{{Short description|Christian university in Azusa, California, US}} {{Multiple issues| {{Primary sources|date=June 2019}} {{Ad|date=May 2025}} }} {{Use American English|date=September 2025}} {{Infobox university | name = Azusa Pacific University | native_name = | image = 200px | former_name = Training School for Christian Workers (1899–1939)<br />Pacific Bible College (1939–1956)<br />Azusa College (1956–1965)<br />Azusa-Pacific College (1965–1981) | image_size = 100 | latin_name = | motto = "''God First''" | established = {{Start date and age|1899}} | type = Private research university | accreditation = WSCUC | religious_affiliation = evangelical Christian<br />(Inter-denominational) | academic_affiliations = CCCU<br />NAICU<br />CIC<br/>Space-grant | endowment = | president = Adam J. Morris | provost = Anita Henck | students = 7,120 | undergrad = 3,795 | postgrad = 3,703 | doctoral = | city = Azusa, California | country = United States | coordinates = {{Coord|34.12971|N|117.88888|W|source:placeopedia|display=inline,title}} | campus = Suburban, {{convert|105|acre|ha}} on two campuses | free_label = | free = | athletics_affiliations = NCAA Division II – PacWest<br />GCC | colors = Brick (Pantone 1807) and Black<br />{{color box|#A8353A}}&nbsp;{{color box|#000000}} | sports_nickname = Cougars | mascot = Freddy the Cougar | logo = 250px | logo_size = 200 | website = {{url|https://www.apu.edu/|apu.edu}} | footnotes = | administrative_staff = 628 | faculty = 947 }}

'''Azusa Pacific University''' ('''APU''') is a private evangelical research university in Azusa, California, United States. The university was founded in 1899 in Whittier, California, with classes first held on March 3, 1900, and degrees offered in 1939. The university's seminary, the Graduate School of Theology, holds to a Wesleyan-Arminian doctrinal theology.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.apu.edu/theology/faq/|title=School of Theology: FAQs on Biblical Authority|website=www.apu.edu}}</ref> APU offers more than 100 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs on campus, online, and at seven regional locations across Southern California.

Azusa Pacific University is organized into several colleges and schools: The College of Arts, Humanities, Sciences, and Theology (School of the Arts, School of Humanities and Sciences, School of Theology); the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences (School of Education, School of Behavioral Sciences); the College of Nursing and Health Sciences (School of Nursing, School of Health Sciences); the School of Business and Management (including the Leung School of Accounting); and Azusa Pacific Seminary.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.apu.edu/provost/schools/|title=Academic Schools and Centers - Office of the Provost - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2026-03-18}}</ref> APU is accredited by the [https://www.wscuc.org/ WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)], and also has 14 professional accreditations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.apu.edu/provost/accreditation/|title=APU Accreditation}}</ref>

==History== {| class="floatright" style="margin-left:0.5em; padding:0.2em; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1;" |+ History |- | style="width:150pt;"|Training School for Christian Workers||'''Established'''||1899 |- | style="width:150pt;"|Pacific Bible College||'''Renamed'''||1939 |- | style="width:150pt;"|Azusa College||'''Renamed'''||1956 |- | style="width:150pt;"|Azusa Pacific College and<br />Arlington College||'''Merged'''||1968 |- | style="width:150pt;"|Azusa Pacific University||'''Renamed'''||1981 |}Azusa Pacific University was established on March 3, 1899, in Whittier, California.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/researchandgrants/pdfs/archive/2008/september_2008.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=February 15, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031032551/http://www.apu.edu/researchandgrants/pdfs/archive/2008/september_2008.pdf |archive-date=October 31, 2014 }}</ref> Under the name '''Training School for Christian Workers''', it was the first Bible college on the West Coast. Led by president Mary A. Hill, the school initially had a total enrollment of 12 students.<ref name="http://www.apu.edu/about/history">{{Cite web|url=https://www.apu.edu/about/history/|title=About APU: Our History|website=www.apu.edu}}</ref>

Early years saw the school relocate and change leadership several times. In 1939, Cornelius P. Haggard became the school's 13th president. In response to low enrollment and a lack of donations, Haggard launched a variety of fundraising efforts. Haggard served for the next 36 years.<ref name="http://www.apu.edu/about/history" />

Following mergers with three Southern California colleges, the university relocated in 1946 to the city of Azusa, where it resides today. In 1939 the Training School became '''Pacific Bible College''', and four-year degrees were offered. In 1956, the name was changed to '''Azusa College'''. By 1965, Azusa College had become '''Azusa-Pacific College''' ('''APC'''), and three years later, APC merged with Arlington College.<ref name="http://www.apu.edu/about/history" /> Upon its achievement of university status in 1981, the college changed its name to Azusa Pacific University.<ref name="http://www.apu.edu/about/history" />

After Haggard's death, Paul E. Sago became president, serving until 1989. Sago encouraged the development and growth of off-site educational regional campuses throughout Southern California, and presided over the addition of master's degree programs and the development of schools within the university.<ref name="http://www.apu.edu/about/history" />

Richard E. Felix, became president in 1990, and initiated the university's first doctoral programs. He also introduced the university's "Four Cornerstones," Christ, Scholarship, Community, and Service, and oversaw the construction of seven new buildings, a doubling of student enrollment, and a quadrupling of graduate programs.<ref name="http://www.apu.edu/about/history" />

When nearby institution, Ambassador College closed in 1997, the Worldwide Church of God and Azusa Pacific University jointly established the ''Ambassador Center'' at Azusa Pacific University for the continuation of classes for former Ambassador College students.

In November 2000, then-Executive Vice President Jon R. Wallace, DBA, became president.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/president/about/|title=About the President|publisher=Azusa Pacific University}}</ref> In April 2018, Wallace announced his plan to retire and accepted his new role as president emeritus.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|url=http://www.sgvtribune.com/azusa-pacific-university-announces-new-president|title=Azusa Pacific University announces new president|date=2019-04-11|website=San Gabriel Valley Tribune|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-13}}</ref>

In 2017, a new independent economic study found that APU generates $1.25 billion in economic impact within California each year. Of that, APU contributes $37 million in state taxes each year and supports 7,260 jobs statewide. The report also found approximately 47,500 APU alumni reside within California, increasing the state's productivity and earning power. Of those, 10,600 APU alumni and 600 APU employees live in the San Gabriel Valley.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Azusa Pacific Economic Impact - About APU - Azusa Pacific University|url=https://www.apu.edu/about/economic-impact/|access-date=2019-06-13|website=www.apu.edu|language=en}}</ref>

Paul W. Ferguson was named APU’s 17<sup>th</sup> president in April 2019<ref name=":8" />, then retired during the fall 2021 semester.<ref>{{Cite web|date=18 May 2021|title=Azusa Pacific University President to Retire|url=https://www.apu.edu/media/news/release/azusa-pacific-university-president-to-retire/|last=APU Media Relations}}</ref> Adam J. Morris became the 18<sup>th</sup> president of APU in July 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|date=1 March 2022|title=Azusa Pacific University Names Dr. Adam J. Morris as 18 President|url=https://www.apu.edu/media/news/release/azusa-pacific-university-names-dr-adam-j-morris-as-18thpresident/|last=APU Media Relations}}</ref> Morris has overseen the implementation of a new strategic plan called the Nehemiah Initiative;<sup>[11]</sup> a renewed focus on APU’s Christ-centered mission;<ref>{{Cite web |title=Azusa Pacific Strategic Plan |url=https://www.apu.edu/strategic-plan/}}</ref> a new General Education program;<ref>{{Cite web |title=The APU Core - Provost - Azusa Pacific University |url=https://www.apu.edu/provost/general-education/ |access-date=2026-03-30 |website=www.apu.edu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Strengthening Our Core |url=https://www.apu.edu/articles/strengthening-our-core/ |access-date=2026-03-30 |website=www.apu.edu}}</ref> the establishment of the Institute for Faith, Learning, and Service;<ref>{{Cite web |title=APU Receives $5M Lilly Grant for Faith Formation in Young Adults |url=https://www.apu.edu/media/news/release/apu-receives-5-million-grant-lilly/ |access-date=2026-03-30 |website=www.apu.edu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Institute for Faith, Leadership, and Service - Azusa Pacific University |url=https://www.apu.edu/faith-leadership-service/ |access-date=2026-03-30 |website=www.apu.edu}}</ref> the construction of the Military and Veterans Center;<ref>{{Cite web |title=Azusa Pacific University Receives Historic $10 Million Gift |url=https://www.apu.edu/media/news/release/azusa-pacific-university-receives-historic-10-million-gift/ |access-date=2026-03-30 |website=www.apu.edu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=APU Military and Veterans Center Project Progress |url=https://www.apu.edu/advancement/military-veterans-center/ |access-date=2026-03-30 |website=www.apu.edu}}</ref> and the return of APU’s football program.<ref>{{Cite web |title=APU Announces Return of Football, Transition to NCAA Division III |url=https://www.apu.edu/media/news/release/azusa-pacific-university-announces-return-of-football-transition-to-ncaa-division-iii/ |access-date=2026-03-30 |website=www.apu.edu}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=A New Era in Cougar Athletics |url=https://www.apu.edu/articles/a-new-era-in-cougar-athletics/ |access-date=2026-03-30 |website=www.apu.edu}}</ref>

As of February 2022, Moody’s Investors Service affirmed APU’s Ba2 issuer rating with a stable outlook, reflecting the university’s improved liquidity, growing cash and investments, and management’s efforts to align expenses with revenue, despite previous financial challenges and a competitive environment in Southern California.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moody’s |date=February 17, 2022 |title=California Municipal Finance Authority -- Moody's affirms Azusa Pacific University's (CA) Ba2 issuer rating; outlook stable |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/california-municipal-finance-authority-moodys-012308852.html |website=Yahoo}}</ref>

=== Religious Affiliations === A small group of Quakers (also known as Friends) and a Methodist evangelist laid the foundation for the Training School for Christian Workers in 1899.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

As faculty members began to embrace Evangelicalism and reject a growing liberal trend in the California Yearly Meeting of Friends, a campus church was established in 1933. This shift moved the "school church" from the local Huntington Park Friends Church to the on-campus worship gathering. The new campus church planted eight "tabernacles" throughout California which collectively became known as the Evangel Church denomination.

The series of college mergers and campus re-locations which followed helped to solidify the school's identity as an Evangelical institution.<ref name="http://www.apu.edu/about/history"/>

===Presidents=== The university has had a total of 18 presidents since its founding.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.apu.edu/president/about/formerpresidents/|title=Former APU Presidents - Office of the President - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en|access-date=2019-06-13}}</ref>

==Academics== {{Infobox US university ranking | USNWR_NU = 266 (Best National Universities) | WSJ_NU = 62 | Forbes = 262 }}

Azusa Pacific University academic resources include the Writing Center, Accessibility Services, Testing Services, Tutoring Services, university libraries, Math Center, Academic Success Center, and the Graduate and Professional Registrar. Special programs include the Friends Center, Honors College, Sigma Theta Tau (Iota Sigma), and the Western Conservancy of Nursing History.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/academics/|title=Academics - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-07}}</ref>

=== Rankings === In addition to the rankings at the top of this section, the ''Wall Street Journal'' also named APU the No. 1 Christian university in California, the top nationally ranked institution in the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, and No. 1 for Best Salaries for Graduates among Christian universities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=APU Ranked the Top Christian University in California by The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.apu.edu/media/news/release/apu-ranked-the-top-christian-university-in-california-for-second-consecutive-year-by-the-wall-street-journal/ |access-date=2026-04-06 |website=www.apu.edu}}</ref>

=== University Libraries and Special Collections === The APU libraries include the William V. Marshburn Library (East Campus), the Hugh and Hazel Darling Library (West Campus), the Stamps Theological Library (West Campus), and off-campus libraries supporting academic programs at the APU High Desert, Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and Murrieta locations.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/library/collections/|title=Libraries and Collections - University Libraries - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-07}}</ref>

A unified catalog identifies the more than 240,000 books, media items, and 1,900 periodical titles in the libraries' print collections. More than 703,000 microforms include the Library of American Civilization, Library of American Literature, ''The New York Times'', and Educational Resources Information Center collections. The university network also provides access to more than 140 online databases, which include more than 46,000 electronic journals.<ref name=":0" />

In the fall of 2009, Azusa Pacific University acquired a collection of antiquities, including five fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls and five first-edition prints of the King James Bible.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2009/09/azusa-pacific-acquires-fragments-of-dead-sea-scrolls.html | work=Los Angeles Times | title=Culture Monster | date=2009-09-09}}</ref> These new acquisitions were displayed in an exhibit, Treasures of the Bible: The Dead Sea Scrolls and Beyond, in summer 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.apu.edu/media/news/release/14307/|title=Azusa Pacific University Acquires Five Dead Sea Scroll Fragments and Rare Biblical Artifacts|date=September 3, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2009/09/azusa-pacific-acquires-fragments-of-dead-sea-scrolls.html/|title=Azusa Pacific Acquires fragments of Dead Sea Scrolls |date=September 9, 2009 | work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>

Special collections of Azusa Pacific University are housed in the Thomas F. Andrews Room of the Hugh and Hazel Darling Library, located on APU's West Campus. The special collections consist of over 6,500 holdings ranging from presidential signatures to historical citrus crate labels.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/library/specialcollections/|title=Special Collections - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-07}}</ref>

=== Research === Azusa Pacific University is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity".<ref>{{cite web |title=Carnegie Classifications Institution Lookup |url=https://carnegieclassifications.iu.edu/lookup/view_institution.php?unit_id=109785 |publisher=Center for Postsecondary Education |website=carnegieclassifications.iu.edu |access-date=28 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/provost/research/|title=Research at APU - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-07}}</ref> APU conducts its research through eight university research centers:<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/provost/research/centers/|title=Research Centers - Research at APU - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-07}}</ref> * Center for Academic Service-Learning and Research * Center for Research on Ethics and Values (CREV) * Center for Research in Science (CRIS) * El Centro Teológico Hispano * Friends Center * Center for Vocational Ministry (Undergraduate) * Office of Faith Integration * Noel Academy for Strengths-Based Leadership and Education

APU's Office of Institutional Research and Assessment provides resources, training, and consultations designed to help academic and student life departments successfully assess their educational effectiveness. The office also coordinates and facilitates the academic program review process.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/oira/|title=Office of Institutional Research and Assessment - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-07}}</ref>

=== Honors College === APU's Honors College was launched in 2013, with David L. Weeks as dean.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sgvtribune.com/article/ZZ/20130313/NEWS/130318326|title=APU announces dean of Honors College|access-date=2017-08-07|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/honors/benefits/history/|title=History of Honors College - Honors College - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803054125/http://www.apu.edu/honors/benefits/history/|archive-date=2017-08-03|url-status=dead}}</ref> An Oxford-style, writing-intensive program, the Honors College grants graduates a second major or minor in Honors Humanities and an honors scholar diploma designation. The program content replaces all general education courses. The Honors College describes its purpose as "liberally educat[ing] the next generation of intellectually-gifted Christian leaders."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/honors/|title=Honors College - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-07}}</ref> Students study classic literature including works by Aristotle, Shakespeare, and C.S. Lewis, and are given publication and regional/national presentation opportunities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/honors/benefits/|title=Why Choose Honors? - Honors College - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-07}}</ref>

==Campus== Azusa Pacific University's Azusa campus is situated in the San Gabriel Valley, located {{convert|26|mi|km}} northeast of Los Angeles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/azusa/|title=Azusa Campus - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-07}}</ref>

The university also maintains a Los Angeles Regional Site, a Monrovia Regional Site, and five additional off-site regional centers in Southern California: * Inland Empire Regional Center (San Bernardino) *Murrieta Regional Center *San Diego Regional Center * High Desert Regional Center (Victorville) * Orange County Regional Center (Orange)

==Athletics== {{Main|Azusa Pacific Cougars}} {{See also|List of Azusa Pacific Cougars head football coaches}} thumb|179x179px|Azusa Pacific athletics logo The Azusa Pacific athletic teams are called the Cougars. The athletics program is transitioning from NCAA Division II to Division III, and from the Pacific West (PacWest) Conference to the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC). It remains part of the PacWest for the 2025-26 year, competing for NCAA Division II and conference championships (swimming and diving (Pacific Collegiate Swim and Dive Conference), water polo (Golden Coast Conference), and acrobatics and tumbling (National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association) also retain their respective affiliations for 2025-26). For 2026-27 and ’2027-28, APU will play a SCIAC schedule, along with nonconference games against NAIA and other NCAA Division III schools, while adjusting its operations. In 2028-29, APU expects to be an active DIII member and compete again for NCAA championships.<ref name=":9" />

In addition to bringing back football, APU is launching women’s flag football in 2027, as well as another (yet to be determined) women’s sport.<ref name=":9" />

Azusa Pacific athletics earned eight consecutive Directors’ Cups from 2005-12, with a total of 112 Golden State Athletic Conference championships and 37 NAIA national championships.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cougar Athletic History |url=https://athletics.apu.edu/sports/2016/7/18/cougar-athletic-history |access-date=2026-03-30 |website=Azusa Pacific University Athletics |language=en}}</ref> In NCAA DII, the program added 31 PacWest conference titles and four Great Northwest Athletic Conference football championships.

Current sports include:

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;" |- ! Men’s !! Women’s |- | * Baseball * Basketball * Cross Country * Soccer * Tennis * Track and Field | * Acrobatics and Tumbling * Basketball * Cross Country * Soccer * Softball * Swimming and Diving * Tennis * Track and Field * Volleyball * Water Polo |}

=== Achievements and Alumni === A past eight-time winner of the NAIA's Directors' Cup, APU finished 17th for the second consecutive year in the 2015–16 NCAA Division II Directors' Cup standings. A total of 14 APU athletes have competed in the Olympics, including 2008 decathlon gold medalist Bryan Clay '03, and 50 other alumni have been drafted into other professional sports, including Christian Okoye '87, former Kansas City Chiefs fullback; Stephen Vogt '07, former MLB player and current Cleveland Guardians manager; Kirk Nieuwenhuis '08, Long Island Ducks outfielder; and Terrell Watson '15, San Diego Fleet running back.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.apu.edu/media/news/release/26211/|title=Azusa Pacific University News Release Boilerplate|access-date=22 August 2017}}</ref> Several graduates have gone onto serve as leaders in higher education including J. David Carlson, Jeff Siemers, and Jacob Amundson.<ref>{{Cite web|title=PLNU Website|url=https://www.pointloma.edu/faculty/david-carlson-mfa|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124031813/https://www.pointloma.edu/faculty/david-carlson-mfa |archive-date=2020-11-24 }}</ref>

==Student body==

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center; float:right; font-size:85%; margin-left:2em; margin:10px;" |- !Ethnic Enrollment (Undergraduates, Fall 2025<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=School Profile {{!}} College Scorecard |url=https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school |access-date=2026-03-31 |website=collegescorecard.ed.gov |language=en}}</ref> !Percentage |- |Asian American | 14% |- |Black or African American | 7% |- |Hispanic/Latino American | 38% |- |Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander | 1% |- |Nonresident Alien | 4% |- |Multiracial American | 5% |- |Unknown | 4% |- |White | 26% |} Azusa Pacific University’s fall 2025 enrollment consisted of 5,901 students, including 1,869 traditional undergraduates and 4,032 at the graduate and professional levels. The student body represents 50 countries, 46 states (and U.S. territories), and 28 Christian denominations. Approximately 71% of students are female and 29% are male, and the ethnic minority population is 75% of undergraduates and 70% of graduate students.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Overview and Fact Sheet - About Azusa Pacific University |url=https://www.apu.edu/about/overview/ |access-date=2026-03-31 |website=www.apu.edu}}</ref>

The most popular fields of study at APU are:<ref name=":2" />

* Nursing * Psychology * Humanities * Business and Management * Health Sciences

== Student life == APU features 20 music ensembles, 11 intramural sports, and about 40 clubs and organizations, including ethnic organizations, performing arts clubs, social clubs, service clubs, academic clubs, athletic clubs, and honors societies, as well as a Student Government Association.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/cma/music/ensembles/|title=Music Ensembles - Performance Ensemble - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/communiversity/intramurals/about/|title=About Intramural Sports - Intramural Sports - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/communiversity/clubs/list/|title=List of Clubs/Organizations - Office of Communiversity - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-10}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=http://apusga.org/|title=APU SGA|website=apusga.org|access-date=2017-08-10}}</ref> The university also hosts military and veteran services, including active duty military and veteran benefits, scholarships, and programs.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/militaryeducation/|title=Military Education - GI Bill® - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-10}}</ref>

=== Music Ensembles === Music ensemble offerings include choral ensembles, vocal groups, large ensembles, chamber ensembles, commercial ensembles, and orchestral groups. Music groups require an audition, and perform at local churches as well as state and national orchestral and symphonic events.<ref name=":4" /> In addition to these ensembles, the Artist Certificate program offers a conservatory style experience to the School of Music's highest performing musicians.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.apu.edu/cma/music/certificate/|title=Artist Certificate Program - School of Music - Azusa Pacific University|website=www.apu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-10}}</ref>

=== Student Government Association === APU's Student Government Association (SGA) is composed of 28 students. The SGA has served APU since 1945 by meeting with offices on campus and conducting surveys that analyze the needs of the APU student body. The SGA's governing structure, listed from highest position to lowest, is composed of a president, five executives, two commissioners, nine senators, and nine representatives.<ref name=":5" />

=== Military and Veteran Services === Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly<sup>®</sup> School – Gold Status, the latter signifying its place in the top 10% of institutions nationwide in offering comprehensive services and support to veteran and military-connected students.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Military Education at Azusa Pacific |url=https://www.apu.edu/military-education/ |access-date=2026-03-31 |website=www.apu.edu}}</ref> APU is also opening a newly constructed Military and Veterans Center in spring 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |title=APU Military and Veterans Center Project Progress |url=https://www.apu.edu/advancement/military-veterans-center/ |access-date=2026-03-31 |website=www.apu.edu}}</ref>

== Diversity == In 2016, APU was recognized by ''Diverse Issues in Higher Education'' as one of the nation's top schools in awarding degrees to minority students. The university ranked among the top 100 in 11 baccalaureate categories, and ranked 5th for awarding Hispanic master's degrees in the "business/commerce, general" category, and 55th for total minority master's degrees awarded across all disciplines.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://diverseeducation.com/top100/GraduateDegreeProducers2016.php?ComparisonType2_1==&degreetype=Masters&ComparisonType1_1==&MatchNull1_1=N&school=Azusa+Pacific+University&ComparisonType2_1==&MatchNull2_1=N&state=zip&ComparisonType3_1==&MatchNull3_1=N&major=+All+Disciplines+Combined&ComparisonType4_1==&MatchNull4_1=N&race=zip|title=Top 100 Degree Producers: Graduate and Professional|last=Education|first=Diverse Issues in Higher|website=diverseeducation.com|access-date=2017-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809040920/http://diverseeducation.com/top100/GraduateDegreeProducers2016.php?ComparisonType2_1==&degreetype=Masters&ComparisonType1_1==&MatchNull1_1=N&school=Azusa+Pacific+University&ComparisonType2_1==&MatchNull2_1=N&state=zip&ComparisonType3_1==&MatchNull3_1=N&major=+All+Disciplines+Combined&ComparisonType4_1==&MatchNull4_1=N&race=zip|archive-date=2017-08-09|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://diverseeducation.com/top100/GraduateDegreeProducers2016.php?ComparisonType2_1==&degreetype=Masters&ComparisonType1_1==&MatchNull1_1=N&school=Azusa+Pacific+University&ComparisonType2_1==&MatchNull2_1=N&state=zip&ComparisonType3_1==&MatchNull3_1=N&major=zip&ComparisonType4_1==&MatchNull4_1=N&race=zip|title=Top 100 Degree Producers: Graduate and Professional|last=Education|first=Diverse Issues in Higher|website=diverseeducation.com|access-date=2017-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809043440/http://diverseeducation.com/top100/GraduateDegreeProducers2016.php?ComparisonType2_1==&degreetype=Masters&ComparisonType1_1==&MatchNull1_1=N&school=Azusa+Pacific+University&ComparisonType2_1==&MatchNull2_1=N&state=zip&ComparisonType3_1==&MatchNull3_1=N&major=zip&ComparisonType4_1==&MatchNull4_1=N&race=zip|archive-date=2017-08-09|url-status=dead}}</ref> APU is recognized by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities as one of 104 Hispanic-Serving Institutions in California.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|url=https://www.hacu.net/assnfe/CompanyDirectory.asp?STYLE=2&COMPANY_TYPE=1,5|title=Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities - HACU|last=HACU|website=www.hacu.net|access-date=2017-08-09}}</ref>

=== Human Sexuality ===

The university has cited its Christian faith in its beliefs about human sexuality."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2018/10/01/azusa-pacific-university-reinstates-code-conduct-clause-bans-same-sex-romance |title=Azusa Pacific Reinstates Full Ban on Same-Sex Relationships |first=Emma |last=Whitford |publisher=Inside Higher Ed |date=October 1, 2018 |access-date=October 22, 2018}}</ref> The policy has been lifted and reinstated a number of times<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sgvtribune.com/former-azusa-pacific-university-board-members-blame-administrators-for-financial-mismanagement-theological-drift|title=Former Azusa Pacific University board members blame administrators for financial mismanagement, 'theological drift'|date=2018-12-15|website=San Gabriel Valley Tribune|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630035543/https://www.sgvtribune.com/2018/12/14/former-azusa-pacific-university-board-members-blame-administrators-for-financial-mismanagement-theological-drift/|archive-date=2019-06-30|url-status=live|access-date=2019-06-30}}</ref> and has been the target of student protests.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sgvtribune.com/2019/03/16/azusa-pacific-university-lifts-lgbtq-relationship-ban-again/ |title=Azusa Pacific University lifts LGBTQ relationship ban (again) |first=Christopher |last=Yee |publisher=San Gabriel Valley Tribune |date=March 16, 2019 |access-date=March 19, 2019}}</ref>

As of 2022, University policy states that "God-given sexuality" is to take place in the context of a marriage covenant between a man and a woman.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.apu.edu/about/sexuality/ |title=What We Believe: Human Sexuality |website=Azusa Pacific University}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wbur.org/npr/591140811/christian-colleges-are-tangled-in-their-own-lgbt-policies |work=WBUR |title=Christian Colleges Are Tangled In Their Own LGBT Policies |date=March 27, 2018 |first=Tom |last=Gjelten}}</ref>

==Notable alumni== {{main|List of Azusa Pacific University people}}

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category}} * {{Official website}} * [https://athletics.apu.edu/ Athletics website]

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Category:Azusa Pacific University Category:Seminaries and theological colleges in California Category:Non-denominational Christian universities and colleges Category:Universities and colleges established in 1899 Category:Schools accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Category:Universities and colleges in Los Angeles County, California Category:Private universities and colleges in California Category:San Gabriel Valley Category:Evangelicalism in California Category:1899 establishments in California Category:Council for Christian Colleges and Universities Category:Universities and colleges formed by merger in the United States