Bethesda University

Bethesda University is a private Christian university located in Anaheim, California. Founded in 1976, the institution is rooted in Pentecostal theology and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as theology, business administration, education, and information technology. The university provides both on-campus and online degree options and emphasizes the integration of faith and learning. Bethesda University is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education and the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools and is approved by the State of California’s Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Its Christ-centered mission and relatively small campus environment attract students seeking faith-based higher education in Southern California.

Bethesda University was founded in 1976 in Anaheim, California, by Dr. David Yonggi Cho. Established on a Pentecostal Christian foundation, Bethesda University was created to prepare students for leadership in ministry, missions, and professional fields through biblically centered education. In its early years, the institution focused primarily on theological training and Christian leadership development. Over time, Bethesda University expanded its academic offerings to include undergraduate and graduate programs in business, education, and information technology, reflecting a broader commitment to integrating faith with diverse disciplines. The university pursued recognized accreditation, earning approval from the Association for Biblical Higher Education and the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. As Bethesda University developed online degree programs and intercollegiate athletics, it continued to evolve while maintaining its original mission of Christian higher education in Southern California.