In San Diego, Arcadia, Bakersfield, and the Inland Empire PLNU offers graduate programs that combine academic quality with a diverse and supportive peer community.
Browse the links below for graduate degree information, program-specific admissions requirements, and links to more information about the program. You also can request information
about graduate programs.
Department of Biology
M.A. or M.S. in Biology - The program in general biology is designed with busy school teachers in mind. Whether you are teaching middle school or high school, our flexible course offerings will allow you to pursue the PLNU 34-unit masters program while teaching. We offer intensive summer courses and the opportunity to take fall and spring courses mostly online.
Fermanian School of Business
Master of Business Administration - The PLNU MBA program offers a relevant, timely, forward-thinking approach to graduate business education, characterized by academic excellence, integrated values, small class sizes, and active engagement. The 42-unit program prepares students to advance their careers and exert real influence and change in the business world in as little as two years. Employers reap the rewards of having hired professionals whose concerns and commitments are about more than the bottom line.
School of Education
Master of Arts Education - PLNU offers four MA degrees, Teaching and Learning which prepares current teachers to work effectively with students in the classroom; Special Education which helps teachers work more effectively with students who have disabilities; Counseling and Guidance prepares individuals to become elementary, middle and high school counselors; and Educational Leadership which is ideal for both aspiring and current administrators.
MAT & Preliminary Teaching Credentials - PLNU offers the Master of Arts in Teaching which includes one of the four preliminary teaching credentials. Single Subject Credential which allows you to teach in a specific K-12 discipline and are usually earned by aspiring middle and high school teachers; Multiple Subject Credential qualifies you to teach in the general education K-12 classrooms elementary school teachers and Education Specialist Credential prepares you to teach in K-12 special education classroom. You can specialize in working with students with mild-moderate or moderate-severe disabilities.
Certificates - CTEL (California Teachers of English Language) this certification helps develop your ability to address the academic and linguistic needs of English learners. The Reading Certificate - prepares you to improve the reading skills of diverse learners.
Service Credentials - The Pupil Personnel Service Credential – specializing in school counseling - prepares you to work as a school counselor in K-12 public schools, providing comprehensive guidance and counseling services to students. The Preliminary Administrative Service Credential prepares you for entry-level and upper administrative position in your district. The Clear Administrative Service credential is issued to an administrator with over two years experience.
School of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing - Point Loma Nazarene University is the leader in nursing education for both the academic and clinical setting. PLNU is the only local nursing school to offer a mental health clinical nurse specialist option. We also have CNS options in these specialty areas: gerontology, family health, and medical/surgical nursing.
Post MSN Certification is available for both nursing education and clinical nurse specialist.
School of Theology and Christian Ministry
Master of Ministry - A 36-unit graduate degree specifically designed for working pastors and active lay leaders who desire additional academic preparation for the practice of Christian ministry. Courses are offered in week-long intensives giving ministry professionals living outside of the San Diego area an opportunity to complete an advanced degree while fully employed in an ongoing pastoral assignment.
Master of Arts in Religion - The MA Religion program offers critical reflection and interdisciplinary study in the areas of theology, biblical studies, and philosophy, which prepares students for further graduate work, ministerial service, or simply lifelong learning.