The mission of the University is to provide an excellent education on the undergraduate and graduate levels that integrates growing faith and quality learning to inspire and equip men and women for Christian ministry and service to effect community and global transformation. Patten offers a coherent and integrated education so that students will become aware of the traditions and cultures that have shaped societies, develop and expand their abilities to think critically and independently, and understand their own place and role in the larger world community.
 

The University seeks to serve motivated and committed students from a broad diversity of ethnic, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The University maintains a supportive community where students are encouraged and equipped to find and develop their unique talents and spiritual gifts. Community service and benevolence are integral to Patten's mission; therefore a consistent effort is made to involve students, faculty, staff and alumni in community service activities.

Patten seeks to respond to the mandate of the good news of the kingdom of God, service as a catalytic presence to holistically transform the neighborhoods and communities of the Bay Area, with the aim for global urban transformation.

Patten University provides programs that include an emphasis on Biblical studies, Judeo-Christian Ethics, and service learning. The University endeavors to inspire students to commit themselves to God, serve their communities, and to live as morally responsible individuals in whatever vocation or profession they choose to pursue. In order to help meet the needs of students in other geographical areas, consistent with its global vision, the University is committed to offering certificate and degree programs at extension centers and through distance learning.

To achieve this end, Patten University strives to recruit and retain qualified faculty and staff who embrace the ethical and moral values found in the Judeo-Christian tradition, who are strongly committed to teaching and advising, and who demonstrate integrity through scholarship, research, and service to the University and the larger community.

In its recruitment and retention of students, faculty, and staff, Patten University maintains openness to all qualified persons and encourages academic freedom and diversity within the context of its core values of learning, faith and community.