About
The mission of Rochester University is to educate students to be good citizens and competent leaders to serve communities through programs of Christian higher education.
Prime Locaton in CALIFORNIA
STUDENTS AROUND THE WORLD
Education with purpose
History
Since its establishment in 2012, Rochester University has continued to serve students with education of Higher Education in the area of biblical studies, theology and ministry. Rochester University continues to provide programs that meet the needs of the diverse community of Southern California.
Rochester University is authorized to offer its undergraduate and graduate program under the religious exemption of the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). We offer programs leading to the Bachelor of Theology, Master of Theology, and Master of Divinity.
Rochester University is currently seeking to be accredited by accreditation agencies that are recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Mission &
Values
The mission of Rochester University is to educate students to be good citizens and competent leaders to serve communities through programs of Christian higher education.
The vision of Rochester University is to train competent leaders to serve the society at every level – from the local community to the global society. The fulfilment of this vision inspires, orients, and defines the work of this institution.
We believe that the Scripture of the Old and New Testaments is the inspired Word of God and the only standard for faith and academic discipline.
We believe that there is one sovereign God, eternally existing in three persons: the everlasting Father, His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, and the Holy Spirit, the giver of life.
We believe that God has revealed Himself and His Truth in the created order, in the Scriptures, and supremely in Jesus Christ.
We believe that God has created humanity in His image and likeness, but through the disobedience of Adam, all humankind was alienated from God and lost.
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary, who died on the cross, was physically resurrected from the dead, ascended into heaven, and will one day return in His glory to reign upon the earth.
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures; whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.
We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells and gives life to believers, enables them to understand the Scriptures, empowers them for godly living and equips them for service and witness.
We believe that the Church is the body of Christ and that the people of God are called to community, worship, discipleship, mission, and education.
In the year 2012, Rochester University was established as a non-profit organization, which is under the leadership of the board of directors who provide vision, direction, oversight, and support. Support includes but is not limited to finance, voluntary service, and encouragement to the leadership. Series of projects engaged in include fundraising, property management, maintenance of proper legal status, and evaluation of administrative proposals. An executive committee acts on behalf of the board of directors between board meetings. The board has various sub committees that continue to support the institution.
It has received verification of religious exemption status from the State of California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education that it qualifies as a religious exempt institution, pursuant to California Education Code Section 94749 (b)(6).
- The Rochester University is a Christian University; the Bible is the heart of the curriculum. The absolute inerrancy and authority of the Scripture are paramount. We believe that the tools of exegesis are essential in preparing students for the ministry, so that they may become capable expositors of the Word of God.
- Recognizing the limitations of a primarily doctrine teaching. This doctrine must be translated into practical Christian service. Therefore, our faculty must not only be highly qualified in academics and instructional methodologies, but they also must be excellent spiritual and moral examples.
- We encourage students a heart for evangelism and missions, and the integration of biblical teaching and values into every aspect of life are emphasized. It is imperative for students to be involved in practical “hands-on” ministry and mission to complement their university studies.
- Education, as the process of teaching and learning, involves the whole person, developing the knowledge, values, and skills which enable the individual to change freely.
To achieve the mission, Rochester University has developed following institutional objectives:
- To develop quality programs for students to build a comprehensive knowledge of the bible and Christian doctrine measured by assessment in theological training and coursework.
- To create a positive standards-based learning environment where students generate a life-long commitment to good citizenry through applied personal, vocational, and academic learning and community activities.
- To foster skills and training for students to enter ministerial and professional roles where they apply leadership and doctrinal knowledge within careers.
- To produce theological programs that enhance student leadership, intercultural awareness, and sense of service, that ultimately generate professional, church, career, and community outcomes.
- To evaluate learning outcomes in personal and professional contexts by demonstrating ethical practices and community engagement rooted in biblical teaching.
Accreditations and Approval
Rochester University is approved by the Bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or USCIS to accept and enroll foreign students and to issue I-20 to foreign students through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System or SEVIS. As a certified and approved institution, Rochester University continues to ensure compliance with SEVIS rules and regulations.
Rochester University is a private institution and, while as an institution operating under a religious exemption, it is not required to undergo the full approval process by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE), it should be stated that, as per the California Education Code § 94897 (l), approval to operate means compliance with state standards as set forth in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009, and the regulations of the CEC section given above.
Rochester University 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 Candidacy as a Category III institution by the TRACS Accreditation Commission on April 29, 2025.
This status is effective as of January 1, 2025, and is good through December 31, 2029. 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).