Azusa Pacific University is private non-profit evangelical Christian university located in Azusa, California. It is dedicated to instilling the reign of Christ in all aspects of life. Its mission is to advance God’s work through excellent academic programs in liberal arts and professional fields that promote students to develop a Christian point of view in life. It offers over more than 80 programs including certificates, credentials, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctoral programs. For seven years in a row, the U.S. News and World Report has recognized Azusa Pacific University on its published Best Colleges survey.
Azusa Pacific University offers completely online programs, hybrid programs with a combination of campus-based courses and online courses, and individual online courses. The programs include eCompanion and eCourse classes. eCompanion courses are designed as web support for students and instructors in a traditional classroom and eCourse courses are for students who are taking classes completely online. All online courses feature low student to faculty ratios and are presented in an asynchronous format to enable students to log in at anytime from anywhere with an Internet connection. The online learning platform includes a drop box to submit assignments, threaded discussions, chat, and a real-time ClassLive feature. All online programs include a two-week online orientation to help students become familiar with the online format. Online programs include management, leadership and organizational studies, liberal studies, organizational leadership, nursing, educational leadership, educational technology, and special education.
Azusa Pacific University traces its origins back to 1899 when the Training School for Christian Workers was established. In 1939, the training school changed its name to Pacific Bible College and began offering four-year degrees. It changed its name to Azusa College in 1956. In 1965, the college merged with Los Angeles Pacific College and became Azusa Pacific College. In 1968, the school merged with Arlington College. In 1981, the school received university status and became Azusa Pacific University. Today, the university educates more than 9,200 students.
Accreditation
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits Azusa Pacific University.
Schools Of Education
School of Adult and Professional Studies: offers degree completion and accelerated degree programs at the bachelor’s and master’s degree level that are intended to meet the needs of working professionals.
School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences: offers programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree levels that prepares students to pursue careers in helping professions.
School of Business and Management: provides professional career preparation in the business and management fields at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels.
School of Education: strives to equip future teachers and administrators with the necessary skills to become excellent leaders in educational settings. Offers programs at the master’s and doctoral degree levels as well as a variety of teaching credentials.
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences: offers a variety of programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences fields at the minor, certificate, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree levels. Also houses many different centers such as The Writing Center and The Center for Research in Science.
School of Music: dedicated to preparing students to become music professionals through a learning environment that emphasizes musical excellence and artistic integrity. Offers programs at the certificate, minor, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree levels.
School of Nursing: offers innovative nursing programs to help reduce the national nursing shortage. Offers bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, doctoral degree, post-bachelor’s credential, and post-master’s credential programs.
School of Theology: provides programs at the minor, certificate, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctoral degree levels to prepare students for effective ministry in a global society.
Scholarships Offered
Azusa Pacific University offers a variety of academic and need-based scholarships such as the Trustees’ Scholarship, President’s Scholarship, Deans’ Scholarship, Director’s Scholarship, Founder’s Award, Transfer I Scholarship, and APU Grant. It also participates in a variety of other scholarships including Athletic Scholarships, Celebrate Azusa Citizens Scholarship/Nancy Moore Scholarship, Forensics Scholarships, The Kern Center for Vocational Ministry Scholarship, Multi-Ethnic Leadership Scholarship, Music Scholarships, Post-9/11 APU Yellow Ribbon Award, Stauffer Fellowships, and Theater Scholarships. Students are also encouraged to apply to outside scholarships.
Financing Options
Azusa Pacific University participates in a variety of federal and state financial aid programs including the Federal Pell Grant, Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant, Federal Direct Subsidized Loan, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Cal Grant, Federal Direct PLUS Loan, and Federal Perkins Loan. It also accepts alternative and private loans and offers a monthly payment plan.
Credit Earning Options
Azusa Pacific University grants credits for previous coursework completed at another accredited institution. All courses much have a grade of a C- or better and students may receive credit for up to 70 units of coursework from a two-year institution and 90 units from a four-year institution. The university also grants credits for military experiences and the College Level Examination Program. Students are required to submit official transcripts and other supporting documents.