Welcome to Smith Christian University (Formerly New Mt. Sinai Christian University)

Accreditation & Approvals

Smith Christian University has its own independent Board of Trustees and is a non-profit corporation under Internal Revenue Service code of 1986, as amended, section 501(c)(3).

Authorization to Grant Degrees

Degree programs of study offered by Smith Christian University have been declared exempt from the requirements for licensure under the provisions of the Florida State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities (SBICU) and continues to do so as a registered institution with the Florida Commission for Independent Education (FCIE), with respect to religious education. Every other institute of higher learning in the State offering legitimate degrees operates under the same statute. Additional information regarding the institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 W. Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 32399.

After examination of our documents and a visit by the State, Smith Christian University was found exempt and permission was granted to begin the degree programs in June of 2006. In accordance with the provision of the Florida Department of Education General Statues Section 1005.06(1)(f), Smith Christian University offers the following degrees:

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Christian Leadership
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with majors in: Bible & Humanities, Biblical Studies, Christian Clinical Counseling & Psychology, Christian Business Management & Leadership, Religious Education, Youth Ministry, and Christian Education Leadership
Master of Arts (M.A.) with majors in: Pulpit Communication & Expository Preaching, Christian Political and Cultural Advocacy, Religious Education, Christian Management & Leadership, Conflict Management, Biblical Studies, Christian Clinical Counseling & Psychology, Practical Ministry & Counseling, Conflict Management, and Theology
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) with a major in Executive Ministry Leadership
Master of Divinity (M.Div.) with majors in: Bible & Theology, Biblical Counseling, and Pastoral Ministry
Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) with majors in: Biblical Counseling, Christian Management & Leadership, Conflict Management, Pastoral Ministry, and Pulpit Communication & Expository Preaching
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) with majors in: Biblical Counseling, Christian Education, Christian Management & Leadership, Christian Theology, Conflict Management, Pulpit Communication & Expository Preaching
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) with majors in: Christian Thought & Philosophy, Christian Clinical Counseling & Psychology, Christian Counseling, and Church & State Studies
Undergraduate & Graduate Certificates with majors in: Administration, Biblical Counseling, Christian Education, Conflict Management, Expository Preaching, Languages, New Testament, Pastoral Ministry, and Theology

Membership

Smith Christian University is authorized and recognized to operate and to confer academic degrees (Associate of Arts and Science, Bachelor of Arts and Science, Master of Arts and Science, and Doctoral degrees) and to award diplomas (High School Diplomas) by the Florida State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities (SBICU) and continues to do so as a registered institution with the Florida Commission for Independent Education (FCIE). Additional information regarding the institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 W. Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 32399.
Smith Christian University International is Registered and Listed with the Florida Department of Education and meets all requirements as a non-public schools, in accordance with State of Florida Statutes, Sec. 229.808. Registered No. 0907 - Tallahassee, Florida.

Smith Christian University International is a registered member of The National Secondary School List of Educational Testing Services College Board (SAT/ACT Testing Program) - Princeton, New Jersey.
Smith Christian University International is a registered member of The National Secondary School List of Education Testing Services to offer the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Registered No. 4205.

Accreditation

Smith Christian University is a member of the Transworld Accrediting Commission (TAC) [9085 California Avenue, Riverside, California 92503] having been awarded Reaffirmation of Accreditation status as a Category IV institution by the TAC Accreditation Commission on December 15, 2007. Transworld Accrediting Commission is a private accrediting association that recognizes our religious educational program. SCU is considered by TAC to have fulfilled the requirements of Associate Member by "developing and maintaining a viable educational program in keeping with the spirit of excellence for all Christian ministerial endeavors," and in doing so, has been granted Accredited Member status.
Smith Christian University is professionally accredited through the Association of Independent Colleges and Seminries as a Category IV institution.
Smith Christian University is a recognized member (affiliate) with the Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education. The Association for Biblical Higher Education is recognized by both the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U. S. Department of Education.

The majority of the Smith Christian University faculty are credentialed with doctorate degrees from accredited institutions. SCU's faculty includes professors trained in or teaching at institutions such as:

Trinity International University
Florida International University
University of Technology
Philips Graduate Institute
St. Thomas University
Barry University
Florida Memorial University
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
University of Phoenix
University of Michigan
Asbury Theological Seminary

Each year, Smith Christian University pursues comprehensive academic evaluations made by faculty from other accredited institutions. These external examiners who do not teach for Smith Christian University assess student learning outcomes in light of the:

mission and objectives of the institution
academic rigor of course requirements by degree level
integrity of student work
institutional services
faculty development

This external assessment guides SCU in its internal processes of curriculum development, and also determines the targeted quality for its courses and programs.