Non-Profit Religious University
Oxnard, California
Oxnard University, a non-profit religious institution, exists to provide accessible, biblically grounded theological education that integrates faith, scholarship, and compassionate service. Committed to academic excellence and spiritual formation, the University offers all degree programs in both residential and online formats, serving traditional students, working ministers, and international learners alike.
All programs listed in this catalog are available through two equivalent pathways:
Residential (On Campus) – Instruction delivered at the Oxnard, California campus, featuring face‑to‑face seminars, chapel community, physical library resources, and in‑person faculty mentorship.
Distance (Online) – Synchronous and asynchronous instruction via the University’s learning management system, with live virtual classes, recorded lectures, digital library access, and online office hours.
No distinction is made on diplomas or transcripts between residential and online completion.
Oxnard University operates on a quarter system consisting of four instructional terms per academic year.
Term
Duration
Winter Term
October – December
Spring Term
January – March
Summer Term
April – June
Fall Term
July – September
Students may begin any degree program at the start of any term. Course availability varies by term; please consult the online course schedule prior to registration.
Program
Degree Abbreviation
Credit Hours
Minimum Prerequisite
Doctor of Theology
Th.D.
60 post‑master’s
M.Div. or Th.M.
Doctor of Religious Counseling
D.R.C.
54 post‑master’s
Master’s in counseling or theology
Doctor of Healing Ministry
D.H.M.
54 post‑master’s
Master’s in ministry or theology
Doctor of Theology (Th.D.)
A research doctoral degree emphasizing original contribution to biblical, historical, or systematic theology. Candidates complete a dissertation defense and two advanced research seminars.
Doctor of Religious Counseling (D.R.C.)
A professional doctorate integrating clinical counseling competencies with pastoral theology. Prepares graduates for licensed pastoral counseling, clinical chaplaincy, and faith‑based mental health leadership.
Doctor of Healing Ministry (D.H.M.)
A practice‑oriented doctorate focused on spiritual, emotional, and physical healing within congregational and institutional settings. Coursework includes prayer ministry, trauma care, hospital chaplaincy, and deliverance theology.
Program
Degree Abbreviation
Credit Hours
Master of Theology
Th.M.
36
Master of Religious Education
M.R.E.
36
Master of Religious Counseling
M.R.C.
42
Master of Divinity
M.Div.
72
Master of Theology (Th.M.)
An advanced academic degree for students holding an M.Div. or equivalent, providing deeper exegetical and theological training. May serve as a pathway to doctoral studies.
Master of Religious Education (M.R.E.)
Professional degree for Christian educators, curriculum developers, and Sunday school directors. Emphasizes educational psychology, lesson design, adult learning theory, and intergenerational faith formation.
Master of Religious Counseling (M.R.C.)
Graduate training in pastoral counseling with supervised practicum. Integrates psychological assessment techniques with biblical models of soul care.
Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
The standard professional degree for ordination and pastoral ministry. Includes biblical languages (Greek and Hebrew options), homiletics, liturgics, pastoral care, and church administration.
Program
Degree Abbreviation
Credit Hours
Bachelor of Theology
B.Th.
120
Bachelor of Religious Education
B.R.E.
120
Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.)
Undergraduate foundation in biblical interpretation, historical theology, and systematic doctrine. Designed for students preparing for lay ministry, youth pastoring, or graduate theological studies.
Bachelor of Religious Education (B.R.E.)
Focuses on the theory and practice of teaching the Christian faith in church, parachurch, and school environments. Includes a supervised teaching practicum.
Level
Minimum Requirement
Bachelor’s
High school diploma or equivalent
Master’s
Accredited bachelor’s degree (any field)
Doctorate
Accredited master’s degree in theology, ministry, counseling, or related field
Full admission requirements, including application deadlines, tuition rates, financial aid, and transfer credit policies, are available in the official University Catalog supplement.