The Master's University: “For Christ & Scripture”

The Master’s University (TMU) is a private non-denominational Christian university in Santa Clarita, California, known for its strong biblical foundation and high academic standards. It is especially popular among conservative Christian students seeking a Christ-centered education that integrates faith with academic and professional excellence.

The college was founded in 1927. It was originally named Los Angeles Baptist College and Seminary. In 1961, it moved to Newhall in Santa Clarita, California. 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. In 2016, the school underwent another name change and became The Master’s University.

The Master’s University is named for its commitment to educating students for a life of enduring commitment to Christ, biblical fidelity, moral integrity, intellectual growth, and lasting contribution to the Kingdom of God worldwide. The name reflects the university’s mission to train members of Christ’s body for the highest calling, emphasizing a thorough theological foundation in Scripture and doctrine.

Academics

The Master’s University is deeply committed to the authority and sufficiency of Scripture in all areas of study. TMU teaches that the Bible is true. The university’s educational philosophy is rooted in Scripture, and it aims to establish conviction in the coming generation of believers to serve the church faithfully. The student-faculty ratio is 14:1.

TMU offers a range of programs emphasizing spiritual growth and a biblical worldview, including over 25 majors with more than 100 areas of study. 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. The university has an extension campus, Israel Bible Extension (IBEX) in the Jerusalem vicinity.

The university consists of seven schools offering bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees, including several bachelor’s degrees that are offered fully online. The university’s schools include the School of Biblical Studies; Pearl C. Schaffer School of Education; John P. Stead School of Humanities; Paul T. Plew School of Music; School of Online Education; School of Business & Communication; School of Science, Mathematics, Technology & Health. The associated seminary offers a Bachelor of Theology (Th.B.), master’s degrees, Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.

Accreditation & Achievements

The Master’s University has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (now the WASC Senior College and University Commission) since 1975. The school is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International. The school also holds Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) accreditation. The School of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. TMU is ranked among the worst schools for LGBTQ students, and ranked in the WSJ’s Top 5 nationally for community and student satisfaction.

Athletics

At The Master’s University, even its student athletes perform as an act of worship (Romans 12:1). The Master’s athletic teams are called the Mustangs. They 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. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC).

Admissions

If you’re considering a university with a strong spiritual and scholarly foundation, TMU might be worth exploring. Homeschool students are welcome to enroll, and TMU aims to further cement the biblical foundations you have set in your homeschooling. Click here for a Sample Homeschool Transcript. The GED or California Proficiency Exam are accepted in absence of a final transcript. SAT/ACT/CLT scores are optional. The average incoming GPA at TMU is typically around 3.75. The school is seeking students who have a strong faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Click here for more info about homeschool admissions. The Master’s University Online Program also partners with like-minded Christian high schools and homeschool co-op groups to offer dual enrollment options for their high school junior and senior students.

Student Body