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 yet another name change and became The Master's University. In June 2019 John MacArthur stepped down as president and became chancellor and John Stead, a faculty member since 1970, became the interim president. In 2020, Sam Horn became president of The Master's University and Seminary. John Stead in his 50th year at TMU took the role of Senior Vice President.
Academics
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 associated seminary offers a Bachelor of Theology for those with an associate degree, master's degrees, and Doctor of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. 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 in the Jerusalem vicinity.
Accreditation
The university has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges since 1975. In July 2018, it was placed on probation. WASC found the institution in violation of multiple standards of accreditation, including competing loyalties among its board of directors, a lack of operational integrity, and a pattern of unethical treatment among faculty and staff. The visiting accreditation team observed – and received reports of – a climate of fear, intimidation, bullying, and uncertainty among significant numbers of faculty and staff. WASC stated its "extreme concern" that the university might be in violation of required reporting responsibilities under the Clery Act, the Violence Against Women Act, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. The university has less than two years to remedy the perceived problems and avoid withdrawal of its accreditation; it has said that it is working to correct them. The School of Music is further accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
