Rochester Christian University is expanding its academic offerings with two new programs aimed at training ministry professionals on its Rochester Hills campus.

The private university at 800 West Avon Road announced Friday, Aug. 21, that it has launched a Bachelor of Science in Applied Theology and a Master of Applied Theology, adding graduate and undergraduate options for students pursuing careers in chaplaincy, church planting and urban ministry.

"The program equips students to bring their faith into the places where they live, work and serve," RCU President Reggies Wenyika said in the announcement.

What the programs offer

The bachelor's degree combines biblical interpretation coursework with internships and off-campus experiential learning. Students can specialize in Marketplace Chaplaincy, a track focused on providing spiritual care in corporate, healthcare and civic workplaces.

James Chambers, an academic adviser and adjunct professor at RCU, will teach undergraduate classes alongside other regional ministry leaders.

The 30-credit master's program targets pastors, church staff and ministry leaders who want to deepen their theological training while staying active in their roles. Graduate students complete 12 hours of core applied theology courses, then choose a concentration such as urban ministry leadership, church planting or sport ministry before finishing with a capstone.

Eric Moore, whom RCU describes as professor emeritus of Moody Bible Institute, will lead the graduate program. According to the university's announcement, Moore retired from Moody after nearly four decades teaching applied theology.

Local roots

RCU enrolls roughly 1,167 students on its 76-acre campus. The institution was founded in 1959 as North Central Christian College by members of the Churches of Christ and has operated under several names, most recently Rochester University. It adopted its current name in 2024 after resolving a trademark dispute with the University of Rochester.

Wenyika became the university's eleventh president in 2025.

Both programs are accepting students. The new degrees join RCU's existing graduate offerings, which include a Master of Religious Education. Prospective students can contact Chambers at [email protected] for more information about tuition, deadlines and start dates, which were not included in the announcement.