State Consumer INFORMATION—Basis for Religious Exemption

Basis for Religious Exemption Under California Education Code § 94874(e)

The following statements outline how Andrew University meets each of the statutory criteria for exemption.

1. Nonprofit Religious Corporation

Andrew University is owned, controlled, operated, and maintained by Thousand Oaks Baptist Church, a nonprofit religious corporation organized under the California Corporations Code for religious and educational purposes.

Documents establishing this status include:

  • Articles of Incorporation specifying a religious purpose

  • Bylaws identifying governance by a faith-based board

2. Instruction Limited to Religious Education

In full compliance with CEC § 94874(e), all educational programs of Andrew University are strictly limited to:

  • Theology and biblical studies

  • Christian ministry and pastoral leadership

  • Spiritual formation, discipleship, and Christian ethics

  • The beliefs and practices of the sponsoring religious organization

Andrew University does not offer any secular, vocational, or professional programs outside the domain of religious education.

3. Degrees and Diplomas Limited to Religious Fields

Andrew University awards only religious degrees and diplomas, including:

  • Certificate in Biblical Studies

  • Master of Arts in Christian Studies (M.A.C.S.)

  • Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)

Each credential:

  • Represents completion of religious instruction only

  • Is intended to prepare students for ministry, theological study, or personal spiritual development

  • Is not intended as a secular academic, professional, or occupational qualification

No degrees or diplomas are offered outside of theology, biblical studies, or ministry-related fields.

4. No Degrees in Physical Science

In compliance with CEC § 94874(e)(3), Andrew University:

  • Offers no degree, diploma, or certificate in any field of physical science, including biology, chemistry, physics, geology, environmental science, or related areas

  • Does not provide programs that could be construed as secular professional preparation

If courses engage with science (e.g., “Science and Faith”), they are theological or philosophical, not scientific curricula.

5. Compliance With Exemption Regulations (5 CCR § 71395)

Andrew University maintains all documentation required to demonstrate exemption, including:

  • Institutional identity and contact information

  • Religious-corporation verification

  • Catalog of programs limited to religious instruction

  • Descriptions of degrees and certificates confirming religious content

  • Disclosure statements required under Education Code § 94874.5

These records are available to BPPE upon request.

Summary Statement

Andrew University operates in California as a nonprofit, faith-based, religious-exempt institution under California Education Code § 94874(e). All programs are strictly theological and ministry-focused. Degrees are religious in nature, and neither the degrees nor the institution are approved, evaluated, or endorsed by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Credits earned at Andrew University may not be transferable, and its degrees may have limited recognition outside of religious contexts.

BPPE has not reviewed, approved, or endorsed the academic quality of Andrew University.

Verification of exemption indicates only that the institution qualifies for the religious exemption and does not constitute BPPE approval or accreditation.