Heritage Christian University: Accredited Biblical Education for Global Ministry

Heritage Christian University (HCU), located in Florence, Alabama, is a private, accredited institution dedicated to preparing individuals for ministry within the Churches of Christ, with a strong focus on evangelism and scripture. Founded in 1968 as the Southeastern Institute of the Bible, its roots trace back to Mars Hill Academy in 1871.

HCU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in biblical and theological studies, professional studies, and field education, with flexible online options. With a growing enrollment of 179 students in Fall 2024, HCU fosters a close-knit, diverse, and international community supported by dedicated faculty and leadership. Accredited by ABHE and recognized by ATS, HCU remains committed to equipping servants for global ministry through rigorous, affordable education.

Heritage Christian University: Equipping Servants for Global Ministry

Heritage Christian University (HCU), located in Florence, Alabama, is a private, accredited institution with a rich history dedicated to preparing individuals for real-world ministry within the Churches of Christ. With a strong emphasis on evangelism and a deep commitment to scripture, HCU offers a distinctive educational experience for both undergraduate and graduate students.

A Legacy Rooted in Ministry: History of HCU

The roots of Heritage Christian University stretch back to 1871 with the establishment of Mars Hill Academy by T.B. Larimore. This early institution, situated near Florence, Alabama, focused on equipping ministers and Christian leaders for service in the Churches of Christ. While Mars Hill Academy closed in 1887, the spirit of Christian education in the Shoals area was rekindled in 1947 with Mars Hill Bible School.

The direct lineage of HCU began in 1968 with the founding of the Southeastern Institute (College) of the Bible. Spearheaded by Malcolm Hill as its inaugural president, and with land donated by Inez Alexander, the college held its first classes in January 1969. In 1971, Southeastern was renamed International Bible College (IBC), reflecting a broader vision of training individuals for worldwide service. After 18 years of leadership by Charles Coil, IBC alumnus Dennis Jones succeeded him as president. In January 2001, the institution adopted its current name, Heritage Christian University, to accurately represent its offering of both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Academic Excellence Focused on Biblical Studies

HCU’s academic programs are designed to provide a comprehensive biblical education. The university divides its undergraduate course offerings into four key areas:

• General Education
• Biblical and Theological Studies
• Professional Studies
• Field Education

At the graduate level, Heritage Christian University offers three master’s degrees:

• Master of Arts (MA): This degree prepares students for in-depth study of biblical languages and related disciplines (43 credit hours).
• Master of Ministry (MMin): Designed for more effective ministry training (37 credit hours).
• Master of Divinity (MDiv): The first professional degree in ministry, preparing ministers for comprehensive church service. This program also cooperates with the Ezell Institute for Biblical Research to equip students for work in churches with limited resources (76 credit hours, including a required Spiritual Formation component).

All three graduate programs are available online, demonstrating HCU’s commitment to flexible learning. The university also offers a non-degree certificate program in “Resource Development Models for Small Churches.”

Campus and Student Life

Heritage Christian University’s campus spans 67 acres in Florence, Alabama, a city within the larger Shoals area. This region boasts a population of approximately 137,000 and is centrally located between Nashville, Tennessee, and Birmingham, Alabama. The Shoals community offers a variety of cultural events, outdoor activities, and a strong commitment to education.

HCU emphasizes a close-knit academic environment with a low student-teacher ratio (approximately 6:1), fostering mentorship opportunities between faculty and students. While a significant portion (80%) of HCU’s student population consists of distance learning students located in 20 states and 5 countries, the university also provides on-campus housing facilities. These apartment-style units can accommodate up to 32 students, offering comfortable living spaces conducive to both study and community.

Student life at HCU fosters a vibrant international community, with international students playing key roles in leadership, classroom discussions, and community engagement. The university provides dedicated support services for international students, including housing assistance and orientation programs.

Enrollment and Admissions

Heritage Christian University has seen consistent growth in its enrollment. For Fall 2024, HCU reached a record headcount of 179 students, marking a 17.8% increase from the previous year. This includes 93 undergraduate students and 88 graduate students, with a notable 32.9% rise in undergraduate enrollment from Fall 2023.

While specific SAT score ranges are not consistently available, admitted students generally score in the ACT range of 9-28, with an emphasis on Math and Science reasoning. The university’s acceptance rate is approximately 47%.

Accreditation and Recognition

Heritage Christian University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. HCU’s Graduate School of Theology also holds Associate Membership with the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), actively seeking accreditation from their Commission on Accrediting. This dual recognition underscores HCU’s commitment to academic rigor and quality in theological education.

Faculty and Leadership

HCU boasts a dedicated faculty and staff committed to the university’s mission. The faculty comprises experienced professors with diverse academic backgrounds and practical ministry experience, serving as both educators and mentors. Dr. Kirk Brothers currently serves as the President of Heritage Christian University.

Mission Statement

Heritage Christian University’s mission statement clearly articulates its purpose: “Heritage Christian University exists for the advancement of Churches of Christ by equipping servants for real-world ministry with a focus on evangelism and a commitment to scripture.”

Heritage Christian University stands as a vital institution, providing a focused, affordable, and accredited biblical education to prepare servants for effective ministry in the global Christian community.

FAQs about Heritage Christian University

What is Heritage Christian University?
Heritage Christian University (HCU) is a private, accredited Christian institution in Florence, Alabama, focused on preparing students for ministry and leadership within the Churches of Christ.

Where is Heritage Christian University located?
HCU is located in Florence, Alabama, within the Shoals area, centrally positioned between Nashville, Tennessee, and Birmingham, Alabama.

When was Heritage Christian University founded?
HCU was founded in 1968 as the Southeastern Institute of the Bible, though its roots trace back to Mars Hill Academy, established in 1871.

What is the mission of Heritage Christian University?
HCU’s mission is to equip servants for real-world ministry, emphasizing evangelism and a deep commitment to scripture, to serve the Churches of Christ globally.

What types of degrees does HCU offer?
HCU offers undergraduate degrees, master’s degrees (MA, MMin, MDiv), and certificate programs, all focused on biblical studies and ministry.

Is Heritage Christian University accredited?
Yes, HCU is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), and its Graduate School of Theology is an Associate Member of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).

Can students take courses online at HCU?
Yes, all graduate programs and some other courses are available online, providing flexibility for distance learners.

What is the student-teacher ratio at HCU?
The student-teacher ratio at HCU is approximately 6:1, allowing for personalized instruction and mentorship.

How many students are enrolled at HCU?
As of Fall 2024, HCU has 179 enrolled students, including 93 undergraduates and 88 graduate students.

Does HCU have international students?
Yes, HCU has students from 20 states and 5 countries, and it provides special support services for international students.

What are the admission requirements for HCU?
While specific SAT scores are not consistently reported, ACT scores of admitted students typically range from 9 to 28. HCU has an acceptance rate of about 47%.

What kind of campus housing is available at HCU?
HCU offers on-campus apartment-style housing that can accommodate up to 32 students.

Who is the current president of Heritage Christian University?
Dr. Kirk Brothers currently serves as the president of HCU.

What areas of study are offered at the undergraduate level?
Undergraduate studies are divided into General Education, Biblical and Theological Studies, Professional Studies, and Field Education.

What master’s degrees are available at HCU?
HCU offers a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Ministry (MMin), and Master of Divinity (MDiv), each designed for different aspects of ministry and biblical scholarship.

What is the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program?
The MDiv is a comprehensive 76-credit program preparing students for professional ministry, including a Spiritual Formation component and partnerships with the Ezell Institute for Biblical Research.

What certificate programs does HCU offer?
HCU offers a certificate program in Resource Development Models for Small Churches.

What is the history behind HCU’s founding?
The university’s heritage began with Mars Hill Academy in 1871, was revived through Mars Hill Bible School in 1947, and formally established as Southeastern Institute of the Bible in 1968, eventually becoming Heritage Christian University in 2001.

What makes HCU unique among Christian universities?
HCU emphasizes ministry-focused education with strong evangelism, a close-knit academic environment, global outreach, and affordable, accredited programs specifically designed for Churches of Christ.

Does HCU participate in research?
Yes, through the Ezell Institute for Biblical Research, HCU supports students and churches, especially those with limited resources, in advancing biblical scholarship.

Is financial aid available at HCU?
While not specified, like most accredited institutions, HCU likely offers financial aid options. Prospective students should contact the admissions office for details.

What is the size of HCU’s campus?
HCU’s campus spans 67 acres in Florence, Alabama.

How is student life at HCU?
Student life includes a vibrant international community, leadership opportunities, close faculty mentorship, and a variety of cultural and outdoor activities available in the Shoals area.

What are the benefits of studying at HCU?
Students benefit from accredited biblical education, small class sizes, flexible online learning, dedicated faculty, and preparation for real-world ministry.

How can I apply to HCU?
Prospective students can apply online through the Heritage Christian University website and should review the admission requirements for their chosen program.