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Houston Christian University

13 Programs
Online

Houston Christian University (HCU) is a private Christian institution located on a beautiful 100-acre campus in Houston, Texas, just minutes from the city's downtown district. HCU provides a learning environment that instills in students a passion for academic, spiritual, and professional excellence, guided by its central confession that Jesus Christ is Lord. With a student body of nearly 4,700 students representing 46 states and 43 countries, the university fosters a diverse yet close-knit community. Its small average class size of 25 students and a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensure that each student receives the personal attention they need to grow academically, spiritually, physically, and relationally. HCU's prime location in one of America's largest cities also gives its students unique access to internships and hands-on experiences with leading companies, medical institutions, and media organizations throughout the Houston area.

Available Programs

  • Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration - Online
    Business & Management

    Houston Christian University's Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, offered fully online through the Archie W. Dunham College of Business, combines the breadth of a liberal arts education with practical, career-focused business training. The program builds marketable skills in critical analysis, interpersonal communication, and writing alongside core coursework in finance, business strategy, economics, management, and marketing, all grounded in Christian ethics and a global perspective. Students benefit from HCU's strong alumni network, internship connections with organizations such as Merrill Lynch, Deloitte, and the Houston Rockets, and a dedicated advising and student success team. Graduates are prepared for roles in business and budget analysis, sales management, financial consulting, human resources, and marketing, with the option to continue into an accelerated BA to MBA pathway and earn a master's degree in as little as one additional year.

  • Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business - Online
    Business & Management

    Houston Christian University's Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business, offered fully online through the Archie W. Dunham College of Business, equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in today's interconnected global marketplace. The 121-credit hour program combines a strong liberal arts core with comprehensive business fundamentals and 24 credit hours of specialized coursework in areas such as international trade, global economics, cross-cultural management, international finance, and global marketing. Students also have the flexibility to select elective courses aligned with their career interests, including international business law, global supply chain management, and international entrepreneurship. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers in global business, including roles as international trade analysts, global marketing managers, and supply chain specialists, with a natural pathway to HCU's Master of International Business for those seeking advanced study.

  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Management - Online
    Business & Management

    Houston Christian University's Bachelor of Business Administration in Management, offered fully online through the Archie W. Dunham College of Business, is designed for driven, ethical, and entrepreneurial students seeking to lead people and organizations in today's dynamic business environment. The curriculum provides a well-rounded education in management principles, financial accounting, marketing, organizational behavior, and business communication, complemented by practical experience through internships, case studies, and simulations. The program's flexible, asynchronous format allows students to balance their studies with professional and personal commitments, while learning from faculty who bring both academic expertise and real-world business experience to the virtual classroom. Graduates are prepared for a broad range of careers, including roles in business operations, human resources, financial analysis, marketing, and management consulting, with natural pathways to HCU's MBA or Master of Science in Leadership programs for continued advancement.

  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing - Online
    Business & Management

    Houston Christian University's Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, offered fully online through the Archie W. Dunham College of Business, equips students with a comprehensive understanding of marketing principles, digital strategies, and business fundamentals in a flexible format designed to fit around professional and personal commitments. The curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, covering market research, brand management, advertising, and digital marketing techniques, taught by faculty who bring both academic credentials and real-world industry experience to the virtual classroom. Grounded in Christian values and a commitment to ethical business practice, the program develops students' creativity, critical analysis, and communication skills across a broad range of marketing disciplines. Graduates are well positioned for careers as digital marketing specialists, brand strategists, market research analysts, social media managers, public relations specialists, and more in today's dynamic and ever-evolving marketplace.

  • Professional MBA in Accounting and Finance - Online
    Business & Management

    Houston Christian University's Professional MBA in Accounting and Finance, offered fully online through the Archie W. Dunham College of Business, is a 33-credit-hour graduate program designed for working professionals ready to advance into senior financial leadership roles. The STEM-designated curriculum integrates core business competencies with advanced specialization in financial analysis, investment management, risk assessment, and auditing, all grounded in the ethical frameworks and Christian principles that define HCU's approach to business education. Delivered in a flexible online format with full-time and part-time scheduling options, the program allows students to balance rigorous graduate study with their existing professional responsibilities, while accessing faculty who bring decades of executive-level industry experience to the virtual classroom. Graduates are positioned for career advancement as finance directors, controllers, budget directors, and investment managers, and the program also provides strong preparation for credentials such as the CPA, CFA, and CMA certifications.

  • Professional MBA in Management - Online
    Business & Management

    Houston Christian University's Professional MBA in Management, offered fully online through the Archie W. Dunham College of Business, is a 33-credit-hour STEM-designated graduate program built for working professionals seeking to advance into senior leadership and executive roles. The curriculum combines core business competencies with advanced specialization in strategic management, organizational behavior, transformational leadership, human resources, and international management, all integrated with Christian ethical principles and a commitment to principled organizational stewardship. Delivered in a flexible online format with full-time and part-time options, the program allows students to pursue graduate study without stepping away from their careers, while engaging with distinguished faculty in small class environments that foster meaningful interaction and mentorship. Graduates are prepared for senior management positions across a wide range of industries including technology, healthcare, finance, and consulting, with strong preparation for roles such as operations manager, management analyst, human resources manager, and senior executive, as well as a solid foundation for those considering doctoral study in business administration or leadership.

  • Master of Science in Data Science - Online
    Computers & Technology

    Houston Christian University's Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS), offered fully online through the College of Science and Engineering, is a 33-credit-hour graduate program that equips students with the advanced technical skills, analytical expertise, and ethical foundation needed to lead in one of today's fastest-growing fields. The curriculum covers machine learning, statistics for data science, big data analytics, natural language processing, deep learning, data ethics and privacy, and programming in both Python and R, culminating in a capstone project that challenges students to apply their skills to real-world data problems. What distinguishes HCU's program is its intentional integration of Christian principles with data science practice, preparing graduates to serve not only as skilled analysts but as responsible stewards of information in an era where data ethics and privacy are increasingly critical. The program is available in a fully online or low-residency format and positions graduates for careers across industries as data scientists, machine learning engineers, business intelligence analysts, AI specialists, and more, in a field the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects will grow 35 percent between 2022 and 2032.

  • Master of Science in Cybersecurity - Online
    Computers & Technology

    Houston Christian University's Master of Science in Cybersecurity, offered fully online through the College of Science and Engineering, is a 30-credit-hour graduate program that can be completed in as little as one year and prepares students for high-demand careers in information and systems security. The curriculum covers system administration, network security, cloud computing, cybersecurity risk analysis, wireless and IoT device security, applied cryptography, ethical hacking and penetration testing, legal compliance, and ethics, with a culminating graduate capstone project that challenges students to research and implement solutions to real-world cybersecurity challenges. Students may follow a general cybersecurity track or an Information Technology track that emphasizes connections between security product development and organizational technology administration, and the program is available in a fully online or low-residency format with optional on-campus weekend intensives. Graduates are prepared for roles such as security analyst, information technology analyst, incident responder, security engineer, and systems administrator across industries including finance, healthcare, government, and technology, in a field where the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual salary of $120,360 for information security analysts.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice - Online
    Criminal Justice & Legal

    Houston Christian University's Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, offered fully online through the Pampell Online Division, prepares students for impactful careers across law enforcement, corrections, and the legal system through a rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum rooted in Christian values. The 120-credit program balances a strong liberal arts foundation with specialized coursework in areas such as criminal procedure, criminology, constitutional law, ethics, and emerging topics like crime and artificial intelligence, taught by faculty with direct professional experience in policing, probation, the courts, and corrections. Students benefit from HCU's extensive connections throughout Houston's justice system, providing access to networking opportunities, internships, workshops, and symposiums. Graduates are well equipped for careers as police officers, intelligence analysts, probation officers, legal aides, and more, with a strong pathway to advanced study in law school, public administration, or HCU's own Master of Science in Criminal Justice program.

  • Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Online
    Criminal Justice & Legal

    Houston Christian University's Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ), offered fully online, is a 36-credit-hour graduate program designed to develop principled leaders in law enforcement and criminal justice administration through an integration of advanced theory, ethical frameworks, and Christian values. The curriculum covers constitutional law, administrative and management development, advanced criminological theory, policy development, community policing, and a distinctive faith-based leadership course that explores the intersection of Christian principles with professional criminal justice practice. Students may pursue one of three specialized tracks, including human trafficking investigation and advocacy, original thesis research, or a flexible general track with electives in areas such as advanced penology, crisis intervention, and digital forensics. Graduates are prepared for impactful leadership roles in law enforcement administration, corrections management, policy development, human trafficking investigation, criminal justice education, and program administration across public and private sectors.

  • RN to MSN - Online
    Healthcare & Nursing

    Houston Christian University's online RN to BSN to MSN program, offered through the Linda R. Dunham School of Nursing, is a 60-credit-hour accelerated pathway designed for associate degree-prepared registered nurses who wish to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing in as little as three years while continuing to work full time. The 100% online curriculum builds from a broad liberal arts and advanced nursing foundation at the BSN level through two bridge courses, then into graduate-level MSN coursework in either the Nurse Leadership or Nurse Education specialization track, with students earning their BSN along the way to strengthen their resume and qualify for career advancement before completing the full program. Rooted in Christian values and a commitment to community-based care, the program pairs small class sizes and personalized success coaching with strong connections to the Texas Medical Center and leading Houston healthcare organizations. Graduates are well positioned for high-impact roles in nursing education and healthcare leadership, with median Houston salaries of $104,000 for nurse educators and $114,000 for nurse managers.

  • Professional Science Masters in Health Professions - Online
    Healthcare & Office Administration

    Houston Christian University's Professional Science Master's in Health Professions (PSM), offered fully online through the College of Science and Engineering, is a 30-credit-hour graduate program completed across three semesters that provides a comprehensive, faith-integrated pathway for students preparing to apply to medical, dental, osteopathic, physician assistant, physical therapy, and other advanced health professions programs. Unlike traditional post-baccalaureate programs, the PSM takes a holistic approach to pre-health training, covering foundational and advanced coursework in areas such as biostatistics, epidemiology, immunology and microbiology, molecular biology, and health disparities, while also dedicating focused time to preparing students for entrance exams like the MCAT and DAT. Delivered in twelve fully online courses with optional low-residency weekend intensives on the HCU campus, the program allows students to pursue their studies while maintaining full-time work or other commitments. Graduates are well positioned to pursue competitive admissions to health professions schools as well as careers in clinical research, government health agencies, and private industry, supported throughout by access to scholar-practitioner faculty, medical school application experts, and HCU's Career and Calling office.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Online
    Psychology & Counseling

    Houston Christian University's Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, offered fully online through the Pampell Online Division, provides students with a well-rounded foundation in psychological research, theory, and practice rooted in Christian values and a strong liberal arts tradition. The curriculum is structured around an introductory sequence, methodology courses, advanced content areas, and a capstone experience, equipping graduates with the interpersonal, analytical, and critical-thinking skills valued across a wide range of professional fields. Students may pursue a general psychology track or specialize in Christian Counseling or Marriage and Family Studies, tailoring the degree to their personal and professional goals. The program also offers a seamless pathway into HCU's Master of Arts in Psychology, allowing motivated students to continue their studies and advance toward careers in counseling, behavioral health, education, social services, and beyond.

Accreditation

Houston Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Houston Christian University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

HCU is accredited by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for the preparation of teachers for elementary and secondary schools at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. All degree programs in nursing are accredited by the Texas Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).