Virginia Christian College Added Two New Schools

The institution expanded its academic reach in May 2026 by launching business and human services programs.

Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Christianity

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of an open book transforming into a classic academic column, symbolizing university expansion.
Virginia Christian College expanded its academic offerings in May 2026, launching new schools of business and human services to broaden its educational scope. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should local niche colleges expand their curriculum to include more career-oriented business and human services training?

Virginia Christian College opened the School of Business and Leadership and the School of Human Services in May 2026. This expansion builds upon the institution’s previous iteration as Virginia Bible College.

Why it matters

The college expanded its academic scope to prepare students for leadership roles in sectors beyond ministry, such as education and business. The move aims to integrate leadership curriculum across all degree programs.

The college previously maintained a student body of approximately 125 individuals. Enrollment is now projected to double within one year of the new schools opening.

The players

Courtney McBath

He is the president of Virginia Christian College who served as the leader of Norfolk-based Calvary Revival Church for over three decades.

Virginia Christian College

Formerly known as Virginia Bible College, this institution is based in the Hampton Roads area.

The details

The institution added these two units to supplement its existing School of Christian Ministry. This transition follows the rebranding of the school from Virginia Bible College to better reflect its broader mission.

Timeline

  1. Courtney McBath moved to Hampton Roads in 1990.

  2. Courtney McBath became president of the college in 2021.

  3. In 2024, McBath earned a diploma from the University of Oxford.

  4. The college launched its two new schools in May 2026.

Culture Shift

The college's addition of business and human services schools follows a broader industry pattern where faith-based institutions diversify curricula to remain competitive. This transition aligns with the shift of Bible colleges toward broader professional accreditation.

The availability of new academic tracks in business and human services provides local residents with additional professional development options within a faith-based environment. Prospective students may now choose from a wider range of career-focused degree paths compared to previous years.

The takeaway

The transformation of this institution highlights how small colleges are evolving their academic models to stay relevant to modern career demands. By diversifying its offerings, the school seeks to prepare leaders for impact across multiple secular and religious sectors.

Further reading

For more information on religious academic developments, visit the Christianity section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The Virginian-Pilot.

Live Poll

Should local niche colleges expand their curriculum to include more career-oriented business and human services training?