Vanguard University

Founded in 1920, Vanguard University of Southern California, is a Christian higher learning institute with a focus on the liberal arts. Its main campus is based in Costa Mesa, and is four miles from Newport Beach and a forty minute drive from Los Angeles.

There are 25 undergraduate degrees available from 14 separate departments, ranging from Anthropology to Mathematics. Vanguard also offers master’s degrees in the fields of psychology, theology, nursing, and education. Students will receive liberal arts courses and take part in extracurricular activities as well as their major of choice, a rounded approach to education that appeals to medical and dental schools.

The Global Centre for Women and Justice at Vanguard is a faith-led facility that discusses important issues affecting the world today, and offers programmes such as an online academic certificate in Anti-Human Trafficking.

Theatrical performances are held at Lyceum theatre, which host both plays and musical compositions. A noted alumni of the theatre arts programme is star of Haven and the Uncharted series Emily Rose.

Worship and ministry are an important part of life and study at Vanguard, dating to its origins as a Bible School. Undergraduate students are expected to complete thirty chapel credits a semester, with one serve attended equating to one credit, though they may also write Reflection papers as part of this academic requirement.

Athletics teams are known as the Lions, and compete in the Golden State Athletic Conference. There are a total of five men’s sports programmes and six women’s, including volleyball and softball. The Soccer Complex features a FIFA Grade II soccer pitch, and three futsal courts.