Harvest Christian University is a Missouri-based institution. All  educational instruction, academic administration, and degree-granting  operations originate outside the State of Texas and are delivered  online. The University does not maintain a Texas instructional campus or  conduct in-person academic instruction in Texas. From time to time, the  University may host ceremonies, conferences, graduations, ministry  events, or other non-instructional activities in Texas or other  jurisdictions. Such events do not alter the location from which the  University’s educational and academic operations are conducted.  

Legal Foundation and Institutional Rights

Harvest Christian University conducts its operations in accordance  with the Constitution and laws of the United States, the Constitution  and laws of the State of Missouri, and all other applicable laws  governing its activities.

The University’s religious mission, governance, and educational activities are supported by, among other authorities:

Religious Freedom

Harvest Christian University affirms its rights under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution,  which protects the free exercise of religion, freedom of speech,  freedom of association, and the autonomy of religious organizations in  matters of faith, doctrine, governance, and ministry.

The University also relies upon the protections of the Missouri Constitution, Article I, Section 5, which safeguards the free exercise of religion.

Missouri Corporate Authority

Harvest Christian University is duly incorporated in the State of  Missouri as a nonprofit religious postsecondary institution. Its  corporate existence, governance, and internal affairs are governed by  the Missouri Nonprofit Corporation Act (Chapter 355, Revised Statutes of Missouri).

Religious Postsecondary Education

Harvest Christian University operates as a religious postsecondary  institution organized to provide higher education consistent with its  religious mission and institutional purpose. The University relies upon  all applicable provisions of Missouri law governing religious and exempt  postsecondary institutions, including applicable exemptions provided  under Chapter 173 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, where those provisions apply.

Federal Religious Organization Status

Harvest  Christian University states that it operates as a church-related  religious organization recognized under the Internal Revenue Code,  including the provisions applicable to churches and integrated  auxiliaries, including 26 U.S.C. § 508(c)(1)(A), together with its  public charity status under 26 U.S.C. §§ 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi),  as applicable.

Academic and Institutional Governance

Harvest  Christian University maintains authority over its internal academic  governance, including admissions, curriculum, faculty appointments,  graduation requirements, academic policies, and the conferral of earned  and honorary degrees in accordance with its governing documents and  applicable law.

Interstate Educational Activities

As  a Missouri institution, Harvest Christian University may conduct  educational, religious, ceremonial, conference, commencement, alumni,  ministry, and outreach activities throughout the United States and  internationally. Such activities do not alter the University’s Missouri  corporate domicile or principal institutional operations. The University  recognizes that activities conducted in another jurisdiction remain  subject to the laws applicable to those activities in that jurisdiction

Harvest Christian University (HCU) is a Missouri-incorporated religious postsecondary institution organized under the laws of the State of Missouri. The University  exists to advance faith-based higher education, leadership development,  ministry preparation, professional education, research, and lifelong  learning in furtherance of its religious mission and institutional  purpose.

Harvest Christian University maintains that it is an indigenous, self-governing institution operating under its own governing charter, ecclesiastical authority,  institutional policies, academic regulations, and governing framework.  The University exercises independent oversight of its educational,  administrative, academic, and religious affairs through its duly  authorized governing bodies and institutional leadership.

The University’s principal place of organization, administration, and primary institutional operations is located in the State of Missouri, where it maintains its corporate domicile and institutional headquarters.

As a Missouri-based postsecondary institution, Harvest Christian  University provides educational opportunities through traditional  instruction, distance education, online learning, executive education,  continuing education, professional development, ministry training, and  specialized certificate programs for qualified students in the United  States and internationally.

The University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral education  in accordance with its published academic policies and institutional  standards. Students who successfully satisfy all prescribed academic,  institutional, and graduation requirements may be awarded earned academic degrees,  including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral (Ph.D. and other approved  doctoral) degrees, together with certificates, diplomas, and other  academic credentials authorized by the University.

In recognition of distinguished achievement and exceptional service to society, Harvest Christian University may also confer Honorary Degrees (Honoris Causa) upon individuals whose lifetime accomplishments in ministry, education,  humanitarian service, government, public service, business, science,  the arts, philanthropy, or other fields exemplify extraordinary  leadership and contribution. Honorary degrees are awarded as honorary  distinctions and are separate from earned academic degrees completed  through formal academic study.

While Harvest Christian University is headquartered and principally operated in Missouri, the University may conduct graduation  ceremonies, honorary degree convocations, commencement exercises,  conferences, symposiums, religious services, leadership institutes,  educational seminars, alumni gatherings, public lectures, ministry  events, and other official University functions in Texas, throughout  the United States, and internationally. Such activities are conducted  in support of the University’s educational and religious mission and do  not alter the University’s principal place of organization, governance,  corporate domicile, or primary institutional operations, which remain  in the State of Missouri.

Harvest Christian University affirms that its corporate organization,  governance, and principal institutional operations are governed by the  laws of the State of Missouri. The University recognizes that  jurisdictions in which it conducts activities may apply laws that govern  those specific activities. Accordingly, any assertion of regulatory  authority by another jurisdiction must be based upon that jurisdiction’s  applicable laws and the University’s actual activities within that  jurisdiction.

Harvest Christian University remains committed to academic  excellence, institutional integrity, religious liberty, responsible  governance, ethical leadership, scholarship, and public service. Through  its educational mission, the University seeks to prepare graduates who  will lead with knowledge, wisdom, character, compassion, and  professional excellence in ministry, education, business, public safety,  government, healthcare, humanitarian service, and communities  throughout the world.

Official Statement
Harvest Christian University

Harvest  Christian University remains committed to academic excellence,  religious liberty, institutional integrity, ethical leadership, and  compliance with all applicable laws governing its operations.

 26 U.S.C. § 508(c)(1)(A) concerns the treatment of certain churches and  related organizations under federal tax law; it is not itself a  declaration that a particular organization is a valid § 501(c)(3).
* Missouri Revised  Statutes § 173.616 contains exemptions for certain categories of schools  from specified Missouri postsecondary regulatory provisions, but the  exemptions depend on the institution meeting the statutory criteria.
*  Missouri nonprofit law (Chapter 355) governs nonprofit corporations and  their internal affairs.  

• Any unauthorized use of the university’s name, practices, degree awards, logos, signatures, or marketing of intellectual property is strictly prohibited and punishable by law.  HCU reserves the right to take legal action against any misuse or misrepresentation of its intellectual property. 

Harvest Christian University (HCU) awards honorary doctoral degrees to recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and contributions in their respective fields, embodying the values of leadership, innovation, and community impact. 

Unlike a matriculated degree, which signifies the promise of future accomplishments, an honorary degree is awarded as proof of a life already lived with distinction. 

HCU believes that experience is the ultimate teacher, and its honorary degrees celebrate those who have used their expertise and humanity to inspire others and make meaningful contributions to society. 

HCU’s honorary doctoral program stands out among other institutions for its focus on recognizing professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, entertainers, inventors, and thought leaders who have achieved excellence through real-world experience.