Frequently Asked Questions | Statement of Faith

What theological position does LCU take?
The theological position of the University, reflected in the curriculum, is based on the truth that God wants to bless and protect His children, servants, and ministers.  LCU takes a Spirit-filled, Word of Faith approach in its teachings, believing that every Christian has the ability to be empowered by the Holy Spirit for a victorious and useful life through the experience of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, in addition to the New Birth experience; that faith in God’s Word for His various covenant promises can be continually increased in the believer’s life through consistent meditation on the Word, along with prayer. LCU believes the covenant promises of God include – but are not limited to – divine healing and health, divine provision and prosperity, divine peace and unity in one’s home, divine guidance for one’s life, and God’s anointing to fulfill one’s calling.  For more information, see LCU’s Statement of Faith in the LCU Student Handbook and Course Catalog.

What is your accreditation?
We have chosen to be accredited through Transworld Accrediting Commission International. Now in their 22nd year, TAC accredits and assists Biblical theological schools, seminaries, universities, colleges, and institutes throughout the world. They provide supervision for over 100 member institutions, including major denominations and well-known world-wide ministries, in 23 states within the USA and 6 countries.

Transworld Accrediting Commission International is an independent accrediting agency that exists to help the religious world obtain accreditation that is not government affiliated. All TAC member institutions around the world accept credits from other member schools, if the credits apply to their programs.

How much time will I need to complete my LCU degree?
Students attend classes just one day (or evening) per week for three hours of study, taking only one concentrated course at a time.  The additional work required for the course, such as reading the text books and writing research papers as required, is done by the student at home on their own time, allowing minimum disruption of the student’s family time. Students continue to accumulate credits, generally completing 30 semester hours of credit each year. At this rate, it would take 4 years to accumulate 120 hours of credit, which is required for a bachelor’s degree. After receiving their bachelor’s degree, a high percentage of LCU students continue advancing their education through the master’s and doctoral levels.

Can I transfer credits from other schools?
Transfer credit from liberal arts or ministry-related institutions is allowed, but only to the extent that it does not detract from the valuable, life-changing education that students receive from LCU courses.  For more information, see the LCU Student Handbook and Course Catalog.

How much is tuition?
Undergraduate tuition is $160 per 3-credit-hour course and graduate tuition is $190 per 3-credit-hour course.  For complete information on all student tuition and fees for all programs, see the LCU Student Handbook and Course Catalog.

Several of my favorite Bible teachers hold degrees from LCU.  What other distinguished graduates do you have?
Many internationally notable ministers have chosen to receive earned LCU degrees by virtue of advanced standing awarded for published works.  Their books are frequently used as texts in the LCU curriculum.  The list of distinguished ministers include Dr. Joyce Meyer, Drs. Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, Dr. Benny Hinn, Drs. Rodney and Adonica Howard-Browne, Dr. Rick Renner, Dr. Norvel Hayes, Dr. Mike Francen, Dr. Terry Law, Dr. Dennis Burke, Dr. Larry Ollison, Dr. Billye Brim, Dr. Dick Mills, Dr. Terry Mize, Dr. Bob Harrison, Dr.Christopher Alam, and many others.

What are LCU graduates doing today?
Our graduates are currently serving as pastors, youth pastors, children’s pastors and ministers, Bible teachers, hospital chaplains, chaplains for the county jail, personal evangelists as well as evangelists holding mass crusades, missionaries, heads of homeless missions, university professors, instructors, and campus directors, worship team leaders and team members,  as well as Sunday school teachers, home cell group leaders, and countless other helps ministers.

How long has LCU been in operation?
Life Christian University has been proclaiming the life-transforming power of God’s Word for twelve years.  Founded in 1995 by Dr. Douglas Wingate, Life Christian University has endeavored to provide the highest quality ministry education possible to ministry students throughout the world.  One of the fastest growing Christian universities in the country, Life Christian University is known for making theology come alive by focusing on the practical applications of Scripture.

Where is the Main Campus?
The LCU Main Campus is located in Tampa, Florida.  Here Dr. Wingate and various faculty members have written the courses and developed the programs for degrees in Theology, Biblical Studies, Christian Counseling, Music Ministry, Church Administration, and Christian Education. 

Where else can a student study LCU curriculum? 
LCU’s educational programs are also offered through campuses housed in local churches throughout the world. LCU provides these campuses with all of the curriculum and administrative tools they need to offer an accredited education leading to a variety of degrees.  These campuses chose anointed men and women of God, who are actively ministering in their local communities, to educate and mentor future ministers.  Such decentralization provides area pastors, ministers, and church members with ministry training in their own home towns. These students do not need to leave their employment positions or their current ministry responsibilities in order to study for improvement and advancement in ministry. They do not have to relocate their families or incur educational debt in order to fulfill God’s calling on their lives.

How many other churches use LCU’s educational materials?
After its first twelve years of operation, Life Christian University’s educational programs are being used in over 100 campuses in 30 states of the U.S. and 13 foreign countries. LCU has experienced a miraculous average growth rate of 35% per year, graduating over 10,000 quality ministers in its short history.  This growth, combined with excellence in education, has gained LCU international recognition.

What are the future plans of LCU?
Dr. Wingate, President of LCU, has great expectations for the future of the University: “The basic needs of mankind never change – in fact, they seem to grow more urgent as the time of the return of the Lord Jesus draws near.  Life Christian University is more dedicated than ever to do its part in the great end-time harvest.  The need for ministers of the Gospel, who will walk in integrity and excellence, proclaiming the life-transforming power of God’s Word, has never been greater throughout the whole earth.  We believe that with God’s grace, we will be able to stay the miraculous course that has been set before us, and go on to affect the lives of multiple millions of souls for the Kingdom of God.”