“As an institution of biblical postsecondary education, Calvary Chapel Bible College exists to train and develop men and women of all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities into Christ-like disciples and servant-leaders who know God through His Word and are equipped by His Spirit to serve Him in every area of life, for the glory of God. Our vision is to be an oasis for learning and refreshment that blesses people all over the world.”
Calvary Chapel Bible College (CCBC) is an evangelical Christian biblical studies college located at 39407 Murrieta Hot Springs Road in Murrieta, California, just north of San Diego. CCBC also offers online education courses for students living at home and abroad, who are unable to attend courses on campus. The college, a ministry of Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa, operates on a 15-week spring and fall semester schedule.
Academics
Founded in 1975, the college was originally a “short, intensive study program” with a tape-based curriculum that consisted primarily of sermons by Calvary Chapel founder Chuck Smith, but it now is a full program leading to two- and four-year degrees.
Degree programs include: Associate of Biblical Studies, Bachelor of Biblical Studies, and Bachelor of Biblical Studies & Leadership. Degree concentrations include: General Leadership, Missions & Evangelism, Apologetics, Worship Arts, and Discipleship.
The college also offers non-degree and non-credit programs. Certificates of completion are awarded to students who are either not prepared for college-level work or who have not completed high school.
Classes offered include individual books of the Bible, topical courses (in Worship, Missions, Apologetics, Christian Leadership, and Biblical Greek and Hebrew), Old and New Testament Surveys, Practical Christian Ministry, Community Worship, and Chapel. Online students have access to the same degrees and programs as students on campus.
At CCBC, the objectives of “strength, light, and service” guide all aspects of teaching and learning:
- All students will be equipped to develop the character of Christ.
- All students will be equipped to reflect the mind of Christ.
- All students will be equipped to show the love of Christ.
In addition, every student will listen to Pastor Chuck Smith teach through the entire Bible. He has been called “one of the most influential figures in modern American Christianity.”
Calvary Chapel Bible College is not currently accredited, but it is pursuing accreditation, and CCBC credits are transferable to other Calvary Chapel affiliated institutions.
Admissions
Proof of high school completion or the equivalent is required for enrollment in degree programs. Students will be asked to submit a copy of their high school transcript during the admissions process. Official SAT and ACT reports are welcomed but not required.
If you have not yet graduated, Dual Enrollment high school students can take courses for college credit. Those currently enrolled in high school must submit a teacher recommendation.
Live near Murrieta? Locals can audit college classes for just $11 / week. 35 classes start August 29th and there is still time to apply. All protestant denominations are welcome. All ages!
Did you know…? Christian music artist Jeremy Camp attended CCBC for two years and earned an associate of theology degree. After one of the worship leaders heard him play his guitar in the kitchen of the school, he urged Camp to join the worship team. Soon, Camp was playing all over Southern California.
Campus Life
Murrieta is ranked as the safest city in Riverside County, and the second safest city in the entire state of California. Not to mention, the CCBC campus is home to a substation of the Murrieta Police Department.
CCBC’s campus is located on the site of the old Murrieta Hot Springs health spa. In 1995, Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa purchased the property and transformed it into a Christian college and conference center/retreat. The learning atmosphere at CCBC is like staying at a resort! The Murrieta area has a Mediterranean subtropical climate, and the campus is beautiful and restful with a lot of places to have quiet time with the Lord whether you want to do that inside or outside in nature.
The Santa Rosa Plateau, an ecological reserve which is jointly owned by county and state governments, a private conservation group, and the local water district, is just outside Murrieta to the west. Just outside city limits to the east, Lake Skinner offers sailing, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, hiking and camping. In just an hour’s drive you can be at the beach or enjoying a walk along Oceanside Pier, one of the longest wooden piers on the West Coast.
The CCBC student council plans regular events to encourage fellowship among students on campus. The town of Murrieta has several sports parks, a Family Fun Center with miniature golf, go kart racing, laser tag, and an arcade. Additional entertainment options include a theater, comedy club, roller rink and trampoline park. Car buffs will enjoy the Rod Run, a classic car event. The Murrieta Town Square is home to a memorial for military veterans featuring an honor garden, memorial obelisk, and World War II memorial wall.
A unique aspect of life at CCBC is that you can develop valuable vocational skills on campus through the voluntary service component (which also helps keep the tuition low). Work in the Springs of Life Christian Bookstore, the Overflowing Cup Coffeehouse, the kitchen, office, security monitoring, landscaping, retreat support, etc.
See what happens in “A Day in the Life” of students Natalia Isberg and Zach Summers in the video below.