About
A FAITHFUL GOD. A Verified Standing.
History & Accreditation
Trace the university’s development from a local discipleship program to an accredited online institution, then review the authorizations, affiliations, and public accountability resources that support its work today. Calvary Chapel University is designed by ministry people for ministry people! We believe education should be very PRACTICAL! We hold SOUND DOCTRINE as vital. We LOVE Jesus. We desire to simply “be a helper of your joy!” 2 Cor 1:24
Calvary Chapel University and I share the same vision of making disciples by promoting the Word of God, teaching sound doctrine, and helping people find and exercise their gifts and callings in Christ!”
From discipleship to degree pathways
History & Founding
The university’s story reflects steady growth in online learning, ministry preparation, academic programs, and public accountability.
Milestones from 2000 to 2026
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2000–2007 Foundation
A discipleship program begins
In 2000 Calvary Chapel University began as a preschool–8th grade school system, church discipleship program, and a small degree-granting Bible college, at the inception of the start of one of the largest initial church plants ever in the U.S. In June 2005, Calvary Chapel San Diego incorporated the work as Calvary Chapel Teachers College and carried its curriculum into an exclusively online model serving Christian educators. In 2006–2007, Calvary Chapel Teachers College moved with its original administrative team to Calvary Chapel Downey under Pastor Jeff Johnson.
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2007–2015 Identity
A university identity takes shape
The institution adopted the name Calvary Chapel University in 2009, established the College of Biblical Studies, and entered a ministry partnership with the Calvary Chapel Education Association. It came under Pastor Chuck Smith’s leadership in 2011, returned to its founding team in 2012, and returned to San Diego in 2015.
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2015–2020 Accreditation
Partnership and accreditation
Calvary Chapel University was housed at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale during this season. A partnership with Youth Development, Inc. began in 2017, followed by a San Diego location in 2018. The university became a candidate with the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools in 2019 and received Category III accredited status in 2020.
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2021–2023 Expansion
Expanded reach and programs
The university opened an Arizona office, received an Arizona license, and began participating in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement in 2021. Christian Education and dual-enrollment offerings expanded in 2022. In 2023, the Education Doctorate in Educational Leadership launched and the institution moved to Category IV.
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2024–2026 Reaffirmation
Reaffirmation and doctoral growth
In 2024, the university earned a ten-year accreditation reaffirmation and received approval for its Doctor of Ministry and Honorary Doctorate Programs. Those programs launched in 2025. The current Arizona license term continues through December 31, 2026.
Introducing the Royal Guardians
Mascot
Royal Guardians
Calvary Chapel University is making disciples. The Royal Guardians express the university's call to help people become a royal priesthood who guard the faith and stand firm in Christ.
The concept grows from the university's familiar coastal identity—lighthouse, beacon, and anchor—and points to the faithful witnesses of Hebrews 11.
The university's school Scripture is “Fear not” — Isaiah 41:10.
The mascot remains a secondary symbol beneath the institution's academic mission, Christian identity, and approved brand standards.
Every element connects disciple-making, Scripture, and the university's coastal identity.
A Trinitarian Mark
The lighthouse is formed as the Cross and recalls the Father's words, “Let there be light.” The dove within the lighthouse represents the Holy Spirit. The Bible carried in the waves points to Jesus Christ as the Word of God in John 1:1.
The crest also includes wheat, recalling fields ripe for harvest and the need for faithful laborers.
Royal and Guardians
Royal reflects the chosen people and royal priesthood described in 1 Peter 2:9–10. Guardians reflects the call in 1 Timothy 6:20 to guard what has been committed to one's trust.
The dove serves as a badge and seal, pointing to the Holy Spirit's indwelling work rather than human might or power. The Royal Guardians represent believers who love God and others through the Great Commandment while making disciples through the Great Commission.
Meet the Guardians
- Abraham and SarahFounders of faith
- Noah and Mrs. NoahPersistent builders and rescuers
- Moses and MiriamPromised Land leaders
- David and DeborahWarriors
- Ezekiel and RahabWatchers
- Esther and JosiahGood royalty
Hebrews 11
The Full Armor of God
In Ephesians 6:10–18, the full armor of God equips Christians to stand firm against spiritual opposition and deception through the protection and strength God provides in Christ.
- Belt of TruthIntegrity grounded in God's Word
- Breastplate of RighteousnessThe heart protected by Christ-given righteousness
- Shoes of the Gospel of PeaceStability, readiness, and the peace of God
- Shield of FaithFaith that extinguishes doubt and spiritual attack
- Helmet of SalvationAssurance and the hope of eternal salvation
- Sword of the SpiritThe Word of God used to answer deception
One identity across every touchpoint
Brand
The approved identity connects the university's mission, coastal setting, and call to make disciples through a coherent visual language.
The crest brings together a lighthouse formed by the Cross, a dove representing the Holy Spirit, and an open Bible carried by the waves. Together, these elements express guidance, truth, and the university's Christ-centered foundation.
Primary navy and light blue are supported by gold accents.
Approved site palette
- Navy
#031C3F - Light blue
#5D9DD5 - Gold
#F9BF10 - Cream
#EFE6DC - White
#FFFFFF
Approved typography
Caslon Five leads the heading system, while Mona Sans, College Vista, and DM Sans provide complementary display and body typography in approved applications.
Name and voice
Use Calvary Chapel University in public-facing copy and clear substitutes such as “the university” when repetition would become distracting. The voice is warm, clear, confident, and Christ-centered.
Approved applications
Use the current logo lockups, marks, typography, color specifications, and accessibility treatments exactly as documented in the official guide.
External accountability and trusted relationships
Accreditation & Affiliations
Accreditation verifies institutional standing, while approved ministry relationships connect the university with the broader Calvary Chapel movement.
Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools
Calvary Chapel University is a member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) [15935 Forest Road, Forest, VA 24551; Telephone: (434) 525-9539; e-mail: info@tracs.org], having been awarded Reaffirmation I of its Accredited Status as a Category IV institution by the TRACS Accreditation Commission on October 22, 2024. This status is effective as of January 1, 2025, and is good for a period of ten years. TRACS is recognized by the United States Department of Education (ED), the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE).
Recognition and operating authority
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Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
Calvary Chapel University’s accreditation status is listed in the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
Affiliation network
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Calvary Chapel networks
The Calvary Chapel Education Association is a partner serving Christian schools. Calvary Chapel Association provides an administrative connection point for the broader Calvary Chapel movement of churches.
Calvary Bible Institutes around the world, as well as independent and doctrinally affiliated Schools of Ministry, Schools of Evangelism, Bible Colleges, and missions outreaches such as U-Turn for Christ and many others.
Reaffirmed for the longest term available
Accreditation Term
The Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools approved Reaffirmation I on October 22, 2024. The Category IV status became effective January 1, 2025, for ten years.
Accreditation term
The reaffirmed status remains in effect for a ten-year period.
Commission approval
Date Reaffirmation I was approved.
Effective date
Start of the reaffirmed status.
Institution category
Current accredited institutional category.
Authorization for online education
State Authorizations
Current state licensing and reciprocity participation support the university’s legal authority to offer approved programs and online education within applicable jurisdictions.
Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education
The board granted a Regular Accredited Vocational and Degree License for the period January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026.
Inquiries concerning regulations or school compliance may be directed to the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education, 1740 West Adams Street, Suite 3008, Phoenix, AZ 85007.
Degree programs
- Associate of Arts
- Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies
- Master of Arts in Biblical Studies
- Master of Divinity
- Doctor of Ministry
- Honorary Doctor of Ministry
- Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education
- Master of Arts in Christian Education
- Education Doctorate in Educational Leadership
- Honorary Education Doctorate in Educational Leadership
Vocational program
- Certificate in Biblical Studies
Reciprocity pathway
Arizona SARA Council
In May 2021, Calvary Chapel University was approved to participate in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement by the Arizona SARA Council, a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements and the state portal entity for Arizona participating institutions.
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements
Participation permits Calvary Chapel University to provide online distance learning in participating states and United States territories. The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement is an agreement among member states, districts, and territories that establishes national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state or United States territory. Students should review the current participating-state list before enrollment.
Study with confidence
Explore an accredited, Christ‑centered academic pathway.
Compare degree and certificate options, review admissions requirements, and take the next step when you are ready.