College of Biblical Studies

The College was developed to provide college-level training in Bible and theology for those individuals, who had little or no opportunity to receive such training by conventional means (resident, full-time). As a commuter college, this training is accomplished in a unique way through our key distinctives:

• Biblical – curriculum is primarily focused on a biblical world view, based on scriptural truth, with its focus on ministry preparation and life transformation.
• Diverse – students study and experience the education process with fellow students from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Accessible – courses are available during the day, evening and Saturdays, and through alternative schedules to provide the CBS commuter college students an opportunity to “fit” their studies into their life schedules.
• Affordable – the cost of attendance is intentionally lower than other accredited private institutions and financial aid is available to assist students in meeting the financial requirements of their studies.

The College of Biblical Studies-Houston provides biblically based education for the Body of Christ, with primary focus on African-American and other ethnic minority groups, and equips its students with a biblical worldview for Christian service to the church and the world.

By 2020, the College of Biblical Studies-Houston will become the premier Bible college in Texas focused on transforming a diverse student body to serve Christ and impact families, churches and communities, to the glory of God.

The purpose of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness is to support the college in the accomplishment of its mission, goals and objectives through the collection, analysis, distribution and presentation of data and information for use in decision-making, policy formulation, budgeting and planning.

The Office is responsible for reporting data to internal and external entities, responding to diverse requests for information within the college community, and encouraging assessment throughout the college for continuous improvement, efficiency and effectiveness.

At CBS, we are committed to running our race with diligence and excellence by providing top-rated biblically-based education that transforms and equips our students for greater service to the Houston area, the Church and the world.The CBS community wants its students to have hearts that are as soft as clay and minds that are sharp as razors. For the Christian, everything that is done is done for the glory of God. He gives everything, including education, meaning and purpose.

There are more than 42,000 volumes and over 150 hard copy journals, periodicals, and newspapers available for use to support the academic programs of CBS, meet its educational objectives, and aid in additional research. In addition, CBS has extensive access to many databases with thousands of full text journals, magazines, and downloadable e-books.The library has a computer lab with over 35 computer terminals outfitted with Microsoft Office and there are 5 study rooms with A/V equipment in each room (6-10 people capacity). In addition, the library and main building has Wi-Fi connectivity available to students.The library is for CBS students, faculty, and staff. Students should follow the instructions of the library staff and posted procedures for usage.

Financial aid is any form of assistance that comes from some organized body that assists a student with the costs of attending college. These forms consist of federal, state, institutional and private funds that are used to assist students in funding their education. Scholarships and grants are “free money “ that you do not pay back, however loans are considered as self-help and you are required to pay them back when a student becomes enrolled less than half-time or graduates. When you seek aid, we will consider you for all forms of aid available.

We are dedicated to our student’s success through the services and organizations that are offered. It is our desire that you find a place of comfort within CBS that will help you to further your relationships with God and one another.The College of Biblical Studies–Houston (CBS), formerly Houston Bible Institute (HBI), began as a burden in the heart of the late Rev. Ernest L. Mays, the founder of HBI. He sensed that large segments of the local Christian community were functioning without trained leaders. This was especially true within the inner-city minority groups.Out of this concern, Houston Bible & Vocational Institute was incorporated in 1976. Mr. William Thomas, Jr. and Rev. Joe Wall assisted in the development of a multi-racial, interdenominational board, which began working to make the school a reality. Within a short time, a decision was made to focus on biblical and theological training because they felt that there were already adequate resources for vocational training in the area.

In the fall of 1979, the first classes of Houston Bible Institute were offered. Rev. Rodney L. Cooper was the school’s first Executive Director. From its inception, the school used the facilities of KHCB-FM, a Houston-based Christian radio network, for its classrooms, and leased administrative space nearby.

In 1983, Rev. Rod Cooper resigned to pursue a Ph.D., and the Board promoted Rev. Jack Arrington, then Vice President, to President. President Arrington continued the difficult task of building the foundation and establishing credibility in the minority community.