Biola UniversityWelcome Talbot Seminary Phoenix Students
At Talbot School of Theology, we're honored to walk alongside the Phoenix Seminary community in this season of transition, committed to providing clarity, care, and a steady path forward.
For more than 70 years, Talbot has been dedicated to preparing faithful, gospel-centered leaders for service in the church and around the world. As part of this community, you'll be strengthened by a broader network, expanded resources, and the same shared mission of equipping men and women for faithful ministry.
Message from the President and Dean
To the Phoenix Seminary Community,
The mission of preparing faithful, gospel-centered leaders for the church is too important to pause. While seasons of transition can understandably bring questions, they also create opportunities for renewal, stability, and a stronger future. In this spirit, we want to share an important update regarding the future of Phoenix Seminary.
Phoenix Seminary is working toward becoming Talbot Seminary Phoenix, an Arizona location of Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. The governing boards of both institutions have approved this plan, fully empowering the process of seeking the necessary regulatory approvals to finalize it.
The support and approval of both boards reflect a shared conviction that this partnership provides a strong and sustainable path forward for theological education, ministry preparation and gospel witness in Arizona and beyond. As we can now officially begin the approval process with the appropriate regulatory agencies, we are committed to moving through that process carefully, responsibly and transparently.
Importantly, Phoenix Seminary will continue operating during this transition. Classes will continue during Summer 2026 as scheduled, faculty will continue teaching and students can continue progressing in their degree programs while approvals move forward. Throughout this transition, we intend to cultivate continuity and confidence rather than unnecessary disruption.
Current students should know that we intend to help you complete the degrees you have already begun (subject to final approvals), at tuition rates comparable to what you are paying today. We understand the significant investment students have already made in their education and calling, so we are committed to helping ensure that this transition does not create unnecessary financial hardship or interruption to your preparation for ministry.
We also recognize that this transition could create uncertainty for faculty and staff who have invested deeply in the mission of Phoenix Seminary over many years. We are grateful for your faithful service and we are committed to communicating clearly and caring well for those of you who serve this institution and its students every day.
Throughout this transition the principles and convictions that have long animated Phoenix Seminary will continue unabated, even with an administrative change and a new name on the sign. Both Phoenix Seminary and Biola University share a deep theological commitment, a common mission and a vision for preparing pastors who can faithfully serve the church in a rapidly changing culture. Both Phoenix and Biola are conservative evangelical institutions that are joyfully multidenominational, while remaining deeply committed to the inerrancy of Scripture, the centrality of the gospel and the preparation of faithful Christian leaders.
Once Phoenix students are a part of the Talbot family, they will gain access to the broader strength, resources and institutional support of Biola University — all while continuing to study within the Phoenix ministry environment they already know and value. Through greater institutional strength, expanded opportunities for students and faculty, broader access to resources and long-term stability, we intend to honor the distinct mission and legacy of Phoenix Seminary.
Yet we do not intend to simply preserve the legacy of Phoenix Seminary. We want to see that legacy strengthened and extended into a new season. We are excited to be in the Southwest to serve the Southwest, and we believe that Talbot Seminary Phoenix can become an even greater hub for theological education, church partnership, pastoral formation, counseling, apologetics and gospel witness throughout Arizona and the broader region.
Throughout this process, our focus remains on people. Students, faculty, staff, churches, alumni and ministry partners are central to the goals of this transition:
- Students preparing for ministry
- Faculty shaping future leaders
- Staff serving those students
- Churches seeking faithful pastors
- Alumni carrying forward the mission in their ministries and vocations
- Ministry partners committed to advancing the gospel
In all of this, we recognize that any transition will naturally raise questions, so we are committed to communicating clearly, leading thoughtfully, and caring intentionally at every step of this journey. We want to create a smooth and stable transition for everyone, while remaining faithful to the mission God has entrusted to us.
Even while there are still important steps remaining in the process, we wanted you to hear directly from us about the intended direction. And we will continue communicating regularly as we move forward together.
Finally, we are not confident ultimately because of the strength of our institutions, but because of the faithfulness of our God. The need for gospel-centered theological education and gospel-shaped leadership has never been greater. The church still needs faithful pastors. Communities still need Christian witness. The mission still matters and that mission is too important to put on pause. And because the mission continues, we move forward together with hope.
On Mission,
Barry Corey, Ph.D.
President, Biola University
Ed Stetzer, Ph.D.
Dean, Talbot School of Theology
Biola University
Start the Biola Admissions Process
Biola University is committed to serving you as you consider your next steps. By filling out the form below, you'll help us learn how we can best support your journey in this next season.
F-1 visas are available to eligible international students studying on the La Mirada campus.
Yes! Tell Me More!
Frequently Asked Questions
Phoenix Seminary Students
We understand that news of this transition raises important questions about your education, your degree, and your future. These FAQs are designed to answer your most pressing questions clearly and honestly. We are committed to helping you complete your degree at Talbot Seminary Phoenix with minimal disruption.
What is happening to Phoenix Seminary?
Phoenix Seminary has decided to close as an independent institution. As part of this transition, Phoenix Seminary and Biola University have entered into a formal teach-out agreement to be approved by the regional accreditors and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). Following approval and effective upon Phoenix Seminary’s closure after completion of its academic operations pertaining to the 2026 summer session, the teach-out plan is designed to ensure you have a clear, supported pathway to complete your degree. Pending these and other necessary regulatory approvals, the Scottsdale campus will continue as Talbot Seminary Phoenix, a campus for Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology.
What does this mean for me as a current Phoenix Seminary student?
You will have the opportunity to continue your graduate studies at Talbot Seminary Phoenix, the Scottsdale-based campus of the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. Talbot is nationally respected and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and ATS. Your credits from Phoenix Seminary will be evaluated for transfer, and a personalized degree completion plan will be developed for you by your Talbot School of Theology Advisor and the Office of the Registrar.
What will the institution be called going forward?
Once accrediting agency approval is received, the Scottsdale campus will become Talbot Seminary Phoenix, an Arizona-based campus of Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology.
What are my next steps?
The most important step you can take right now is to complete your application to Biola University. We are still actively working toward regulatory approval. While next steps like transcript evaluation and academic advising are still being finalized, submitting your application now ensures you are in our system so we can reach out to you as your options become available. For full details on the application process, see Applying to Talbot Seminary Phoenix below.
What is Talbot School of Theology?
Talbot School of Theology is the graduate school of theology at Biola University, one of the most respected evangelical institutions in the country. Founded in 1952, Talbot has trained thousands of pastors, missionaries, counselors, and ministry leaders who serve globally. Like Phoenix Seminary, Talbot is committed to conservative, Multi-denominational, Christ-centered theological education with a high view of Scripture.
Will the Scottsdale campus remain open as Talbot Seminary Phoenix?
Yes, pending accrediting agency approval, the Scottsdale campus will become Talbot Seminary Phoenix, a Scottsdale-based campus of the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. Details about campus operations, course delivery formats, and program availability will be communicated as approvals are received and the transition is finalized.
Once I enroll at Biola, what rules apply to me?
Upon enrollment, you will be subject to all of Biola's rules, policies, and Community Standards to the same extent as all other Biola students. We encourage you to review Biola's Community Standards and Theological Positions prior to applying to ensure alignment.
Do I need to apply to Talbot Seminary Phoenix even if I am already a student at Phoenix Seminary?
Yes. You will need to complete a simplified version of Biola's graduate application for admission. In addition, several requirements have been waived or reduced for Phoenix students:
- The application fee is waived.
- The $100 enrollment deposit fee is waived upon written confirmation of your intent to enroll.
- Your Phoenix coursework will be evaluated under the special provisions of the Teach-Out Agreement.
- Prior to Phoenix Seminary ceasing operations, you should authorize the release of your official transcript to ensure continued access to your academic records and support a smooth transition.
Is there a deadline to apply?
You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure the smoothest possible transition and the earliest access to academic advising and degree planning. Please review all published Talbot admissions deadlines carefully.
Who should I contact to start the application process?
Your dedicated admissions contact at Biola is:
Andrea Choi
Associate Director of Graduate Admissions, Biola University
andrea.choi@biola.edu
Your dedicated admissions contact at Talbot Seminary Phoenix is:
Hayley Huls
Enrollment Manager
hhuls@ps.edu
Will my Phoenix Seminary credits transfer to Talbot Seminary Phoenix, or will I have to start over?
You will not have to start over. Biola is committed to maximizing the applicability of your previously completed graduate coursework and supporting your timely degree completion. Biola recognizes the significant academic work you have already completed and is committed to making every reasonable effort to apply that work toward your degree requirements. Prior coursework completed at Phoenix Seminary will be reviewed for applicability toward your designated Talbot program, and all transfer credit decisions are made jointly by the Talbot School of Theology and the Biola Office of the Registrar on a case-by-case basis, in alignment with accreditation standards and program requirements. The specific courses that apply will depend on your program and how many credits you have already completed. You will receive a personalized evaluation upon receipt of your official transcripts from Phoenix Seminary.
Is there a minimum number of credits I need to get a degree at Biola?
All students transferring from Phoenix Seminary under the teach-out plan must have a minimum of 30 completed semester credits toward their degree, at least 9 of which must be completed as Biola coursework through Talbot Seminary Phoenix or Talbot School of Theology. This 9-credit in-residence requirement is a significant reduction from Biola’s standard 24-credit residency requirement, made specifically to support Phoenix Seminary students. Because the Scottsdale campus will become Talbot Seminary Phoenix, in-residence credits completed there once Phoenix closes and Talbot Seminary Phoenix formally begins operations, pending approval, will count toward this requirement.
What if I have completed a lot of credits? Do I still need to take 9 credits at Biola?
Yes. The 9-credit in-residence requirement is the minimum for all students transferring under the teach-out agreement, regardless of how many credits you are bringing from Phoenix Seminary. Credits completed at Talbot Seminary Phoenix (the Scottsdale campus) will satisfy this requirement. All coursework in your final term must also be completed through Biola University Talbot School of Theology or through Talbot Seminary Phoenix.
What happens to my Pass/Fail grades from Phoenix?
In limited circumstances, grades of 'Pass' (P) may be accepted for transfer if they represent satisfactory completion of graduate-level work and are consistent with Biola's policies and program requirements. Grades of 'C' or below will be considered on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the Office of the Registrar and Talbot School of Theology.
What if I have 15 or more transferable credits?
If you are transferring with 15 or more transferable semester credits, you are required to meet with a Biola Academic Records and Degree Specialist before registering for your first term as a Biola University Talbot School of Theology student. This meeting ensures your credits are accurately evaluated and that your degree audit correctly reflects your individualized degree completion plan. Students with under 15 transferable credits are also invited to request this meeting before registering for their first term as a Biola University Talbot School of Theology student.
What about graduation honors? Will my Phoenix GPA count?
If you complete 24 or more semester credits applicable to the degree at Biola, honors will be calculated based on your Biola coursework. If you complete fewer than 24 applicable credits at Biola, your GPA will be calculated using both your Biola and Phoenix coursework as determined by the Office of the Registrar.
The provisions outlined below are intended to support a smooth transition to Biola and facilitate timely degree completion by recognizing relevant coursework completed at Phoenix Seminary. Biola is committed to maximizing the applicability of previously completed graduate coursework while maintaining program learning outcomes, accreditation standards, and degree requirements. Eligibility for these program-specific substitutions and waivers will be determined through a formal evaluation of your Phoenix Seminary coursework.
I'm in the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program. What should I know?
Biola has established several accommodations to help MDiv students transition from Phoenix Seminary and make timely progress toward degree completion. Biola recommends enrolling in the Pastoral General specialization because it offers the most flexibility for applying transferable elective credits. You may pursue other specializations in consultation with your academic advisor.
If you transfer 27 or more degree-applicable semester credits, you may be eligible to complete only one biblical language and exegesis sequence (Greek or Hebrew) rather than the full complement of language and exegesis requirements. You may also be eligible to complete only TTSF 501 (Introduction to Spiritual Theology and Formation) at Biola rather than the full spiritual formation sequence. Eligibility will be determined through a formal evaluation of your Phoenix Seminary coursework.
I'm in a Master of Arts in Ministry program. What should I know?
For MA Ministry students, Biola recommends the Ministry and Leadership specialization within the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry and Leadership program because it offers the greatest flexibility for applying transferable coursework. If you are transferring with 18 or more degree-applicable semester credits, you will only be required to complete TTSF 501 (Introduction to Spiritual Theology and Formation) at Biola rather than the full spiritual formation sequence.
I'm in the Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies program. What should I know?
Biblical language requirements will be determined based on your transferable credits. If you are transferring with more than 33 degree-applicable semester credits, you may be required to complete one designated biblical language course at Biola rather than the full complement of language courses. If you transfer with 33 or fewer degree-applicable credits, you must complete TTTH 709 and either TTTH 733 or TTPH 602.
I'm in the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program. What should I know?
The Doctor of Ministry degree requires a minimum of 36 semester credits for graduation at Biola University. If you transfer 20 or fewer degree-applicable semester credits, you may need additional coursework to meet the minimum credit requirement. You must complete all required coursework before beginning thesis or project work
What about the Old Testament and New Testament prerequisites?
Prior OT and NT coursework at Phoenix may be used to satisfy Biola's prerequisite requirements. Completion of one OT course and one NT course at Phoenix satisfies the corresponding prerequisites at Biola. Completion of BL511 or BL512 satisfies the prerequisite for TTBE 519; completion of BL513 or BL514 satisfies the prerequisite for TTBE 520. Any additional courses in the sequence beyond those needed for prerequisites may be applied toward elective credit if needed to complete the degree requirements.
What school will be listed on my diploma?
Upon completing the requirements of your degree, your diploma will be from Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, not Phoenix Seminary.
What happens to my financial aid?
All financial aid at Biola is subject to applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and eligibility requirements. You will not receive the same financial aid package that you received at Phoenix Seminary; however, Biola intends to provide a tuition discount for Phoenix Seminary students transitioning under the Teach-Out Agreement. Details will be communicated as they are finalized.
Do I need to file a new FAFSA?
If you plan to access Federal Direct Loans, you will need to file a FAFSA. In addition, if you are being considered for a donor scholarship that requires need, you will need to file a FAFSA.
What happens to my Phoenix Seminary academic records?
Biola University will serve as the official custodian of all Phoenix Seminary students’ academic records, including records for current students, former students, and alumni, upon closure of the institution. Your records will be maintained securely in accordance with FERPA and all applicable federal and state laws.
Can I still get an official Phoenix Seminary transcript after the transition?
Yes. Upon Phoenix Seminary's closure and after the transfer of records is completed, Biola will be able to produce official transcripts for Phoenix Seminary students and alumni in its capacity as records custodian. All such transcripts will clearly identify Phoenix Seminary as the institution of record where the coursework was completed. Standard transcript fees consistent with Biola's fee schedule may apply.
What if I need a replacement diploma?
Upon Phoenix Seminary's closure and after the transfer of records is completed, Biola can issue certified custodial replacement diplomas on behalf of Phoenix Seminary. These documents will clearly state that the degree was awarded by Phoenix Seminary. Standard fees may apply.
How do I request my records?
Once the records transfer is complete, you will be able to request transcripts and other records through Biola's standard processes. Phoenix Seminary will notify current and former students of the transition, and you will have the opportunity to review your records and request correction of any errors before the transfer is finalized.
Contact Us
Have more questions? Your admissions counselor is here to help and would be happy to guide you every step of the way.
