Now in its 126th year, Cedarville University stands dedicated to its mission as “a Christ-centered learning community equipping students for lifelong leadership and service through an education marked by excellence and grounded in biblical truth.”

The University achieves its mission by accomplishing the following objectives or “portrait statements,” which are embraced by the University community and intentionally pursued in every aspect of the educational experience. As a result, a Cedarville University graduate will:

• Glorify God – The Cedarville graduate exemplifies devotion to the triune God, Christlike character, and faithfulness to the teachings of the Scriptures.

• Think Broadly and Deeply – The Cedarville graduate evaluates ideas, practices, and theories across disciplines within the framework of God’s revelation.

• Communicate Effectively – The Cedarville graduate listens well, and produces and delivers clear, compelling, accurate, and truthful messages in a relevant, respectful manner.

• Develop Academically and Professionally – The Cedarville graduate demonstrates competence and integrity in academic and professional endeavors.

• Engage for Christ – The Cedarville graduate lives to further the mission of Christ and His church in the world as an active influence in spiritual, moral, professional, and social spheres.

The University’s identity reflects three foundational commitments:

• To the Word of God – Cedarville University gives God the glory for the institution’s rich heritage of faithful commitment to His inerrant Word. The University views its doctrinal statement as its foundational document. The statement is embraced, without reservation, on an annual basis by trustees, administrators, faculty, and staff. Cedarville underscores it’s commitment to the Word of God by including a Bible minor in the course requirements for every major. Students also attend chapel five days a week. The University has established and will continue its unique place within Christ-centered higher education as a conservative evangelical university.

• To Cultural Engagement – Cedarville trains students to know and understand the culture, enabling them to engage it intelligently and impact it for Christ. Every aspect of campus life, even professional programs, equips students to influence people toward the Lord. 

• To the Great Commission – Cedarville participates in fulfilling Christ’s great command to make disciples. The University comprehends a changing world and is committed to serving that world. “For the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ” has been Cedarville’s motto for more than half a century.

These unwavering commitments contribute to a University marked by healthy equilibrium, academic excellence, a commitment to quality, and superior fiscal management in difficult times.

• The University is current in thought, historic in doctrine, and relevant to the culture. It is progressive, yet anchored; uncompromising, yet engaging. Cedarville’s appropriate balance may be seen in its theology, its biblical world view, its student handbook, and its presentation of both liberal arts education along with professional programs.

• Academic excellence permeates Cedarville’s programs, its technology resources, and its facilities. This was most recently highlighted with the opening of a state-of-the-art Health Sciences Center to house the new School of Pharmacy and the expanding School of Nursing. Nearly two-thirds of Cedarville students study in the sciences or professional programs.

• Cedarville is guided by a commitment to quality that rightly reflects the excellence of the Lord we serve. The University’s recent move to NCAA Division II for all athletic programs reflects this ongoing priority.

• The University has followed the biblical mandate to conduct its affairs decently and in order. The pressures of the current economy require forward-focused, conservative fiscal management to assure the institution’s long-term economic stability.