Mission, Purpose and Goals
The Graduate School provides quality higher education that fosters a distinctly Christian graduate culture. Southwestern’s graduate programs primarily serve post-baccalaureate students within the Southwestern Union Conference through traditional on-campus classes and distance education courses in Counseling and Education. Each program is approved by field-specific accrediting associations and utilizes quality academic and professional faculty.
Believing in the transformative power of the Gospel and affirming the importance of the life of the mind, Southwestern Adventist University seeks to promote inquiry through faith, to balance tradition with innovation, and to become a force for positive and significant change in global society.
The Graduate School trains individuals in a distinctively multi-cultural environment for service to God and the community.
Southwestern Adventist University was founded in 1893 as Keene Industrial Academy. Junior college level work was first offered in 1916 and the name was changed to Southwestern Junior College. In anticipation of offering baccalaureate work, the name was changed to Southwestern Union College in 1963. The first bachelor level classes were offered in 1967. In 1977, the college was renamed Southwestern Adventist College, reflecting its denominational affiliation. Graduate level work was begun in 1987; nine years later the institution changed its name to Southwestern Adventist University. The University has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1958; first as a Level I institution (associate degrees), then in 1970 as a Level II institution (baccalaureate degrees), and since 1989 as a Level III institution (graduate degrees).
The institution is committed to Christian teachings and values as understood by the Seventh- day Adventist Church. God is perceived as the Creator and ultimate source of knowledge and meaning. True education is defined as the harmonious development of the intellectual, spiritual, social, and physical aspects of human nature.
The University broadens the student's intellect, strengthens the spiritual dimension, contributes to social growth, fosters attitudes and practices of healthful living, develops a wholesome respect for the dignity of labor, and instills a sense of selfless service.
The University has the following goals: Strengthen the student's relationship with Jesus Christ Provide an environment conducive to learning Provide the infrastructure to fulfill our educational purpose Focus on quality curricular programs in undergraduate education Provide a general education component that brings enrichment and balance to all academic and professional programs Provide quality graduate education at the master's level Provide quality distance-learning Provide administrative support services Provide educational support services Operate in a fiscally responsible manner
Upon completion of a Master's degree at Southwestern Adventist University, graduates will be able to: Demonstrate knowledge and skills required by employers in the field Contribute significantly to the knowledge and practice of the field Exemplify a character of integrity and ethics in all scholarly and professional activities
Southwestern Adventist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, telephone number 404-679-4501) to award: Associate, Bachelor, and Master degrees. In addition, the University is currently accredited by the following accrediting bodies: The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Southwestern Adventist University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791 The University is a member of the following: Southwestern Adventist University does not discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, disability, race or ethnic origin. The University President is responsible for compliance. The University believes the interpretation and implementation of all government laws and regulations are subject to constitutional guarantees against unreasonable entanglement with or infringement on the religious teachings and practices of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Any regulation or change in regulation adopted by the Board of Trustees or the faculty at any time shall have equal authority as the regulations printed in this bulletin or the student handbook. Each student is responsible for knowing and observing the regulations of the University and is responsible for fulfilling the requirements for his or her degree as defined by the University Bulletin.