Amridge University: A Pioneer in Christian Distance Education
Nestled in Montgomery, Alabama, Amridge University stands as a distinctive institution that seamlessly merges a rich Christian heritage with a pioneering spirit in online education. As a private, non-profit university affiliated with the Churches of Christ, it has evolved from a modest theological seminary into a comprehensive institution offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. With the motto “Where Traditional and Online Education Merge”, Amridge University has carved a unique niche in American higher education, particularly for working adults and non-traditional students seeking flexible, faith-based learning opportunities.
A Rich History Rooted in Faith
The university’s story begins not in 1967 but nearly three decades earlier. In 1942, Rex A. Turner, Sr., Leonard Johnson, and Joe Greer co-founded Montgomery Bible School, offering both high school and first-year college courses. This institution quickly developed into a junior college and, by 1953, was granting its first bachelor’s degrees. In 1954, it was renamed Alabama Christian College. Buy fake USA diploma online.
A pivotal moment came in 1966 when the governing board voted to discontinue the upper-level program in religious studies to pursue accreditation as a junior college. The following year, a separate corporation was formed under the name Alabama Christian School of Religion to assume the upper-level program. This marked the official founding of what would eventually become Amridge University. The institution underwent several name changes over the decades—becoming Southern Christian University and later Regions University—before adopting its current name in 2008. Today, it shares its roots with two other institutions: Alabama Christian Academy (the original high school department) and Faulkner University (the original college department).
Academic Programs and Structure
Amridge University is organized into four main academic divisions: the College of General Studies, the College of Business and Leadership, the School of Education and Human Services, and the Turner School of Theology. The Turner School of Theology, named in honor of founder Rex Allwin Turner Sr. and his wife Opal Shipp Turner, continues to be a core undertaking, offering all levels of ministry and theological degrees.
Everything International Students Need: Amridge University Degree
The university offers 32 degree programs, all of which are available 100% online. Popular fields of study include Business Administration, Biblical Studies, Christian Studies, Human Development and Family Studies, Criminal Justice, and Higher Education Administration. With a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, the institution provides personalized attention despite its predominantly online format. The student body is small and close-knit, with approximately 366 undergraduates and 346 postgraduates.
A Pioneer in Distance Learning
Amridge University holds a distinguished place in the history of American distance education. It began delivering distance education in 1993 and has provided online instruction since 1999. The U.S. Department of Education selected Amridge as one of the first 15 participants in the nation to pilot distance education on a broad level—a selection that ultimately contributed to changes in federal law allowing more students to access distance learning. Today, all degree programs are offered 100% online, with no requirement for campus attendance. This commitment to flexibility makes the university particularly responsive to the needs of working adults.
Accreditation and Recognition
Amridge University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), a respected accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The Turner School of Theology also holds accreditation from the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools. The university is consistently evaluated by national and international bodies, ensuring that its academic standards remain rigorous and current.
Affordability and Student Success
With undergraduate tuition and fees at approximately $10,470, Amridge offers an affordable private Christian education. Approximately 90% of students qualify for Federal Financial Aid, and the university provides scholarships and incentive discounts for military students, first-time freshmen, ministers, and corporate alliance partners. The institution boasts a graduation rate of 67%. According to recent graduate surveys, 92% of alumni are currently employed, and 95% would recommend Amridge University to a friend.
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings as Montgomery Bible School in 1942 to its current status as a nationally recognized pioneer in Christian distance education, Amridge University has remained steadfast in its mission to prepare men and women for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and service. By combining academic excellence, spiritual vitality, and technological innovation, it continues to fulfill its founding vision of making quality Christian higher education accessible to students wherever they may be.