Beulah Heights University is proud of its heritage as a training institution for students interested in learning ethical leadership for the ministry and the marketplace. Without minimizing the bibliocentric focus, BHU offers students a curriculum suited for Christian leadership in a host of arenas.
While BHU is nestled in the historical Grant Park area of metropolitan Atlanta, its reach extends to the four corners of the earth. Through missions programs and short term mission trips, BHU continues to equip leaders and expose students to international ministry opportunities. Through structured leadership curricula, BHU takes training across the globe, making a difference internationally in churches, government entities, and businesses.
The question is often asked: Why attend a college with a biblical focus? The answer is easy. The Bible has maintained the position it has held for over 2,000 years—it is the inerrant Word of God. The Bible contains the answers to humanity's questions about life on earth, as well as life eternal. The Bible, without question, is the hope of mankind. Without the Bible, life would be meaningless. In addition to the love for God’s Word and the desire to impart ethical leadership principles across the globe, BHU also recognizes the need to expose students to humanities, sciences, effective communication skills, and other professional studies.
Students are not merely taught at BHU; rather they are encouraged to engage in participative learning environments, gain knowledge from industry practitioners, and take full advantage of programs designed to enhance their learning experience. Beulah Heights University is an institution of higher learning like no other.
The joy of being a part of and a partner with BHU stems from the success of the students as they commence to enter a world that thrives on ability, knowledge, and complementary skill sets. Upon graduation from BHU, the graduate will be equipped for world experiences and impact change wherever his or her feet may trod.
History
Beulah Heights University has evolved from a mission-oriented organization to one of training pastors and leaders for life, leadership, and ministry. Its doors opened in 1918 as Beulah Heights Bible Institute, under the leadership of the late Reverend Paul T. Barth and his wife, Dr. Hattie M. Barth.
The force behind bringing the school into existence was Mrs. Elizabeth A. Sexton, Mrs. Barth’s mother, known as “Mother Sexton,” who communicated to others her vision of a Pentecostal Bible School in Atlanta, Georgia. The school restricted itself to working with a few local students until 1928.
After 1928, the outreach of the school expanded, and new buildings were erected. In 1940, Beulah Heights Bible Institute of Atlanta and Southeastern Bible Institute of New Brockton, Alabama, joined efforts to become Beulah Heights-Southeastern Bible Institute in Atlanta, Georgia. However, in 1946, Southeastern Bible Institute moved to its present location in Lakeland, Florida.
In 1962, Beulah Heights College, Seminary, and Institute was established as a four-year Bible college with the plan to eventually add a graduate program. In September of 1963, Beulah Heights College, Seminary, and Institute was chartered by the State of Georgia as a degree granting institution. In that same year, recognition was achieved with the Southern Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges.
In 1966, the Board of Trustees approved changing the corporate name to Beulah Heights College. Since the new corporate name did not reflect the name “Bible,” the Trustees voted in January of 1972 to amend the corporate name to read “Beulah Heights Bible College.” Beulah Heights Bible College grew exponentially.
As the vision continued and Beulah Heights Bible College continued to expand, adding majors in Leadership Studies and Community and International Economic Development, the need to add graduate studies became evident. With this expansion in mind, the Board of Trustees approved a name change for the school to Beulah Heights University in October 2006. It was approved by the State of Georgia, December 4, 2006. This change included the addition of a Master of Arts program, with concentrations in Biblical Studies and Leadership Studies, beginning in the fall of 2007. A Master of Divinity degree program was added in 2008.
As the growth continues under the leadership of Dr. Karanja, a Master of Business Administration degree program was launched in the Spring of 2011; a Doctor of Ministry in Fall of 2012; a Nonprofit Certificate in Spring of 2013; a Doctor of Philosophy in Fall of 2015; and an English as a Second Language Certificate Program in Fall 2016.