Arizona Christian University (ACU), located in Glendale, Arizona, is a private, non-denominational Christian liberal arts institution with a rich history, a strong commitment to academic excellence, and an unwavering focus on faith-based education. Established in 1960, ACU has evolved from a small Bible college into a university that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, preparing students for careers in various fields while grounding them in a Christian worldview.
History and Mission of Arizona Christian University
Originally founded as Southwestern Conservative Baptist Bible College, ACU was established with the primary goal of training Christian leaders who could serve the church and broader society. Over the decades, the institution underwent several name changes and expansions in its academic offerings to reflect its growing status. It became Arizona Christian University in 2011, marking its transition from a college focused on biblical studies to a more comprehensive university offering a wide array of programs in arts, sciences, business, education, and more. Despite these changes, ACU has maintained its strong Christian foundation, with its mission centered on “educating and equipping followers of Christ to transform culture with the truth.”
The university’s mission statement underscores its commitment to providing students with a Christ-centered education that integrates faith and learning across all disciplines. Students are encouraged to apply biblical principles to their academic studies, personal lives, and future careers, ensuring that they are not only prepared for professional success but also for lives of service to God and others.
Academic Programs and Curriculum
Arizona Christian University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs designed to provide students with a well-rounded education grounded in Christian values. The university’s academic offerings span a wide range of fields, including Biblical studies, business, communication, education, behavioral health, and music. Each program is designed to prepare students for their respective career paths while integrating a Christian worldview into the curriculum.
One of the hallmarks of ACU’s academic programs is its commitment to small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty. With a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 17:1, students at ACU benefit from close interactions with their professors, who are not only experts in their fields but also dedicated Christians who are invested in the spiritual and academic growth of their students. This mentorship and personalized instruction are central to the university’s educational philosophy, which seeks to nurture the whole person—academically, spiritually, and socially.
All students, regardless of their major, are required to complete a core curriculum that includes courses in biblical studies, theology, and Christian ethics. This core curriculum ensures that graduates are well-versed in biblical principles and are equipped to apply their faith in all areas of life. Additionally, many programs at ACU offer opportunities for internships, research, and practical experience, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields while still in school.
Faith and Spiritual Life
At the heart of Arizona Christian University is a vibrant spiritual community where faith is not only taught but also lived out. ACU places a strong emphasis on spiritual development and encourages students to cultivate their personal relationship with Christ through daily chapel services, discipleship programs, and student-led ministry opportunities.
Chapel services, held multiple times a week, are a cornerstone of spiritual life at ACU. These services provide students with the opportunity to worship together, hear from guest speakers, and be challenged in their faith. In addition to corporate worship, ACU encourages students to participate in small groups, Bible studies, and mentorship programs, where they can grow deeper in their understanding of Scripture and build meaningful relationships with fellow believers.
One unique aspect of spiritual life at ACU is the university’s commitment to service. Students are encouraged to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it in real-world settings, both locally and globally. ACU offers numerous opportunities for students to serve others through community outreach programs, mission trips, and internships with Christian organizations. This focus on service reflects the university’s belief that faith should be lived out in practical ways, as students are called to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world.
Athletics and Extracurricular Activities
Arizona Christian University offers a robust athletic program, with teams competing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) as part of the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). The university fields teams in a variety of sports, including basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, cross country, and track and field. ACU’s athletics program not only emphasizes physical fitness and competition but also seeks to develop student-athletes who exemplify Christian character both on and off the field.
The university’s athletic department is committed to the holistic development of student-athletes, encouraging them to excel not only in their sport but also in their academics and spiritual lives. Coaches and staff work closely with athletes to ensure that they are achieving their full potential in all areas of life, and ACU athletes are known for their commitment to integrity, teamwork, and service.
In addition to athletics, ACU offers a variety of extracurricular activities and student organizations that provide opportunities for students to get involved in campus life and develop their leadership skills. Whether through student government, ministry teams, or academic clubs, students at ACU have the chance to explore their interests, build community, and make a difference on campus and beyond.
Campus and Facilities
ACU’s campus, located in Glendale, Arizona, provides a picturesque and welcoming environment for students to live, learn, and grow. The campus features modern facilities designed to support both academic and extracurricular activities. Students have access to state-of-the-art classrooms, science labs, a library, and a student center, all of which contribute to a rich learning environment.
In addition to academic buildings, the campus also includes athletic facilities, residence halls, and spaces for spiritual and social gatherings. The university’s small size fosters a close-knit community where students can form lasting friendships and engage with faculty and staff on a personal level. The campus is designed to promote a sense of belonging, with plenty of spaces for students to study, relax, and connect with others.
Admissions and Financial Aid
Arizona Christian University seeks to admit students who are committed to growing in their faith and academic pursuits. The admissions process at ACU is holistic, taking into account not only a student’s academic achievements but also their character, leadership potential, and spiritual maturity. Prospective students are required to submit an application, high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal statement that reflects their faith journey and reasons for wanting to attend a Christian university.
In keeping with its mission to make Christian higher education accessible, ACU offers a variety of financial aid options to help students afford their education. Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities are available to eligible students, and the university is committed to working with each student to create a financial plan that fits their individual circumstances.
Alumni and Community Impact
Graduates of Arizona Christian University go on to make a significant impact in their communities and around the world. ACU alumni are known for their commitment to serving others, whether through careers in ministry, education, business, or other fields. Many alumni serve as pastors, missionaries, teachers, and nonprofit leaders, using their ACU education to live out their faith in meaningful and impactful ways.
The university maintains a strong connection with its alumni, offering opportunities for continued spiritual growth, professional development, and networking. Alumni are encouraged to remain involved in the ACU community through events, mentorship programs, and giving opportunities, ensuring that the university’s mission continues to thrive for future generations of students.
Commitment to Cultural Transformation
Arizona Christian University is deeply committed to its mission of equipping students to transform culture with the truth of the Gospel. This commitment to cultural transformation is evident in the university’s approach to education, which emphasizes not only academic excellence but also the development of students who are prepared to engage with and influence the world around them.
ACU believes that Christians are called to be agents of change in society, and the university seeks to prepare students to take on leadership roles in various sectors, including business, government, education, media, and the arts. By grounding students in a biblical worldview and equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen fields, ACU empowers its graduates to make a positive impact on culture.
The university also emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and intellectual engagement, encouraging students to wrestle with difficult questions and engage in thoughtful dialogue about the challenges facing society. This commitment to intellectual and spiritual growth helps students develop a deep understanding of their faith and its implications for the world, preparing them to be thoughtful and compassionate leaders in whatever field they choose to pursue.
Conclusion
Arizona Christian University in Glendale, Arizona, stands as a beacon of faith-based higher education, dedicated to preparing students to live out their Christian faith in all areas of life. With a strong academic program, a vibrant spiritual community, and a commitment to service, ACU offers students a transformative educational experience that prepares them not only for successful careers but also for lives of purpose and impact.
Rooted in its mission to educate and equip followers of Christ to transform culture with the truth, ACU provides a holistic approach to education that integrates faith and learning, fosters personal growth, and encourages students to engage with the world in meaningful ways. Through its commitment to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and cultural transformation, Arizona Christian University continues to shape the lives of its students and make a lasting impact on the world.