The Master’s University: Christ-Centered Education Rooted in Scripture

The Master’s University (TMU), founded in 1927 and located in Santa Clarita, California, is a distinctly Christ-centered institution committed to its enduring motto, “For Christ and Scripture,” integrating academic excellence with unwavering biblical authority across all disciplines.

Led by Chancellor John MacArthur and President Abner Chou, TMU maintains a consistent doctrinal foundation while offering over 150 programs through seven schools, including highly regarded music, business, science, and pre-med programs, all taught as acts of worship. Campus life emphasizes spiritual formation through close-knit residence “wings,” regular chapel gatherings, and Christ-focused athletics, fostering a strong community of believers.

Beyond campus, TMU extends its global reach through initiatives like the IBEX program in Israel and GO! Global Outreach missions worldwide, alongside robust graduate and online offerings. With substantial financial aid and a mission to prepare students for both professional excellence and eternal impact, TMU positions itself as a training ground for faithful, biblically grounded leaders.

For Christ and Scripture: An Inside Look at The Master’s University

In a higher education landscape often defined by shifting cultural tides, The Master’s University (TMU) stands firm on a foundation established nearly a century ago. Nestled in the serene Placerita Canyon of Santa Clarita, California, TMU is not merely a place of academic instruction; it is an institution dedicated to the premise that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.

With a mission succinctly captured in its motto, “For Christ and Scripture,” The Master’s University offers a unique collegiate experience where academic excellence is pursued as an act of worship and where every discipline is taught under the authority of the Bible.

A Legacy of Unwavering Conviction

Founded in 1927, The Master’s University has maintained a remarkable consistency in its identity. While many institutions have drifted from their religious roots, TMU’s doctrinal statement has remained fundamentally unchanged since its inception.

Led by Chancellor John MacArthur and President Abner Chou, the university creates an environment where the sufficiency, inerrancy, and authority of Scripture are not just theological footnotes but the lens through which all reality is viewed. This commitment ensures that students don’t just learn what to think, but how to think biblically about the world, their careers, and their purpose.

Academic Excellence: Schools of Distinction

The university organizes its 150+ programs across seven distinct schools, each committed to the philosophy that champions prepare and perform as an act of worship.

The Paul T. Plew School of Music

A crown jewel of the university, this school is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). It is renowned for training musicians who view their craft as a high calling.

• Ensembles: Students can audition for premier groups like The Master’s Chorale and the University Orchestra, which perform a repertoire ranging from classical masterworks to modern hymns.
• Philosophy: Faculty teach that music is not merely performance but a vehicle for theology and worship, equipping graduates to lead in churches, schools, and the professional music industry.

The School of Business & Communication

This school prepares students to be “marketplace missionaries”—professionals who glorify God through business excellence.

• #1 in CPA Exam Pass Rates: The Accounting program frequently ranks as the best in California for CPA pass rates, a testament to the rigor of the curriculum.
• Industry Placement: Alumni have secured positions at major global corporations like Tesla, Boeing, Disney, and KPMG, proving that biblical convictions and professional ambition are compatible.

The School of Science, Mathematics, Technology & Health

Far from shying away from hard sciences, TMU embraces them as a study of God’s creation.

• Pre-Medical Success: With a 95% medical school acceptance rate, the program prepares students for the most demanding institutions, demonstrating that faith and science are powerful allies.
• Engineering & AI: New programs in Computer Engineering and Artificial Intelligence train students to navigate emerging technologies with ethical clarity.

Life at TMU: A Community of Believers

The campus experience at TMU is designed to be a “spiritual greenhouse.” Located just miles from Los Angeles yet tucked away in a safe, scenic canyon, the campus enjoys an average of 284 sunny days per year.

The “Wing” System

Residence life at TMU is unique. Dorms are divided into “wings,” which function as close-knit discipleship units.

• Mentorship: Each wing is led by student Resident Assistants (RAs) and Wing Assistants (WAs) who foster community through prayer meetings, events, and shared meals.
• Traditions: Each wing carries its own unique traditions and personality, creating a deep sense of belonging that often lasts a lifetime.

Chapel: The Heartbeat of Campus

Three times a week, the entire student body, faculty, and staff gather for chapel. This is not a mere formality but the central event of campus life. Speakers include Chancellor John MacArthur, President Abner Chou, and other faithful expositors who ground the community in the Word of God.

Mustang Athletics

As part of the NAIA, the TMU Mustangs compete with intensity and purpose. The athletic department views sports as a laboratory for character. Whether on the basketball court or the baseball diamond, TMU athletes are trained to model Christ-like sportsmanship and excellence.

Global Impact: Beyond the Canyon

TMU offers educational opportunities that extend far beyond the Santa Clarita campus, designed to broaden horizons and deepen faith.

IBEX: The Israel Bible Extension

TMU is the only Christian university with its own campus in Israel. Through the IBEX program, students spend a semester living and studying in the land of the Bible. Classroom lectures on the life of David or the ministry of Jesus are paired with field trips to the Elah Valley or the Sea of Galilee, turning black-and-white text into living color.

GO! Global Outreach

Every summer, TMU sends hundreds of students around the world on GO! trips.

• Mission: Unlike typical study abroad programs, these are ministry-focused trips where students serve alongside long-term missionaries (many of whom are TMU alumni).
• Destinations: Recent teams have served in Germany, Madagascar, and Southeast Asia, engaging in evangelism, church planting support, and mercy ministry.

Graduate & Online Studies

Recognizing the need for biblical education at every stage of life, TMU offers robust graduate and online programs.

• Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling (MABC): A flagship program that trains students to minister to the soul using Scripture.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA): A fully online program designed for working professionals seeking to lead with integrity.
• Master of Education (M.Ed): Equipping teachers to bring a biblical worldview into classrooms, whether public or private.

An Investment with Eternal Returns

Recognizing the cost of private education, TMU is committed to accessibility. The university awards over $30 million in financial aid annually.

• The Steadfast Scholarship: This unique initiative offers full tuition for qualifying students who demonstrate academic and spiritual leadership.
• Value: With high career placement rates and a reputation for character development, a TMU degree is an investment that pays dividends in both this life and the next.

Conclusion

The Master’s University is more than a college; it is a training ground for those who desire to live a life of eternal influence. By marrying high academic standards with uncompromising biblical truth, TMU prepares students not just for a career, but for a calling.

For prospective students and families seeking an education that honors Christ in every lecture, lab, and dorm room, The Master’s University remains a city set on a hill—steadfast, faithful, and excellent.

For more information, to apply, or to schedule a campus visit, explore the official website at masters.edu.

FAQs about The Master’s University

What is The Master’s University known for?
The Master’s University is known for its unwavering commitment to Christ-centered education, biblical authority, and strong academic programs taught from a Christian worldview.

Where is The Master’s University located?
TMU is located in Santa Clarita, California, in the scenic Placerita Canyon, just north of Los Angeles.

When was The Master’s University founded?
The university was founded in 1927 and has maintained a consistent doctrinal foundation since its beginning.

What does the motto “For Christ and Scripture” mean?
The motto reflects TMU’s mission to pursue academic excellence while submitting every discipline to the authority of the Bible.

Who leads The Master’s University?
TMU is led by Chancellor John MacArthur and President Abner Chou.

What academic programs does TMU offer?
TMU offers over 150 undergraduate, graduate, and online programs across disciplines such as music, business, science, education, counseling, engineering, and health.

Is The Master’s University accredited?
Yes, TMU is regionally accredited, and specific programs such as music are accredited by specialized bodies like NASM.

How strong are TMU’s science and pre-med programs?
TMU’s pre-med program has a very high medical school acceptance rate, demonstrating rigorous preparation and academic excellence.

What makes student life at TMU unique?
Student life centers on spiritual growth through residence “wings,” regular chapel services, discipleship, and close-knit Christian community.

How often does chapel take place?
Chapel is held three times a week and is a central part of campus life for students, faculty, and staff.

Does The Master’s University have athletics?
Yes, TMU competes in the NAIA as the Mustangs and emphasizes character, discipline, and Christ-like sportsmanship.

What is the IBEX program?
IBEX is TMU’s Israel Bible Extension, allowing students to study Scripture while living and learning in Israel for a semester.

Does TMU offer mission and outreach opportunities?
Yes, through GO! Global Outreach, students participate in ministry-focused trips around the world each summer.

Are online and graduate programs available?
TMU offers several graduate and fully online programs, including degrees in biblical counseling, business administration, and education.

Is financial aid available at The Master’s University?
TMU awards over $30 million in financial aid annually, including merit-based scholarships and full-tuition opportunities like the Steadfast Scholarship.

Who should consider attending The Master’s University?
TMU is ideal for students seeking rigorous academics, strong spiritual formation, and an education that prepares them for both professional careers and Christian service.