accreditation

 Global Christian University (formerly Northern California Bible College) is a member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), 15935 Forest Road, Forest, VA 24551; Telephone: (434) 525-9539; e-mail: info@tracs.org, having been awarded Reaffirmation of Accreditation (I) as a Category III institution by the TRACS Accreditation Commission on October 21, 2025. This status is effective as of January 1, 2026, and is good through December 31, 2035. TRACS is recognized by the United States Department of Education (ED), the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE).

Brief History

In April 2018, TRACS acknowledged Global Christian University as a Candidate Institution (formerly known as Northern California Bible College).

In April 2021, TRACS affirmed Global Christian University as a Category II institution, for a 5-year effective status.

In April 2022, TRACS raised Global Christian University to a Category III institution with the approval of our Masters in Biblical and Practical Theology.

In October 2025, TRACS reaffirmed our accreditation as a Category III institution, good through December 31, 2035.

Accreditation allows institutions to apply for and potentially participate in Federal Financial Aid programs and also opens the door for transferability of credits to other accredited institutions and acceptance to graduate schools. Global Christian holds official status with an agency approved by the US Department of Education. In 2018, Global Christian University was awarded “Candidacy Status” with TRACS. This accomplishment was 50 years in the making. Global Christian University finalized the accreditation journey by completing the final step in April 2021.

Global Christian University is recognized by TRACS, approved to offer the following degree programs:

  • Certificate in Biblical Studies (45 quarter hours) – non-degree-granting program
  • Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies (90 quarter hours)
  • Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies (180 quarter hours)
  • Masters of Arts in Biblical and Practical Theology (48 quarter hours)
  • Masters of Arts in Christian Leadership (48 quarter hours)

Texas: Global Christian University’s headquarters are in Texas. Also, we have authorization to operate sites in California under a BPPE exemption.

50 States: Global Christian University is approved to offer its courses and programs via Distance Education in most states, either through approved exemption filings, along with pending NC-SARA application. See our listing to determine if your state is open to Global Christian at this time.

International: check to see which countries allow for Distance Learning

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reports

 

 

Reports below:

  • Institutional Objectives
  • Student Achievements Page
  • 5-Year Strategic Plan
  • Global Christian Comprehensive Assessment Plan

Other Reports:

Global Christian University

Institutional Objectives

The purpose of Global Christian University is summed up in Institutional Objectives:

  1. To provide a strong grasp of the factual contents of the Bible, interpreted in a sound, scholarly, and spiritual manner.
  2. To better understand the truths of the Bible primarily for the personal enrichment of all students.
  3. To provide a way for students to earn either a Certificate Diploma, Associate of Arts degree, or Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies.
  4. To prepare students for a professional calling in part or full-time ministry.
  5. To prepare students who are Christian educators in Elementary, Junior High, High School, post-secondary settings to earn Continuing Education Units.
  6. To maintain national accreditation and continue in good standing with Transnational Association of Christians Colleges and Schools (TRACS).
  7. To create an educational model for startup Bible Colleges in foreign countries to follow, as well as help them become established as the Spirit leads.
Learning Outcome Statements and Program Objectives

For degree-seeking students there will be evidence in their growth of biblical knowledge as well as their ability to study and search the Scriptures for themselves with a historically correct hermeneutic reflecting the Global Christian statement of faith.

Students will evidence spiritual growth in their personal ministry within their home/family situation as well as their participation in serving their local faith community.

All students will evidence an increased understanding of the person, actions, and manifestations of the Holy Spirit.

All students, will provide evidence of a growth in their biblical knowledge as measured by the Global Christian Biblical Assessment Profile at the end of their time of enrollment.

Degreed students will evidence a strong ability to use an array of research resources as made in our library services and Subject Guides.

The assessment of the outcome of enrollment at Global Christian will be done in accord with the Standards and Evaluative Criteria Section 19.5 of Global Christian Comprehensive Assessment Plan.


The Program Objective of Global Christian University is to provide the student with a wide-ranging balance of biblical education drawing from New Testament Studies, Old Testament Studies, Biblical Theology, Practical Ministry, and Hermeneutics. 

Undergraduate program in Biblical Studies (AA, BA, Certificate)

  • Students learn to think clearly, examine their Christian heritage, write distinctively, form a comprehensive biblical theology and worldview, and to communicate the gospel effectively.
  • General knowledge of the content of Scripture and principles of interpretation.
  • Ability to relate with others in a practical ministry context. 

Graduate program in Biblical and Practical Theology (MA)

  • Prepare students with a strong Hermeneutic to interpret, teach, and apply biblical truth. 
  • The transformational aspect of Biblical Truth will be balanced to not just produce head knowledge but active servants working in power. 
  • To clearly articulate the great orthodox tradition of the Christian Faith and the various positions within that tradition. 

The Degree Objectives of Global Christian are as follows:

Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies

The Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies degree is a two-year degree offered to students for the purpose of providing a solid Biblical Studies education. The following student outcomes are expected.

General knowledge of the content of Scripture

Knowledge and skills for accurate Biblical interpretation and application to life situations.

Students will make decisions in doctrine, life, and ministry based on the foundation of the Bible.

Exhibit the Christian faith in contemporary culture, having developed a biblical worldview and apologetic for Christian values and conduct.

Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies degree is a four-year degree offered to students for the purpose of providing the academic preparation for real-life applications. Expected student outcomes include:

Students learn to think clearly, examine their Christian heritage, write distinctively, form a comprehensive biblical theology and worldview, and to communicate the gospel effectively.

Classroom lectures and interaction, study times, and research and writing provide the challenge necessary to expand the students’ biblical theology which results in a profound appreciation for creation, life, and truth. 

The Bachelor’s Degree qualifies graduates to pursue further theological or ministerial training at the Master’s level or at an accredited Seminary.

Master of Arts in Biblical and Practical Theology

The desire is to see each study ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit and articulate both the truth and hunger for more of God. Expected student outcomes include:

Proclamation and Demonstration: We hope to equip this generation of servants and leaders in both proclamation and demonstration of the full gospel. There will be an emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit. 

Spirit and Truth: The degree is meant to balance a Spirit and Truth pursuit with the Practical Ministry and Theology combined. The transformational aspect of Biblical Truth will be balanced to not just produce head knowledge but active servants working in power.

Student Achievements

Global Christian University is in full compliance with TRACS Standard 17:11 which reads: “Student Achievement: the institution’s assessment of student achievement includes retention rates, course completion rates, and graduation rates.” Global Christian does not prepare students for state or other licensing examinations. Student achievement is made available to the public upon request.

5-Year Strategic Plan

2024-2028 Strategic Plan is available for download.

Global Christian Comprehensive Assessment Plan

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Christ-centered spiritual education

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Dedicated professors and pastors

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Accredited education with no debt