The Master's University is a private non-denominational Christian university in Santa Clarita, California.

The Master's University
Aerial view of The Master's University
Former names
Los Angeles Baptist College and Seminary (1927–1985)
The Master's College (1985–2016)
MottoFor Christ and Scripture
TypePrivate university
Established1927
AffiliationThe Master's Seminary
Religious affiliation
Non-denominational, conservative Christianity[1]
PresidentAbner Chou
Academic staff
113
Students2,600
Undergraduates952 (+154 degree completion)
Postgraduates92 (+375 seminary)
Address
21726 Placerita Canyon Road
Santa Clarita, California 91321
CampusSuburban
ColorsNavy Blue & Gold
   
NicknameMustangs
Sporting affiliations
NAIAGSAC
MascotMonty the Mustang
Websitemasters.edu
The Master's University is located in Santa Clarita
The Master's University
Location in Santa Clarita
The Master's University is located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area
The Master's University
Location in California
The Master's University is located in California
The Master's University
Location in California

History

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The college was founded in 1927.[2]: 69  It was originally named Los Angeles Baptist College and Seminary. In 1961, it moved to Newhall in Santa Clarita, California.[3] In 1985, John MacArthur became the school president; the name was changed to The Master's College, hoping to appeal to a wider evangelical audience.[3] In 2016, the school underwent another name change and became The Master's University.[4] In June 2019 John MacArthur stepped down as president and became chancellor and John Stead, a faculty member since 1970, became the interim president.[5][6] In 2020, Sam Horn[7] became president of The Master's University and Seminary. John Stead in his 50th year at TMU took the role of Senior Vice President.[7] Dr. Abner Chou now serves as the Interim President[8] of TMUS.

Academics

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Academic rankings
National
Washington Monthly[9]440 of 442

The university consists of seven schools[10] offering bachelor's degrees[11] and master's degrees,[12] including several bachelor's degrees that are offered fully online.[13] The associated seminary offers a Bachelor of Theology (Th.B.) for those with an associate degree, master's degrees, and Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.[14]

In addition to its biblical studies program, the university offers a one-year, intensive Bible training program known as "The Master's Institute" resulting in a Bible certificate.[15] The university has an extension campus, Israel Bible Extension (IBEX) in the Jerusalem vicinity.[16]

The university's schools[17] are the School of Biblical Studies, Pearl C. Schaffer School of Education, John P. Stead School of Humanities, School of Music, School of Online Education, School of Business & Communication, School of Science, Mathematics, Technology & Health.

Accreditation

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The university has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (now the WASC Senior College and University Commission) since 1975.[18] In July 2018, it was placed on probation.[19] WASC reported a lack of qualified leadership and "a climate of fear, intimidation, bullying, and uncertainty" among faculty and staff as reasons for the probation.[20] Probation was lifted in November 2020.[21]

The school is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International.[22] The schools also holds Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA)[23] accreditation. The School of Music is also accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.[24]

LGBT discrimination

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The university prohibits "homosexuality or bisexual conduct" by students in its student handbook.[25] The university may legally expel LGBT students because it has a religious exemption from anti-discrimination laws.[26] Chancellor John MacArthur has spoken and written at length in university publications about the threat he perceives from the gay agenda, asserting that "biblical love excludes homosexuality because of its sinfulness."[27]

The Master's University is ranked among the worst American schools for LGBT students by LGBTQ Nation[28] and Campus Pride.[29]

Athletics

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The Master's athletic teams are called the Mustangs. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) for most of its sports since the 2001–2002 academic year;[30] while its men's & women's swimming & diving teams compete in the Pacific Collegiate Swim and Dive Conference (PCSC).

The Master's compete in 18 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, swimming & diving, track & field (outdoor) and volleyball; while women's sports include basketball, beach volleyball, cross country, golf, soccer, swimming & diving, track & field (indoor and outdoor) and volleyball.[31]

Soccer

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Curtis Lewis, head coach of the women's soccer team, won the NAIA Women's Soccer Coach of the Year Award in 2008. In 2009, Jim Rickard won the NAIA Men's Soccer Coach of the Year Award.[32]

Notable alumni

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Statistics & Rankings". The Masters University. Top 4 Most Conservative Colleges in California
  2. ^ [s.n.] (2009). Peterson's Colleges in the West. Lawrenceville, NJ: Peterson's. ISBN 9780768926965.
  3. ^ a b Padilla, Steve (November 5, 1990). "Amazing Growth : Sleepy Baptist College Takes Off Under New Leader". Los Angeles Times.
  4. ^ Matt Thacker (May 12, 2016). What’s in a name? TMC finds out for itself. Santa Clarita Valley Signal. Accessed April 2017.
  5. ^ "John Stead". The Master's University. Retrieved August 7, 2019.
  6. ^ "Dr. John Stead named Interim President of TMU". The Master's University. April 16, 2019. Retrieved August 7, 2019.
  7. ^ a b "President". The Master's University. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  8. ^ "President". The Master's University. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
  9. ^ "2024 National University Rankings". Washington Monthly. August 25, 2024. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
  10. ^ "Virtual Visit". The Master's University. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  11. ^ "Undergraduate Degrees | The Master's University". The Master's University. Retrieved September 7, 2018.
  12. ^ "Graduate Degrees | The Master's University". The Master's University. Retrieved September 7, 2018.
  13. ^ "TMU Online | The Master's University". The Master's University. Retrieved September 7, 2018.
  14. ^ "Degree Programs | The Master's Seminary". The Master's Seminary. Retrieved September 7, 2018.
  15. ^ "The Master's University" (PDF). The Master's University. Retrieved September 7, 2018.
  16. ^ "IBEX". The Master's University. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  17. ^ "Schools & Departments". The Master's University. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
  18. ^ "The Master's University and Seminary | WASC Senior College and University Commission". www.wscuc.org. WASC Senior College and University Commission.
  19. ^ Studley, Jamienne S. (July 18, 2018). "Probation Letter" (PDF). WASC Senior College and University Commission.
  20. ^ Smith, Samuel (August 22, 2018). "John MacArthur's Master's University Put on Probation by Accrediting Agency". The Christian Post.
  21. ^ "The Master's University and Seminary | WASC Senior College and University Commission". www.wscuc.org. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  22. ^ "Find a School". ACSI. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  23. ^ "The Master's University and Seminary (Accredited Organization Profile)". www.ecfa.org. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  24. ^ "Accredited Institutions Search". National Association of Schools of Music.
  25. ^ "The Master's University Student Handbook" (PDF). 2020. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
  26. ^ "California Bill Takes Aim At Religious Colleges That Seek To Bar Transgender Students". Equality California. June 1, 2016. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
  27. ^ MacArthur, John (2008). "God's Word On Homosexuality: The Truth About Sin And The Reality Of Forgiveness" (PDF). The Master's Seminary Journal. 19 (2): 153–174. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
  28. ^ Browning, Bil (August 31, 2016). "Which college campuses are the worst for LGBT students?". LGBTQ Nation. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
  29. ^ "Worst List: The Absolute Worst Campuses for LGBTQ Youth". May 17, 2019. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
  30. ^ "Members | Golden State Athletic Conference". www.gsacsports.org. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  31. ^ The Master’s University. Peterson's. Accessed February 2017.
  32. ^ "2009 Men's Soccer National Coaches of the Year Announced". NAIA. January 15, 2010. Retrieved January 16, 2011.
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34°22′52″N 118°31′12″W / 34.381°N 118.520°W / 34.381; -118.520