HISTORY

HISTORY

The founding of San Diego Christian College (formerly Christian Heritage College) was generated through the vision of Dr. Tim F. LaHaye, then pastor of the large and dynamic Scott Memorial Baptist Church of San Diego. He had been concerned for several years about the need for a new Christian college on the west coast. He invited his friend from his college days, Dr. Art Peters, a pastor from Oregon, to consider joining him in the project. In January 1970, Dr. Peters became Associate Pastor of Scott Memorial Baptist Church.

That same month, Dr. LaHaye met Dr. Henry Morris at Biola College where both were speakers at the Torrey Memorial Bible Conference. Dr. Morris was then on the faculty of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute, where he had been Chairman of its Civil Engineering Department for twelve years. He had written several books on Christian evidences and scientific creationism and became convinced of the need for a Christian college and research center where all studies could be developed within the framework of biblical creationism.

A series of consultations among these three men led to the decision to begin the college in the fall of 1970, under the sponsorship of Scott Memorial Baptist Church. Freshman and sophomore classes were offered during 1970-71, with junior and senior classes added during the next two years. The first graduates were awarded degrees in June of 1973.

Classes met in the San Diego church building for the first three years. This was soon outgrown, and both the Church and College urgently needed new facilities. After much prayer and searching, a beautiful campus and church building, with dormitories, classroom buildings, and other facilities became available in El Cajon. Scott Memorial Baptist Church (now Shadow Mountain Community Church) purchased the 32-acre complex. San Diego Christian College and Shadow Mountain Community Church shared the use of these buildings and grounds.

The first six years were characterized by rapidly expanding enrollments, development of new academic programs with the addition of faculty and staff members. A significant milestone was reached in 1976 when Christian Heritage College was awarded the status of Candidate for Accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

The first six years were characterized by rapidly expanding enrollments, development of new academic programs with the addition of faculty and staff members. A significant milestone was reached in 1976 when Christian Heritage College was awarded the status of Candidate for Accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

research division of the College, became a separate educational organization. The Graduate School of the Institute for Creation Research now offers M.S. degrees in Astro/Geophysics, Biology, Geology, and Science Education. Although separate organizations, the College and Institute continue to maintain an excellent relationship.

In 1982, Christian Heritage College was accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Schools (now Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools). In February 1984, Christian Heritage College was accredited by the Senior Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

In the 1986-87 academic year, the College changed to a semester calendar. This modification made it possible to add intercollegiate athletic programs and afforded students the opportunity to participate more fully in extra-curricular and Student Life activities.

Christian Heritage College was always committed to equipping students through an education that trains both mind and heart. In 2005, the College changed its name and continued that mission as San Diego Christian College.

SDCC offers Bachelor degree programs in Aviation, Biblical Studies, Biological Science, Business Administration, Communication, English, Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science, Leadership & Justice, Liberal Studies, and Psychology. There is also an option for an Interdisciplinary degree that is structured to combine two or more program areas. In 1992, the College extended its mission with the addition of an Online degree completion program, aimed to serve working adults. The program currently offers degree tracks in Business Management, Christian Ministries, Communication, Human Development, Leadership, and Psychology. Courses are offered online and onsite.

In the effort to extend research and promote the development of scholars, San Diego Christian College established the first graduate programs in 2015. Currently, SDCC offers two Master degree programs. The Master of Arts in Teaching is designed to support candidates with California Teaching Credentials to further their scholarship and to explore the professional demands of the classroom. The Master of Science in Leadership offers three professional emphases in Organization, Education, and Christian Counseling for graduate candidates to master a deeper knowledge of the core leadership principles of vision, communication, ethics, and emotional intelligence.

SDCC has students enrolled from a variety of states, as well as other countries throughout the world. The institutional mission remains focused on equipping students in the truth of scripture to contribute to society and thereby influence the world.