Horizon University is an outgrowth of the vision of Dr. Mike MacIntosh, pastor of Horizon Christian Fellowship (HCF), a large, dynamic, non-denominational church in San Diego, California.
HCF started in San Diego in 1974 as a small Bible study in a living room. It has since grown to be a church of several thousand adults attending weekend services. Since 1974, over one hundred churches and para-church organizations have grown out of this congregation worldwide, in fulfillment of the vision to Win, Disciple, and Send.
In November of 1993, classes were officially offered under the name Horizon Bible Institute (HBI). The State of California Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education awarded HBI a religious exemption to operate as a non-accredited school. Since 1993, many students have graduated and gone on to fruitful ministries as well as further schooling.
In April of 2000, HBI began a relationship with Azusa Pacific University’s Haggard Graduate School of Theology, wherein our graduates would be accepted into their accredited graduate program. Several students have since taken advantage of this relationship and have obtained their graduate degrees. In 2005 HCSD began the same relationship with Bethel Seminary in San Diego, and in 2007 with Southern California Bible College and Seminary.
At the beginning of 2004, the name of Horizon Bible Institute was officially changed to Horizon College San Diego to better reflect the comprehensive nature of our degree programs and our future plans for growth.
In August 2004, HCSD added a traditional full-time college program, with classes meeting during the day Monday through Thursday. In January 2005, HCSD began offering classes online as well.
In August 2006, HCSD moved to a facility in the Scripps Ranch area of San Diego. This facility incorporated all of our class rooms, library, administration offices, and student lounge in one location.
In August 2010, Horizon College San Diego experienced the Lord preparing a new set of wine skins to carry on the faithful work of the original founding team. In very short order, the Lord moved HCSD to a beautiful 16-acre campus in the heart of San Diego, “America’s Finest City.” Our new campus includes some attractive features:
- 16-acre ADA approved single-story campus with a recent multi-million dollar remodel
- 17,000 volume air conditioned library
- Computer lab
- Technologically upgraded multi-purpose classroom seating 150
- 700 plus seat auditorium
- Full service café
- 1,000 seat gymnasium
- Nike athletic field
This year we are excited to announce our name change to Horizon University. Additionally, we have two schools: The School of Ministry offering an AA Biblical Studies and a BA Biblical Studies. The School of Adult and Professional Studies offers a BA Leadership and Ministry and a BS Organizational Leadership.
