University of South Los Angeles

The University of South Los Angeles School of Theology is committed to preparing men and women for Christian living and church-related ministry. The general purpose of education is to secure for students an appropriate wealth of knowledge so that they will know that they are God’s creation, made in His image, (Genesis 1:26-27) as spiritual moral, rational, social and physical beings, although all people are sinners and have a sinful nature due to Adam’s sin.  Education must also teach students that they are intended to become like Jesus as they mature in their beliefs and behaviors (Romans 8:29). More importantly, individuals thus can know what the purpose of their lives is, and what they are supposed to be only by knowing what God’s plan is. They can live as they are intended to live according to the purpose of His calling.

Creation means that there is an objective truth about our world, however because we are human, our knowledge is subjective and fallible. God is a God of order who can be known through logical methods of instruction and learning. The objective content of truth directs us to objective methods of teaching. Students are persons with a physical body and a spirit. The fact that students are individuals requires personal approaches to teaching. The purpose of conforming to Christ’s image necessarily focuses the process of teaching on evaluation.

The primary purpose of the School of Theology is to offer both undergraduate and graduate theological curricula to equip students for Christian ministry as ordained ministers, evangelists, Christian education teachers, missionary workers, and youth ministers. Its secondary purpose is to encourage people to develop Christian commitment and integrity.  Students will be exposed to a nucleus of courses that will equip them with appropriate professional knowledge and skills essential for their chosen field of service and activity.

Required courses are also designed so that students will have the opportunity to choose an area for specialized vocational and ministerial preparation.