Introduction

City Vision College is the accredited Internet-based distance learning program of TechMission.  Its mission is to provide practical online education to those involved in urban ministry.

The original curriculum for the college was developed in 1990 as a joint Urban Ministry degree program offered by Grace University in Omaha, NE and the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions. The AGRM, founded in 1913, is an association of over 300 ministries that help the homeless, addicted and needy in cities throughout North America. 

In 1998, the AGRM established it's own distance learning program using these courses and called it "Rescue College."  In the years that followed, the curriculum was further expanded to create the degree completion program; a Bachelor of Arts in Missions with an urban ministry emphasis.  The  college was accredited by the Distance Education and Trainng Council in 2005.

In 2008,  AGRM transferred ownership of the college to TechMission, which is based in the Boston area.  The name was changed to "City VIsion College" and facilities for the academic operations were established in Kansas City, Missouri.

Students may enroll year round in the college's certificate or degree completion program, the latter of which leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Missions with an urban ministry emphasis.  Individual courses may also be taken for personal enrichment and professional development.  Several courses can be used to fulfill the initial educational requirements of the CFRE credential for fundraising professionals and its on-going continuing education requirements.

Starting this fall, City Vision College will also offer an Addiction Studies program in partnership with the NET Institute. This program provides training in the Twelve Core Functions of the Substance Abuse Counselor and is intended to prepare students to attain the Certified Addiction Counselor credential in the states in which they reside.

Goals & Objectives

The City Vision College curriculum is designed to prepare its graduates to:

A.   Understand the history of evangelical efforts to reach the needy in urban areas

B.   Recognize the Biblical basis of the urban mission movement.

C.   Oversee the financial and administrative functions of a non-profit organization.

D.   Lead and motivate staff members and volunteers.

E.   Manage programs and services that meet the diverse needs of the people served by that rescue missions and similar organizations.  This includes programs such as services for homeless men and women, long-term residential programs, youth work, and family ministry.

F.   Demonstrate the basic promotional, fundraising, and public relations skills necessary to communicate effectively with supporting constituencies.

A degree or certificate from City Vision College, coupled with appropriate experience in the field, can open the door to employment in a variety of administrative and direct care positions with rescue missions and similar organizations.  These positions include executive director, assistant director, department head, program director, chaplain, caseworker, and various other administrative positions.