Azusa Pacific University (APU) is an evangelical Christian community of disciples and scholars who seek to advance the work of God in the world through academic excellence in liberal arts and professional programs of higher education that encourage students to develop a Christian perspective of truth and life.   APU is an institution built on four cornerstones: Christ, Scholarship, Community, and Service. These four components define why APU exists. Christ – Belief in Christ is central to all that we think and do, and who we are. It is this understanding of God’s love that informs all our pursuits: academic, service, and community. Colossians 1:15-18 Scholarship – We are called to scholarship permeated by our Christian faith. We are committed to teaching excellence. The liberal arts is central in the curriculum, for we are dedicated to the education of the whole person. At the same time, we value the role of professional offerings that prepare students for specific careers. Proverbs 4:5-9 Community – We believe in community. We are a richly diverse people who value the worth of each individual. Our mission is to encourage, equip, and enable each student to fulfill his or her great potential, and in turn, encourage, equip, and enable others. Romans 15:5-7 Service – Service is at the heart of our local and international outreach, missions, and service-learning endeavors. Our students often find these experiences to be among the greatest of their lives. Romans 12:9-13   Azusa Pacific University, founded in 1899 as the Training School for Christian Workers, is a comprehensive, Christian institution grounded in the Wesleyan tradition. When the school graduated its first students in 1910, there were only a handful. Today, with a combined graduate and undergraduate enrollment of more than 6,800, and more than 40 undergraduate fields of study, 20 master’s degrees, and 3 doctorates, APU remains committed to the integration of faith and scholarship. The university, located in the San Gabriel Valley, 26 miles northeast of Los Angeles, is divided into one college and five schools: the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the Schools of Business and Management, Education and Behavioral Studies, Music, Nursing, and the C. P. Haggard School of Theology. Though diverse in the subject matter taught, a prevailing philosophy permeates the university: effective education transforms students into lifelong learners. In keeping with this vision, APU seeks to reach those interested in education, but unable to attend classes on APU's campus. To accommodate these learners, the university maintains off-campus sites throughout Southern California, as well as graduate programs around the world. APU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges; Board of Registered Nursing; National League for Nursing; Council on Social Work Education; Association of Theological Schools; National League for Nursing; Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education; American Psychological Association; Joint Review Committee on Education Programs in Athletic Training; and the National Council for Accreditation for Teacher Education.