Beulah Heights University: A History of Programs and Accreditation
Beulah Heights University (BHU), located in Atlanta, Georgia, has a rich history rooted in the Protestant Christian tradition. Founded in 1918 as a Bible school, BHU has evolved into a university offering degrees at the associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. While BHU is proud of its academic pursuits and dedication to its Christian mission, its accreditation status plays a significant role in its students' access to financial aid and the transferability of their credits.
A Legacy of Christian Education
The story of Beulah Heights University began in 1918 with the vision of Mrs. Elizabeth A. Sexton, affectionately known as "Mother Sexton," who dreamed of a Pentecostal Bible School in Atlanta. Under the leadership of Reverend Paul T. Barth and his wife, Dr. Hattie M. Barth, the Beulah Heights Bible Institute was established. Initially, the institute served only local students, but in 1928, the school expanded its outreach and constructed new buildings, including a residence hall, to accommodate students from other states.
In 1940, Beulah Heights Bible Institute joined forces with Southeastern Bible Institute of New Brockton, Alabama, to become Beulah Heights-Southeastern Bible Institute in Atlanta. However, this partnership ended in 1946, and Southeastern Bible Institute moved to Lakeland, Florida.
In 1962, Beulah Heights College, Seminary, and Institute was established as a four-year Bible college with plans to add a graduate program. The institution was chartered by the State of Georgia as a degree-granting institution in September 1963, and in 1966, the Board of Trustees approved changing the corporate name to Beulah Heights College.
As Beulah Heights Bible College continued to grow, it expanded its programs to include majors in Leadership and Administration and Community and International Economic Development. Recognizing the need for graduate studies, the Board of Trustees approved another name change in October 2006, transforming the college into Beulah Heights University. The State of Georgia approved the change on December 4, 2006. In the fall of 2007, BHU launched a Master of Arts program offering concentrations in Biblical Studies and Leadership Studies. A Master of Divinity degree program was added in 2008, followed by a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in 2010.
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Academic Programs and Structure
Beulah Heights University offers a range of academic programs both online and on its main campus in Atlanta, as well as at its campuses in Marietta, Columbus, and Albany. Some hybrid programs are also available, requiring students to complete at least 25 percent of their coursework on campus.
Undergraduate students can choose from three associate's and three bachelor's degree programs, with majors in business administration, leadership, and religious studies. An English as a Second Language (ESL) program is also available for students seeking to improve their English proficiency. The ESL program consists of five stages, and students must pass an exam before advancing to the next level.
The same three majors are available to graduate students at Beulah Heights University. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program offers students the opportunity to graduate in 14 months or less. A Master of Divinity program is also available, with concentrations in chaplaincy or leadership. Students in the Master of Divinity program are required to take a minimum of four courses within their chosen concentration, along with History of Christian Thought I and II, Old Testament, New Testament, Introduction to World Missions, and Systematic Theology I and II.
BHU's curriculum is centered on its core values of Biblical Inerrancy, Integrity, Global Missions, Dedicated Servant-hood, and Diversity, aiming to equip students for Christian leadership in various arenas. The university also emphasizes the importance of humanities, sciences, effective communication skills, and other professional studies. BHU nurtures students’ leadership skills by exposing them to international ministry opportunities through mission programs and short-term overseas trips. BHU has structured its leadership curriculum to offer training across the globe, thus making a difference internationally in churches, government entities, and businesses.
Accreditation and Its Implications
Beulah Heights University is officially accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation. However, BHU does not have regional accreditation, which is a significant factor for students considering enrollment.
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Regional accreditation is a type of accreditation granted to institutions of higher education by regional accrediting bodies. It is generally considered to be more prestigious and widely recognized than national accreditation. Regionally accredited institutions are typically non-profit and academically focused, while nationally accredited institutions may include for-profit vocational and trade schools.
The lack of regional accreditation can pose challenges for BHU students, particularly in terms of financial aid and credit transferability. Most federal financial aid programs, such as Pell Grants and Stafford Loans, are only available to students attending regionally accredited institutions. While BHU offers scholarships funded by alumni, the absence of regional accreditation may limit students' access to the full range of financial aid options.
Furthermore, credits earned at BHU may not be easily transferable to regionally accredited colleges and universities. This can be a concern for students who may wish to continue their education at another institution in the future.
Admissions and Costs
The Admissions Office at BHU recommends that students apply by August first for the fall semester. Undergraduates can choose between the paper/PDF application and the online application, both of which require a $50 fee. Along with their applications, students must submit proof of identification, such as a driver's license, as well as transcripts, proof of an associate's degree, or a GED test score. Students seeking financial aid must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Graduate students are required to submit an official undergraduate transcript, which can be submitted electronically, a copy of their ID, a $50 application fee, a completed application, and a personal reference form. References should attest to their familiarity with the student's character. MBA applicants must meet the same requirements and also submit a 250-word essay outlining their professional goals and a resume.
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Doctoral programs at BHU require a $100 application fee, a completed application, student ID, a character reference, transcript, writing sample, and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Tuition costs at BHU vary depending on the program and enrollment status. Undergraduate students pay $318 per semester hour or $954 per class. Online students pay the same tuition rate plus a $100 fee, bringing their total to $1,054 per class. Technology and student activity fees add an additional $180 to the semester costs. Housing deposits are $500, and residence hall fees are $3,375 per year.
Graduate students pay $1,275 per class, while doctoral students pay between $1,536 and $1,575 per class. Online graduate courses cost $1,375 each, and online doctoral courses range from $1,636 to $1,675. A discounted rate of $250 per semester hour is available for military undergraduate students.
BHU provides each student with a financial aid letter outlining their aid package, which typically includes federal direct loans and federal work-study. Students must complete online counseling and sign a promissory note before receiving direct loans. The university also provides assistance to students seeking scholarships.
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