, aiming to equip students with practical experience alongside academic knowledge.
Overall, Fresno Pacific University's academic departments reflect an integrated approach to higher education that balances professional preparation with a broad educational foundation, appealing to students seeking versatile and career-oriented studies.
Fresno Pacific University is situated on South Chestnut Avenue in Fresno, California, with the exact address being 1717 South Chestnut Avenue, Fresno, CA 93702-4709. This location places the university within easy reach of the Fresno Air Terminal, facilitating convenient travel options for students and visitors. Fresno itself is a significant urban center, offering a range of amenities and services that support student life and academic pursuits.
Fresno Pacific University's mission centers on fostering a holistic educational experience that integrates rigorous academics with character development and community engagement. It aims to equip students with critical thinking skills, ethical awareness, and a commitment to service, preparing graduates for meaningful contributions in diverse professional and social contexts.
The university envisions itself as an institution that nurtures learners to become thoughtful leaders who can navigate complex challenges with integrity and compassion. Emphasizing a student-focused approach, Fresno Pacific University seeks to create a supportive environment where spiritual growth and intellectual inquiry coexist, guiding students toward purposeful lives and careers.
Name of the institution
Fresno Pacific UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999School type
Comprehensive higher education institutionMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1944
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Bible/Biblical Studies
$24,063Business Administration, Management and Operations
$46,756Criminal Justice and Corrections
$31,437Health and Physical Education/Fitness
$22,844Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
$26,685Human Resources Management and Services
$42,991Psychology, General
$23,929Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$85,190Social Work
$32,828Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$28,284