Our Faith-Driven Mission and Rich Heritage

DBCU was founded with a clear vision – to foster a setting where students can grow academically, spiritually, and personally, leading each day with purpose. Rooted in a classical education with a conservative Christian framework, our mission is to develop leaders who live out Christian morals. Through our tailored educational strategies and a staff profoundly dedicated to student success, we cultivate individuals to excel in their studies, faith, and character, encouraging a lifelong quest for truth, goodness, and beauty.

We encourage you to explore our website to learn more about how our curriculum, combining liberal arts and sciences with a strong emphasis on Christian teachings, alongside our community activities, supports the holistic development of each student. Reach out to us to arrange a visit, discuss admission options, or to find out more about how we weave these values into the everyday life at DBCU.

Of our students engage in Christ-centered learning through required Bible-based core courses.

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Students participate in weekly chapel and devotionals — over 30 Christ-focused gatherings each academic year.

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Daily prayer is incorporated into classes, team activities, and campus life — more than 250 spiritual touchpoints each semester.

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Every athletic team commits to faith accountability: team prayer before and after every practice and game — more than 200 moments of shared faith per season across all sports.

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A Message from President Ernst

Daytona Beach Christian University is a Christ-centered institution built on faith, excellence, and a commitment to preparing tomorrow’s leaders. We believe that true success begins with putting God first, seeking His wisdom in every decision, and striving daily to “have the same mind in us that was also in Christ Jesus.” At DBCU, that means leading with love, compassion, healing, and forgiveness—values that shape how we learn, serve, and compete.

DBCU offers students the opportunity to grow academically and athletically while deepening their relationship with Christ. Our community is grounded in prayer, guided by purpose, and strengthened by unity. We take pride in welcoming students who are determined to work hard, develop strong character, and make a positive impact in the world.

It is my honor to help guide this university forward as we equip and encourage the next generation of Christian leaders. At Daytona Beach Christian University, each student is valued, each voice matters, and faith is our foundation.

— Erika Ernst
President, Daytona Beach Christian University

Where Spiritual Principles Guide the Way!

Daytona Beach Christian University (DBCU) is more than just an educational institution; it’s a community where faith meets intellect, and where students are encouraged to explore their spiritual and academic potential to the fullest. Nestled in the vibrant city of Daytona Beach, Florida, DBCU offers a unique blend of traditional values and innovative learning through our online and hybrid programs.

At DBCU, we are committed to nurturing a generation of leaders who put God first. Our desire is to provide an education that integrates deep religious studies with a classical core curriculum, ensuring that our students not only excel academically but also grow spiritually. We aim to equip students with the wisdom to understand the world through a Christian perspective, fostering integrity, compassion, and service.

Academic Excellence:

Our curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire. Students at DBCU engage with:

The Great Works: Delve into the literature, philosophy, and art that have shaped human thought, from Plato to C.S. Lewis, fostering critical thinking and cultural appreciation.
Constitution Class: Understanding the foundations of our society is crucial. Our Constitution class offers insights into the principles that govern and define our freedoms and responsibilities.
Deep Religious Study: Theology, biblical studies, and Christian ethics form the cornerstone of our educational offerings, encouraging students to live out their faith with depth and understanding.

Innovative Learning:

Leveraging technology, DBCU provides:

Online Programs: For those who need flexibility, our online courses maintain the same high standards as our on-campus offerings, allowing students from around the globe to participate.
Hybrid Learning: Combining the best of both worlds, our hybrid courses offer the convenience of online study with the personal touch of in-person sessions, particularly useful for our sports teams and students close to Daytona Beach.

Our Home:

Our support offices and sports teams are based in Daytona Beach, Florida, providing a vibrant community for our students. Whether you’re attending lectures, participating in sports, or engaging with our faculty, Daytona Beach’s spirit of community and its scenic beauty enhance your educational journey.

Join Us:

At Daytona Beach Christian University, we believe education is a holistic experience. It’s about more than acquiring knowledge; it’s about forming character, understanding your place in God’s world, and preparing to make a positive impact. If you’re ready to be part of a transformative educational experience where faith and learning walk hand in hand, Daytona Beach Christian University welcomes you. Here, we’re not just shaping scholars; we’re nurturing future leaders of faith, ready to influence the world for the better.

Academic Excellence

"Our curriculum is designed to introduce students to the Great Works. Fostering critical thinking is of the upmost importance at DBCU."

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Our Mission

At Daytona Beach Christian University, our mission is to foster an educational environment where students can explore the divine nature of God and humanity, promoting spiritual growth alongside academic excellence. We are committed to illuminating the truths of Christianity through a lens of universal love, healing, and spiritual understanding. Our goal is to nurture individuals who embody integrity, wisdom, and compassion, ready to contribute positively to the world by demonstrating the transformative power of divine Truth in their lives and communities. Here, we believe in the unity of all creation under God, encouraging a life of service, peace, and the practical application of spiritual principles for the healing and betterment of society.

Our Vision

Our vision at Daytona Beach Christian University is to be a beacon of spiritual enlightenment and academic distinction, where the teachings of Christ are lived out through education, healing, and service. We aspire to cultivate a community where every individual recognizes their true identity as God’s reflection, inspiring a world where love, peace, and divine understanding prevail, leading to the healing of all human conditions and the establishment of a harmonious global community.

Our Values

Teaching and learning
Thinking and acting from the basis of Principle, Love
Unfoldment of character
Individual and collective excellence
Citizenship and service
Innovation and continuous improvement

Statement of Faith

Daytona Beach Christian University affirms its identity as a Christ-centered institution of higher education within the evangelical Protestant tradition. The University holds to the historic Christian faith as expressed in the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed.

We believe in one God, eternally existent, who is revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We affirm Jesus Christ as the Son of God, fully divine and fully human, whose life, death, and resurrection reconcile humanity to God and reveal God’s redeeming love for the world.

We affirm the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and the authoritative witness to God’s nature, purposes, and will for humanity. Scripture guides faith, learning, moral formation, and Christian practice within the University community.

We believe salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith, resulting in a transformed life marked by love, obedience, reconciliation, and service. We affirm the call of all believers to live according to the mind of Christ Jesus, reflecting compassion, integrity, forgiveness, and love for neighbor.

The University affirms the work of the Holy Spirit in guiding, teaching, and shaping individuals and communities into Christlikeness. We believe the Christian life is one of continual growth in faith, understanding, and faithful action.

Daytona Beach Christian University exists to educate students within a Christ-centered academic environment that integrates faith and learning, encourages prayerful discernment, and prepares graduates to serve God and others with wisdom, humility, and purpose.

University Profile

Founded: 2022

Location: Daytona Beach, Florida

Type of College: Four-year, independent, classical liberal arts, coeducational, nonsectarian Christian

Licensed: Florida Department of Education

Accreditation: We are currently undergoing review for accreditation. The process generally takes anywhere from 3-5 years.

Size of Campus: 2 acres. 1 administration building, student center

Academic Year: Two semesters, late August to mid-December and mid-January to mid-May

Degrees Offered: Associate of Christian Arts, Bachelor of Christian Arts, Bachelor of Christian Science; Master of Christian Arts, Master of Christian Science

Average Class Size: 7-10 students per 3-4 credit course

Majors Offered: Christian Business Administration, Christian Sports Science, Religious Studies

Partnership Programs: SEU @ Aim High Ministries

Athletics: Independent

Varsity Sports

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Women

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Licensing Exemption

Daytona Beach Christian University operates under a religious exemption, as outlined in Section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes, and Rule 6E-5.001, Florida Administrative Code.

Licensing Information

Religious institutions that meet the requirements found in Section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes and Rule 6E-5.001, Florida Administrative Code are not under the jurisdiction or purview of the Commission for Independent Education and are not required to obtain licensure. Section 1005.06(1)(f), F.S. reads: A religious college may operate without governmental oversight if the college annually verifies by sworn affidavit to the commission that:

The name of the institution includes a religious modifier or the name of a religious patriarch, saint, person, or symbol of the church.

The institution offers only educational programs that prepare students for religious vocations as ministers, professionals, or laypersons in the categories of ministry, counseling, theology, education, administration, music, fine arts, media communications, or social work.

The titles of degrees issued by the institution cannot be confused with secular degree titles. For this purpose, each degree title must include a religious modifier that immediately precedes, or is included within, any of the following degrees: Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy, and Doctor of Education. The religious modifier must be placed on the title line of the degree, on the transcript, and whenever the title of the degree appears in official school documents or publications.

The duration of all degree programs offered by the institution is consistent with the standards of the commission.

The institution’s consumer practices are consistent with those required by s. 1005.04.

The commission may provide such a religious institution a letter stating that the institution has met the requirements of state law and is not subject to governmental oversight.