The college was founded in 1927.[2]: 69 It was originally named Los Angeles Baptist College and Seminary. In 1961, it moved to NewhallinSanta Clarita, California.[3] 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.[3] In 2016, the school underwent another name change and became The Master's University.[4] In June 2019 John MacArthur stepped down as president and became chancellor and John Stead, a faculty member since 1970, became the interim president.[5][6] In 2020, Sam Horn[7] became president of The Master's University and Seminary. John Stead in his 50th year at TMU took the role of Senior Vice President.[7] Dr. Abner Chou now serves as the Interim President[8] of TMUS.
The university consists of seven schools[10] offering bachelor's degrees[11] and master's degrees,[12] including several bachelor's degrees that are offered fully online.[13] The associated seminary offers a Bachelor of Theology (Th.B.) for those with an associate degree, master's degrees, and Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.[14]
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.[15] The university has an extension campus, Israel Bible Extension (IBEX) in the Jerusalem vicinity.[16]
The university's schools[17] are the School of Biblical Studies, Pearl C. Schaffer School of Education, John P. Stead School of Humanities, School of Music, School of Online Education, School of Business & Communication, School of Science, Mathematics, Technology & Health.
The university prohibits "homosexuality or bisexual conduct" by students in its student handbook.[25] The university may legally expel LGBT students because it has a religious exemption from anti-discrimination laws.[26] Chancellor John MacArthur has spoken and written at length in university publications about the threat he perceives from the gay agenda, asserting that "biblical love excludes homosexuality because of its sinfulness."[27]
The Master's compete in 18 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, swimming & diving, track & field (outdoor) and volleyball; while women's sports include basketball, beach volleyball, cross country, golf, soccer, swimming & diving, track & field (indoor and outdoor) and volleyball.[31]
Curtis Lewis, head coach of the women's soccer team, won the NAIA Women's Soccer Coach of the Year Award in 2008. In 2009, Jim Rickard won the NAIA Men's Soccer Coach of the Year Award.[32]
