Biola University was founded in 1913 by Lyman Stewart and T.C Horton, and the college's mission is to produce "Biblically-centered education, scholarship and service." The university has six different schools: Theology, Psychology, Intercultural Studies, Business, Arts and Sciences and Education. All classes at the Biola are guided by conservative, evangelical Christian teaching, and the Talbot School of Theology prepares students for ministry. The school offers a range of degree programs that include Bible Exposition, Philosophy of Religion and Ethics and Spiritual Formation.
Pepperdine University has six different campuses, the nearest one to the center of Los Angeles being the West Los Angeles Graduate Campus, just off the San Diego Freeway. The university has five schools, and offers teaching from a balanced Christian perspective. In terms of direct theology education, the college offers courses in Ministry, Vocational Ministry and Master of Divinity. Pepperdine is affiliated with the Churches of Christ, and was awarded full university status in 1970.
Azusa Pacific University is situated 26 miles north east of Los Angeles, and provides students with an education that is firmly based around scripture. One of a total of eight schools within the university, the School of Theology has 15 undergraduate and graduate degree programs available, divided between Practical Theology, Theology and Philosophy and Biblical Studies. Its Los Angeles Regional Campus is located on Wilshire Boulevard, close to the center of the city. Azusa Pacific has other campuses located in San Bernadino, Victorville and San Diego.
Founded in 1922, La Sierra University bases all teaching on Seventh day Adventist values. It is based in Riverside, an hour from the center of Los Angeles, and offers more than 60 undergraduate programs, covering a broad range of subjects. Its School of Religion provides a main undergraduate degree, the Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies, and it also offers non-degree seminary training, aimed at providing practical, vocational teaching for those wishing to go straight into ministry.