In 2000, Olivet was established as a Bible college named the Olivet Theological College & Seminary (OTCS). OTCS functioned as a ‘seedbed' for missions, offering multiple fields of study and distance learning to ministry-bound students all over the world. OTCS developed quickly, necessitating several major changes to accommodate the school's diverse student body.
In 2004, Olivet University was incorporated and established separate institutions, each offering different degree programs. In addition to OTCS, there is the Jubilee College of Music, Olivet School of Media and Communication, Olivet School of Art and Design, Olivet Institute of Technology, Olivet School of Language and Education, Olivet Business School, Zinzendorf School of Doctoral Studies, Olivet Institute for Global Strategic Studies, Olive Branch Institute of Islamic Understanding, and Institute of Faith and Family.
The university's latest reorganization was supported by several key Christian ministries affiliated with the individual College divisions. These connections – some of which date back to Olivet's founding – are clearer and stronger as a result of Olivet University's current structure, especially in the areas of Olivet student recruitment and alumni employment.
Olivet University alumni later began an association of evangelical bodies named the World Olivet Assembly. Through a collaborative network, Olivet University aspires to carry out its mission of equipping ministers with opportunities and skills to revolutionize the world through Christian mission.
Olivet University has a compelling vision for creating an engineering program that will support the institutional mission in powerful ways. Most notably, the program will open up new opportunities to educate the people who save souls and to strengthen Olivet’s connections with companies and affiliated ministries in the field.
Olivet University’s mission will be well served by a college organized around the design and construction of the “built environment.” With its integration of civil engineering, architecture, construction and mission, this college will be unique in U.S. higher education.
Olivet University’s present-day 924 acre property in Riverside Southern California offers a multidisciplinary residential campus with emphasis on academic studies and spiritual formation.