your story matters
Vanguard University equips each student for a Spirit-empowered life of Christ-centered leadership and service.
Welcome to Vanguard. We’ve been equipping students for their journeys since 1920 when we welcomed our first class of world-changers. Today we continue to offer a toprated education, excellent practical skills and training in the liberal arts and sciences to prepare you for the next chapter in your life. Let us show you how we go beyond scholarship, beyond the classroom, beyond the expected, equipping you to lead the story God has for you.
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truth
Vanguard — You’ll love it for all the right reasons. We’ve put together an exceptional academic program with a
You’ll also enjoy our location close to the beach and a variety
faculty who care about the story God is telling through you. You’ll
of opportunities for fun and learning in Southern California. You
enjoy freedom of intellectual inquiry and a classroom environment
will be welcomed by our community of current students, alumni,
that puts you in close contact with professors. You’ll flourish in our
faculty and staff who’ll mentor and encourage you all the way to
close-knit campus community where lifelong relationships are born
graduation and beyond.
and Christ is the center of everything we do.
“I had a phenomenal experience at Vanguard. I got plugged into the community there, which is one of the strong points of Vanguard.” Cubbie Fink ’07, Former bassist for Grammy nominated band Foster the People
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Academic Excellence. At Vanguard, we teach you
Wherever your story takes you, a Vanguard education is a great place
to think critically, to explore
to start. Our alums are restauranteurs, pioneers in Christian music, radio
questions and get at the truth.
hosts in major markets, and scientists on the cutting edge of research. Our
For 96 years, this approach has yielded a distinguished list
students become master teachers in local school districts, and three out of
of alums — leading scientists, best-selling authors, network
four VU pre-med graduates who apply for medical school are accepted.
television producers, high-level military leaders and worldchanging ministers. Your next chapter can start where theirs did — in our classrooms, at our library, in our computer labs and study halls. With 25 majors in 14 departments to choose from, we’ve got a path that’s right for you.
There are clear reasons why U.S. News & World Report named Vanguard a top Regional College in the West, and it starts with academic excellence. We go beyond the expected to offer the best possible academic program. The combination of outstanding faculty and small class sizes — 21 students on average — means every diploma we grant is backed by personalized instruction. From your first class to your final exam, there’s no hiding in the back of a lecture hall because at Vanguard, the most important person in the classroom is you.
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and life. At Vanguard, we believe they were never separate to begin with. Our understanding of the world—in science, business, education, the arts, and beyond— informs and deepens our faith, bringing color and life in surprising ways. As we go beyond integration, we discover a reality based instead on incarnation, where faith comes to life in every molecule, every equation, every performance…in every moment. 8
Studied Human Trafficking in Italy and Argentina with Vanguard’s Global Center for Women and Justice
the integration of faith
Served as a Resident Assistant for Catalina Hall
Many people talk about
Member of Live2Free, an anti-human trafficking club at Vanguard
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
compiled a report on best practices for victim aftercare amongst anti-human trafficking organizations in Italy
Barbara Isaac ’16
virtue
Our faculty are something special. We’ve brought
position at Carnegie Hall and been quoted as sources
together a team of the best-trained, best-qualified
in the Los Angeles Times. They are recognized leaders
professionals who love God and are passionate about
in the fields of science, sociology, religion, theater,
teaching. The result is one of the finest faculties for a
missions, business and education. As a student, these
school of our size and mission. Our professors have
same professors are there to encourage and guide you
advised the President at the White House, testified
as you live out the story God has prepared for you.
before state committees, received a guest maestro
Professor Ed Rybarczyk was one of the most influential people God has brought me in contact with. He helped me to turn information about God into practical life change and discipleship. Ed taught me how to think.
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Josh Houston ’08, MA ’12 took seven of Rybarczyk’s classes; resident director at Vanguard University and ordained Assemblies of God pastor
We believe learning happens best in the context of relationship
Professor-mentors.
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you’ll get the understanding you need in an environment designed to help you excel. Our commitment to go beyond academics leads to academic transformation, where you’ll cultivate new abilities to think critically, communicate clearly, and interact intelligently—taking you places you never thought possible. 12
Our classes are taught by professors, not teacher’s assistants. Currently conducting research in the field of sport psychology
area of study, at Vanguard
presenter at state and national conferences
No matter your major or
PhD in Kinesiology/Psychology and Sociological Aspects of Sport and Physical Activity
Kinesiology Professor
Areas of Interest include nutrition, fitness assessment and prescription, and physical education
DIANA AVANS, PhD
You will be engaged and enlightened on topics from
We believe learning happens best in the context of relationship.
business administration to literature to biology —
Our faculty spend countless hours—both inside and outside the
topics the professors have devoted their careers to
classroom—to serve as professor-mentors, not just teachers. Through
studying. When your story intersects with theirs, the
close, coaching relationships, you’ll go beyond the classroom, getting
results are powerful.
not only the knowledge you need but also the wisdom to apply what you’re learning in practical ways.
Our student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1. Our professors are recognized experts in their areas of study. 74% of Resident faculty hold doctorates.
Vanguard
facts
The Arts. Our highly regarded performance arts programs offer students opportunities
music through writing and performance, and to develop their performance
to perform on world-renowned stages, travel nationally and internationally,
skills both individually and through participating in musical ensembles.
and provide the necessary tools to be successful beyond the stage. The National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) – since 2010 – The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) accredited
accredited department of theatre arts challenges students with a robust,
department of music seeks to provide an understanding and appreciation
comprehensive curriculum that presents itself impeccably on the stage
of the creative process and historical context of music with a Christian
through high quality design, production and performance elements.
worldview by offering opportunities for all students to create and recreate
We are Orange County’s “hidden entertainment treasure.”
The Annual Jazz Festival and Guitar Festival draw Musicians, music students and fans from throughout Southern California. Vanguard’s Christmas Fantasia Concert plays to crowds at Orange County’s Renowned Segerstrom Center For the Arts. The American Coast Theatre Company provides Vanguard students summer internship opportunities for credit that mirror real world theatre experiences. 14
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Christ-centered. Spiritual growth is at the heart of the Vanguard journey. We want students to discover their God-given calling, and then engage the culture around them from a Christian point of view.
Regular chapel meetings and dozens of student-led ministry opportunities bring faith and service to life. If you like, you can travel overseas on a missions trip, or spend the summer ministering at kids camps. We make ministry accessible and fun because having a vibrant spiritual community — where you can ask questions and seek truth — is a big part of the journey.
“Vanguard awakened my mind, my spirit, my whole being. Through my experiences there I developed a desire to go to the mission field and reach out in ministry — to counsel people on a spiritual basis in my medical practice.” Dr. Paul Brillhart ’78, M.D., general practice, former medical missionary to Guatemala 16
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More than 24 denominations are represented at VU. There are more than 20 student-led worship teams and ministries on campus. Each year VU students visit over a dozen Locations on local and global trips, integrating their education and Christian faith.
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service
Sharing your Story. From the moment you step on
near-perfect climate, the beach just three miles from your dorm room and a
campus you’ll feel welcomed
world of possibilities for off-campus learning and fun in Southern California.
into the Vanguard family.
Add to that a culturally diverse surrounding community and on-campus clubs
You’ll join a small group with current students. They’ll
and you’ve got one of the best university environments imaginable.
show you around and answer your questions. You’ll
You’ll be amazed how much you can pack into a year. You’ll share laughter,
enjoy an all-school party, bonfires on the beach and
late-night study tips, dreams about the future and prayer. You may learn to
a lot more with fellow incoming students. Within no
surf or ride a skateboard, sing with Vanguard’s choir at Lincoln Center for the
time you’ll have found a home.
Performing Arts, or learn how to use a UV visible spectrophotometer in your
Once you get into the rhythm of campus life you’ll
biology class. But of all the enduring prizes of a Vanguard education, one of
wonder how you lived any other way. We’ve got a
the biggest is the friendships that last a lifetime.
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63% of Students Live on Campus
98% 1,500
types of food available on a typical day in the VU cafeteria
of students receive Financial Aid
undergraduate Students
numbers
of Freshmen Receive an Academic award
30%
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of VU undergrads own a Disneyland annual pass
233 palm trees on campus
90%
Intramural sports teams and campus clubs, From the surf club
wetsuits hang out to dry on VU balcony rails on any given day
12%
of VU students are from out of state
5 TOP MAJORS business, Psychology, kinesiology, communication, and religion
days of sunshine per year in Southern California
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By The
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Pursuit of Excellence. Vanguard Athletics. Vanguard athletics is for the skilled student athlete who desires to
For recreational athletes we’ve got plenty to keep the body healthy and
pursue excellence academically and athletically. We are one of the
moving. From intense flag football tournaments to our sand volleyball
top NAIA (Division I) athletic programs, with our teams advancing
court, our students have a blast playing intramural sports. We also offer
to national competition nearly every year. In recent years, we have
a wide selection of lifetime wellness classes that add variety to your
taken home two NAIA national championship titles; our women’s
daily workout.
basketball team in 2008 and our men’s basketball team in 2014.
At Vanguard, success is measured not only on the scoreboard but by how our student athletes exemplify the core character values of Gold Pride — Christ-Like Attitude, Faithfulness, Selflessness, Passion, and Leadership. We equip our student athletes for life beyond the sidelines.
Vanguard gave me the opportunity to grow mentally, physically and spiritually. My experiences at VU allowed me to use my influence as a Christian athlete to impact the world for Christ. I am thankful for everything I was able to learn during my time as a Lion. Kelly Schmidt ’07, North Valley Director, AZ Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 2007 NAIA National Leroy Walker Champions of Character Winner, 2006 NAIA Women’s Basketball Player of the Year 27
Vanguard Lions intercollegiate teams Men’s
Women’s
baseball basketball cross-country soccer track and field
basketball cross-country soccer softball track and field volleyball
“I’m glad I The coaches in mind and can be. All
chose to go to Vanguard. have your best interests help make you the best you the opportunity is there.”
Chad Chop ’02, Former Major League Baseball draft Pick; Batting Practice Pitcher for the San Francisco Giants
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Finances. Making the next chapter possible. At Vanguard, we make a great education affordable.
based grant, or a scholarship for a particular area of study,
Last year, Vanguard students received over $26 million in
like music, theater or athletics. You might be offered an
gift aid. To make sure you receive the grants, scholarships
on-campus job. Whatever the case, we put the Vanguard
or loans you qualify for, our admissions counselors will
experience within reach of every student who wants their
walk you through the financial aid application process.
journey to pass through here.
You might get an academic merit scholarship, a need-
While at Vanguard I saw many doors open, and I feel like I was developed spiritually, academically and socially. I really admire the
98% of students received financial aid in the 2015-16 year.
education I received. I enjoyed being around people, hearing their stories, where they came from and how students have this desire to change the world with all their creative ideas. 30
David Vazquez ’12, director of strategic partnership at Vanguard University; former California Senate Fellow
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We’ll prepare you for a career of your choice and encourage you to grow in your Christian faith. You’ll make lifelong friends and become part of Vanguard’s global community of alums.
take the next step to vanguard.
Vanguard
facts
Average GPA of incoming Freshmen students: 3.1
to set up a tour of the Vanguard campus visit us at vanguard.edu/visit.
400 incoming freshmen
Ready to apply? Want more information about the application process?
VU gives priority to Freshmen applicants with 2.8 GPA or higher
Visit vanguard.edu/applynow or call us at 800.722.6279. Our admissions counselors are
Average GPA of incoming Transfer students: 3.0
here to answer your questions and guide you through the application process.
I am where I am thanks to a great staff and faculty at Vanguard that polished me and challenged me to work hard.
Come join the Vanguard community and let us equip you for the story God has for you.
Jennifer Rivera ’09, editorial producer for Fox News Channel Anchor Alisyn Camerota in New York City
If you like what you see, let’s get started.
We’re social! Visit facebook.com/vanguarduniversity, tweet us @vanguardu and follow us on Instagram @vanguardu.
100 incoming Transfer Students 32
VU gives priority to Transfer applicants with 2.5 GPA or higher
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VANGUARD’S UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGE OFFERS DEGREES IN THE FOLLOWING MAJORS: BACHELOR OF ARTS Accounting Biological Sciences Business Administration Communication Communication Studies Cinema Arts Cultural Anthropology English Literature and Textual Analysis Writing General Music Music Ministry Applied Music History/Political Science Liberal Studies (Education) Marketing Psychology
Religion Biblical Studies Christian Formation and Discipleship Studies General Christian Studies Intercultural Studies Pastoral Leadership Studies Youth Leadership Studies Sociology Theatre Arts Performance/Directing Technical/Design Musical Theatre Worship Studies Art Cinema Arts Communication Theatre Worship Leadership
BACHELOR OF MUSIC Vocal, Piano, Guitar, Instrumental Performance Composition Music Education Church Music Jazz Studies
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Biochemistry Biology Botany and Ecology Education Neuroscience Pre-Medical Studies Chemistry Kinesiology Exercise and Sport Science Sport Studies Pre-Health Sciences Mathematics
Coming Fall 2017 Pre-Nursing* *Pending Board of Registered Nursing approval
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A Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) B John Wayne Airport (SNA) C Disneyland Resort D Knott’s Berry Farm E
Universal Studios
F Angel Stadium G Dodger Stadium H Staples Center/Nokia Theatre I Honda Center J
N PACIFIC OCEAN
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
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Vanguard University 55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa California 92626 714.966.5496 800.722.6279 vanguard.edu admissions@vanguard.edu facebook.com/vanguarduniversity twitter.com/vanguardu