Mission Statement

Heritage Christian University exists for the advancement of Churches of Christ by equipping servants through undergraduate and graduate programs and continuing education. HCU produces effective communicators, preachers, teachers, and missionaries for real-world ministry with a focus on evangelism and a commitment to scripture.

Vision Statement

We envision that congregations all around the globe will be effectively living out the story of God and His mission to the world as a result of our efforts to inspire and educate the next generation of servant leaders for the church.

Core Values

  1. God is Sovereign, Christ is Lord
  2. Committed to Scripture
  3. Focused on Evangelism
  4. Bound by Honesty
  5. Faithful and Trustworthy
  6. Accountable and Continually Improving
  7. Collaborative in Community
  8. Eager to Listen
  9. Hungry for Information, Sensitive to its Limitations
  10. Rooted and Grounded in Love

Institutional Goals

To ensure a preeminent biblical education, Heritage Christian University will:

  1. Provide general studies courses.
  2. Provide degree offerings in biblical studies to give students the skills necessary to meet the needs of the church.
  3. Offer a quality library to assist students, faculty, and alumni in research, ministry, and personal development.
  4. Assist students in achieving their educational goals by making available student and educational support services.
  5. Operate with a systematic, broad-based research, planning, and evaluation process for the ongoing pursuit of institutional effectiveness and continuous improvement.
  6. Utilize a qualified, competent faculty, staff, and administration dedicated to carrying out the role, scope, and mission of the institution as adopted by the Board of Directors.
  7. Operate with adequate physical, financial, and relational resources to accomplish the role, scope, and mission of the institution.

Distinctiveness

Heritage Christian University exists to help Christians answer God’s call to ministry. We offer a balanced, comprehensive, practical education that impacts the whole person. We aim to:

  • Challenge students academically.
  • Enhance their passion for ministry.
  • Strengthen their skills for service.

Within our rigorous academic program under the direction of experienced Christian leaders, HCU students engage in the study of Scripture, explore the roots of the faith, receive training in ministerial service, identify patterns for character formation, articulate goals, and practice knowledge in a variety of contexts within God’s world. Our distinctive focus maintains real-world ministry and occurs as an outpouring from God’s transformation of the person: heart, mind, whole being.

Undergraduate and Graduate Programs at Heritage Christian University

Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies | AA

General Education Program Objectives

The student will:

  1. Think logically and critically.
  2. Develop awareness of strong values.
  3. Appreciate diversity.
  4. Communicate effectively.
  5. Demonstrate the ability to locate and utilize information.
  6. Engage in life-long learning.
  7. Demonstrate responsible citizenship.

Biblical and Theological Studies and Professional Studies Program Objectives

The student will:

  1. Acquire comprehensive knowledge of the Bible.
  2. Value the person and work of Jesus Christ.
  3. Apply knowledge in diverse ministry settings.

Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies | BA

General Education Program Objectives

The student will:

  1. Think logically and critically.
  2. Develop awareness of strong values.
  3. Appreciate diversity.
  4. Communicate effectively.
  5. Demonstrate the ability to locate and utilize information.
  6. Engage in life-long learning.
  7. Demonstrate responsible citizenship.

Biblical and Theological Studies and Professional Studies Program Objectives

The student will:

  1. Recall general Bible content.
  2. Employ the basic elements of biblical interpretation.
  3. Articulate the multifaceted role of the minister.
  4. Demonstrate skill at diverse ministry responsibilities.
  5. Appreciate the historic theological traditions of Christianity.
  6. Display commitment to the mission of the Christian church.

Master of Arts in Christian Scripture | MA

Program Objectives

The Master of Arts in Christian Scripture enables graduates to:

Demonstrate a critical approach to scripture. This objective reflects our commitment to genuine
comprehension of scripture rather than propagating traditional understandings and dogmas. Students are taught to engage high-quality, scholarly resources and explore new ways of interpreting scripture.
Read New Testament Greek and/or biblical Hebrew. Reading scripture in its original languages has proven fundamental to a renewed appreciation for God’s revelation to man, as opposed to a reliance on traditional interpretation. The student of Greek and Hebrew can better understand biblical passages and more easily utilize standard scholarly resources.
Appreciate the theology of scripture. Viewing scripture theologically entails seeing the whole of scripture as a revelation of God to humanity and relating the individual books or passages to this overall conception of scripture. This degree trains students to teach the theology of scripture to God’s people as a vital component of their task as ministers.
Conduct independent biblical research. The MA trains students to read with comprehension in scripture (in one or more languages) and biblical scholarship of the highest level. Graduates will learn to interact critically with scripture and scholarship.

Master of Ministry | MMin

Program Objectives

The Master of Ministry enables students to:

  1. Identify the biblical foundation for authentic ministry.
  2. Formulate a life-long process for spiritual maturity.
  3. Assess various ministry specializations through critical consideration of context, content, and processes.
  4. Practice ministry competently in real-world settings.
  5. Acquire a scholarship that provides a foundation for ongoing studies such as the MDiv degree.

Master of Divinity | MDiv

Program Objectives

The student will:

  1. Develop an appreciation for the Christian heritage associated with the American Restoration Movement.
  2. Interpret the Bible both critically and theologically for the benefit of the church.
  3. Develop holistic spiritual disciplines.
  4. Evaluate people and their personal circumstances and provide appropriate pastoral care or referral.
  5. Know how to plan ministries and employ programs that serve the church.

2020-2021 Student Learning Outcomes for the IL 444 – Capstone Portfolio

IL444 Capstone Portfolio (1) enables students to reflect on their learning by building an ePortfolio to demonstrate the achievement of Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for the bachelor’s degree. This is designed as a capstone experience that provides candidates the opportunity to apply prior knowledge and skills gained from courses in the program. Students will demonstrate in the ePortfolio a clear understanding of the SLOs. Candidates are expected to write a one-page defense of each artifact that is chosen to demonstrate achievement for each SLO.

General Education Program Objectives

The General Education Student Learning Outcomes Means of Assessment Criteria for Success Assessment Results Analysis of Results (include disaggregation of distance learning and campus students)
1 The General Education program objectives enable students to think logically and critically. 1A Beginning with the 2020-2021 Assessment Cycle, the General Education, Associate Arts, and Bachelor of Arts programs will be assessed with the students in their senior year completing IL 444 - Capstone Portfolio. Students will obtain accuracy on the rubrics for thinking logically and critically at 80% or above. Fall 2020: 1 out of 1 met 100% for thinking logically and critically. Spring 2021: 10 out of 10 met 100% for thinking logically and critically. There were a total of 11 students for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. There were 4 Campus students and 7 DL students. 4 out 4 (100%) and 7 out of 7 (100%) met 100% for thinking logically and critically.
2 The General Education program objectives enable students to develop awareness of strong values. 2A Beginning with the 2020-2021 Assessment Cycle, the General Education, Associate Arts, and Bachelor of Arts programs will be assessed with the students in their senior year completing IL 444 - Capstone Portfolio. Students will obtain accuracy on the rubrics for developing awareness of strong values at 80% or above. Fall 2020: 1 out of 1 met 100% for developing awareness of strong values. Spring 2021: 10 out of 10 met 100% for developing awareness of strong values. There were a total of 11 students for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. There were 4 Campus students and 7 DL students. 4 out 4 (100%) and 7 out of 7 (100%) met 100% for developing awareness of strong values.
3 The General Education program objectives enable students to appreciate diversity. 3A Beginning with the 2020-2021 Assessment Cycle, the General Education, Associate Arts, and Bachelor of Arts programs will be assessed with the students in their senior year completing IL 444 - Capstone Portfolio. Students will obtain accuracy on the rubrics for appreciating diversity at 80% or above. Fall 2020: 1 out of 1 met 100% for appreciating diversity. Spring 2021: 10 out of 10 met 100% for appreciating diversity. There were a total of 11 students for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. There were 4 Campus students and 7 DL students. 4 out 4 (100%) and 7 out of 7 (100%) met 100% for appreciating diversity.
4 The General Education program objectives enable students to communicate effectively. 4A Beginning with the 2020-2021 Assessment Cycle, the General Education, Associate Arts, and Bachelor of Arts programs will be assessed with the students in their senior year completing IL 444 - Capstone Portfolio. Students will obtain accuracy on the rubrics for communicating effectively at 80% or above. Fall 2020: 1 out of 1 met 100% for communicating effectively. Spring 2021: 10 out of 10 met 100% for communicating effectively. There were a total of 11 students for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. There were 4 Campus students and 7 DL students. 4 out 4 (100%) and 7 out of 7 (100%) met 100% for communicating effectively.
5 The General Education program objectives enable students to demonstrate the ability to locate and utilize information. 5A Beginning with the 2020-2021 Assessment Cycle, the General Education, Associate Arts, and Bachelor of Arts programs will be assessed the studewithnts in their senior year completing IL 444 - Capstone Portfolio. Students will obtain accuracy on the rubrics for demonstrating the ability to locate and utilize information at 80% or above. Fall 2020: 1 out of 1 met 100% for demonstrating the ability to locate and utilize information. Spring 2021: 10 out of 10 met 100% for demonstrating the ability to locate and utilize information. There were a total of 11 students for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. There were 4 Campus students and 7 DL students. 4 out 4 (100%) and 7 out of 7 (100%) met 100% for demonstrating the ability to locate and utilize information.
6 The General Education program objectives enable students to engage in life-long learning. 6A Beginning with the 2020-2021 Assessment Cycle, the General Education, Associate Arts, and Bachelor of Arts programs will be assessed with the students in their senior year completing IL 444 - Capstone Portfolio. Students will obtain accuracy on the rubrics for engaging in life-long learning at 80% or above. Fall 2020: 1 out of 1 met 100% for engaging in life-long learning. Spring 2021: 10 out of 10 met 100% for engaging in life-long learning. There were a total of 11 students for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. There were 4 Campus students and 7 DL students. 4 out 4 (100%) and 7 out of 7 (100%) met 100% for engaging in life-long learning.
7 The General Education program objectives enable students to demonstrate responsible citizenship. 7A Beginning with the 2020-2021 Assessment Cycle, the General Education, Associate Arts, and Bachelor of Arts programs will be assessed with the students in their senior year completing IL 444 - Capstone Portfolio. Students will obtain accuracy on the rubrics for demonstrating responsible citizenship at 80% or above. Fall 2020: 1 out of 1 met 100% for demonstrating responsible citizenship. Spring 2021: 10 out of 10 met 100% for demonstrating responsible citizenship. There were a total of 11 students for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. There were 4 Campus students and 7 DL students. 4 out 4 (100%) and 7 out of 7 (100%) met 100% for demonstrating responsible citizenship.

Biblical and Theological Studies and Professional Studies Program Objectives

Student Learning Outcomes for the Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies Means of Assessment Criteria for Success Assessment Results Analysis of Results (include disaggregation of distance learning and campus students)
1 The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies enables students to recall general Bible content. 1A Beginning with the 2020-2021 Assessment Cycle, the General Education, Associate Arts, and Bachelor of Arts programs will be assessed with the students in their senior year completing IL 444 - Capstone Portfolio. Students will obtain accuracy on the rubrics for recalling general Bible content at 80% or above. Fall 2020: 1 out of 1 met 100% for recalling general Bible content. Spring 2021: 10 out of 10 met 100% for recalling general Bible content. There were a total of 11 students for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. There were 4 Campus students and 7 DL students. 4 out 4 (100%) and 7 out of 7 (100%) met 100% for recalling general Bible content.
2 The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies enables students to employ the basic elements of biblical interpretation. 2A Beginning with the 2020-2021 Assessment Cycle, the General Education, Associate Arts, and Bachelor of Arts programs will be assessed with the students in their senior year completing IL 444 - Capstone Portfolio. Students will obtain accuracy on the rubrics for employing the basic elements of biblical interpretation at 80% or above. Fall 2020: 1 out of 1 met 100% of each rubric for employing the basic elements of biblical interpretation. Spring 2021: 10 out of 10 met 100% of each rubric for employing the basic elements of biblical interpretation There were a total of 11 students for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. There were 4 Campus students and 7 DL students. 4 out 4 (100%) and 7 out of 7 (100%) met 100% of each rubric for employing the basic elements of biblical interpretation.
3 The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies enables students to articulate the multifaceted role of the minister. 3A Beginning with the 2020-2021 Assessment Cycle, the General Education, Associate Arts, and Bachelor of Arts programs will be assessed with the students in their senior year completing IL 444 - Capstone Portfolio. Students will obtain accuracy on the rubrics for articulating the multifaceted role of the minister at 80% or above. Fall 2020: 1 out of 1 met 100% for articulating the multifaceted role of the minister. Spring 2021: 9 out of 10 met 100% for articulating the multifaceted role of the minister. There were a total of 11 students for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. There were 4 Campus students and 7 DL students. 3 out 4 (75%) and 7 out of 7 (100%) met 91% for articulating the multifaceted role of the minister.
4 The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies enables students to demonstrate skill at diverse ministry responsibilities. 4A Beginning with the 2020-2021 Assessment Cycle, the General Education, Associate Arts, and Bachelor of Arts programs will be assessed with the students in their senior year completing IL 444 - Capstone Portfolio. Students will obtain accuracy on the rubrics for demonstrating skill at diverse ministry responsibilities at 80% or above. Fall 2020: 1 out of 1 met 100% for demonstrating skill at diverse ministry responsibilities. Spring 2021: 8 out of 10 met 100% for demonstrating skill at diverse ministry responsibilities. There were a total of 11 students for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. There were 4 Campus students and 7 DL students. 2 out 4 (50%) and 7 out of 7 (100%) met 82% for demonstrating skill at diverse ministry responsibilities.
5 The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies enables students to appreciate the historic theological traditions of Christianity. 5A Beginning with the 2020-2021 Assessment Cycle, the General Education, Associate Arts, and Bachelor of Arts programs will be assessed with the students in their senior year completing IL 444 - Capstone Portfolio. Students will obtain accuracy on the rubrics for appreciating the historic theological traditions of Christianity at 80% or above. Fall 2020: 1 out of 1 met 100% for appreciating the historic theological traditions of Christianity. Spring 2021: 9 out of 10 met 100% for appreciating the historic theological traditions of Christianity. There were a total of 11 students for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. There were 4 Campus students and 7 DL students. 3 out 4 (75%) and 7 out of 7 (100%) met 91% for appreciating the historic theological traditions of Christianity.
6 The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies enables students to display commitment to the mission of the Christian church. 6A Beginning with the 2020-2021 Assessment Cycle, the General Education, Associate Arts, and Bachelor of Arts programs will be assessed with the students in their senior year completing IL 444 - Capstone Portfolio. Students will obtain accuracy on the rubrics for displaying commitment to the mission of the Christian church at 80% or above. Fall 2020: 1 out of 1 met 100% for displaying commitment to the mission of the Christian church. Spring 2021: 9 out of 10 met 100% for displaying commitment to the mission of the Christian church. There were a total of 11 students for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. There were 4 Campus students and 7 DL students. 3 out 4 (75%) and 7 out of 7 (100%) met 91% for displaying commitment to the mission of the Christian church.

Retention Rates


Retention Rates (See “Retention and Graduation Rates” section of College Navigator)

Percent Summary By Degree
Degree 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020
Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies (Campus) Number of Students 2 2 4 1 0
% Retained 50% 100% 25% 0% 0%
% Graduated 50% 0% 25% 100% 0%
%Lost 0% 0% 50% 0% 0%
% Excused 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Retention Rate 100% 100% 50% 100% 0%
Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies (Distance Learning) Number of Students 2 1 2 2 1
% Retained 50% 100% 50% 0% 0%
% Graduated 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
%Lost 50% 0% 50% 100% 100%
% Excused 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Retention Rate 50% 100% 50% 0% 0%
Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies (Campus) Number of Students 27 26 32 27 32
% Retained 59% 54% 56% 74% 59%
% Graduated 22% 15% 22% 4% 13%
%Lost 19% 31% 19% 22% 28%
% Excused 0% 0% 3% 0% 0%
Retention Rate 82% 69% 81% 78% 72%
Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies (Distance Learning) Number of Students 34 32 31 27 36
% Retained 62% 44% 55% 63% 56%
% Graduated 15% 13% 16% 15% 22%
%Lost 24% 44% 29% 19% 22%
% Excused 0% 0% 0% 4% 0%
Retention Rate 76% 56% 71% 81% 78%
Master of Arts in Christian Scripture Number of Students 9 10 5 4 2
% Retained 67% 30% 40% 25% 0%
% Graduated 22% 20% 40% 0% 50%
%Lost 11% 50% 20% 75% 50%
% Excused 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Retention Rate 89% 50% 80% 25% 50%
Master of Divinity Number of Students 14 15 19 17 16
% Retained 50% 60% 58% 41% 63%
% Graduated 29% 7% 26% 6% 31%
%Lost 21% 33% 16% 53% 6%
% Excused 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Retention Rate 79% 67% 84% 47% 94%
Master of Ministry Number of Students 33 28 27 24 23
% Retained 61% 57% 52% 54% 39%
% Graduated 27% 21% 33% 17% 43%
%Lost 12% 21% 15% 29% 17%
% Excused 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Retention Rate 885 79% 85% 71% 83%

Graduation Rates


Graduation Rates (See “Retention and Graduation Rates” section of College Navigator)

Term Program Students Graduated %
2010-2011 AA 3 1 0%
BA 27 11 10 ~ 37%
MA 1 0 0%
MMin 9 3 0%
MDiv 0 0 0%
2011-2012 AA 5 0 0%
BA 29 12 11 ~38%
MA 3 1 0%
MMin 3 2 0%
MDiv 5 2 1 ~ 20%
2012-2013 AA 3 0 0%
BA 14 4 4 ~ 29%
MA 1 0 0%
MMin 5 2 1 ~ 20%
MDiv 2 0 0%
2013-2014 AA 1 0 0%
BA 23 7 7 ~ 30%
MA 1 1 1 ~ 100%
MMin 6 2 2 ~ 33%
MDiv 3 0 0%
2014-2015 AA 0 0 0%
BA 28 8 6 ~ 46%
MA 1 1 1 ~ 100%
MMin 9 5 5 ~ 33%
MDiv 0 0 0%
2015-2016 AA 0 0 0%
BA 28 8 Current
MA 3 1 1 ~ 33%
MMin 8 3 3 ~ 38%
MDiv 8 2 2 ~ 25%
2016-2017 AA 0 0 0%
BA 14 1 Current
MA 1 0 0%
MMin 4 4 3 ~ 75%
MDiv 2 1 1 ~ 50%
2017-2018 AA 3 0 0%
BA 21 3 Current
MA 3 0 0%
MMin 10 3 3 ~ 30%
MDiv 4 Current Current

Job Placement for Graduates

The following chart displays what graduates from an email listing said that their first and current job/responsibility was after graduation, according to a survey of graduates from 1970-2019, in which 25% of graduates (84 out of 334) responded.  Five of the 83 are graduate students (6.0%). Each individual is listed once in the list below.

*A percentage of the ministers in these categories are wearing multiple ministry “hats.” We went with the first ministry that was listed.  The other ministries that are not already listed below are Involvement Minister and Senior Adults’ Minister. 

First Job/Responsibility N = 84 Current Job/Responsibility N = 83
Pulpit Minister* 46.4% Pulpit Minister* 45.8%
Youth Worker* 10.7% Associate Minister* 7.2%
Mission Work* 10.7% Christian University 7.2%
Associate Minister* 9.5% Mission Work* 6.0%
Christian University 4.8% Youth Worker* 4.8%
Children's Minsiter 1.2% Educational Minister* 4.8%
Educational Minister 1.2% Social Services 3.6%
Hispanic Minister 1.2% Public School Teacher 2.4%
Elder 1.2% Children's Minister 1.2%
Graduate Student 1.2% Hispanic Minister 1.2%
Christian Boarding School 1.2% Elder 1.2%
Counselor 1.2% Retired Army Chaplain 1.2%
Sales 1.2% Secular Job 13.3%
Stay at home Mom 1.2%
Secular Job 7.1%