Southern Wesleyan University was established in 1906 as the Wesleyan Methodist Bible Institute. The mission of the school was to provide intellectual training with a Christian focus. It was one of five colleges and universities sponsored by The Wesleyan Church. In 1909, the name of the school changed to Wesleyan Methodist College and it became a junior college offering a four-year theological degree in 1928.
In 1963, the school was reorganized and became a four-year liberal arts institution. At that time, the name of the school changed to Central Wesleyan College. It became Southern Wesleyan University in 1994. In 2002, the school began offering master’s degree programs and, in 2013, began offering fully-online programs.
Today, Southern Wesleyan University sits on 350 acres and has an enrollment of 1,808 students. Over 51 percent of the students enrolled attend in the evening or online.
Southern Wesleyan University Accreditation Details
Southern Methodist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Accreditation indicates that the school meets or exceeds criteria as set forth by the agency that indicates excellence in education and strives for improvement in all areas when necessary. The following agencies or organizations accredit specific programs at Southern Wesleyan:
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- National Association of Schools of Music
- National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Southern Wesleyan University Application Requirements
Applicants who are willing to be challenged in the classroom and are serious about growing in their Christian faith must submit a short, online application and all supplemental information required. Each student who wishes to attend in a traditional classroom setting must also meet with an admissions counselor. Students who wish to attend online courses should complete the online application and submit all supplemental materials required.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate full-time tuition is $24,200 per year and part-time tuition is $968 per credit hour. Online tuition for undergraduate courses is $425 per credit hour. Tuition for the MBA and MSM programs is $558.33 per credit hour. Tuition for the M.Ed as well as for graduate electives is $425 per credit hour. Online tuition has no hidden fees as the tuition and fees are included in one cost. There is a tuition deposit required and there is a $100 per credit hour directed study fee for graduate courses.
Financial aid is available for on-campus, evening and online students in the form of grants, scholarships and loans. On-campus students may also qualify for work-study programs. Southern Wesleyan University accepts military and employment benefits as well. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify.
Student Experience
At Southern Wesleyan University, students may pursue a degree in Recreation and Sport Management at both the undergraduate level. Students in the program develop competencies in the industry based in a Christian philosophy. Graduates of the program are strong and purpose-driven, using faith through sport and recreation to lead others. Students are provided classroom and experiential learning to prepare them for many career paths. Students are able to choose from either the sport management or the outdoor leadership concentrations.
Students in the sport management concentration learn from experts in the field through guest speakers, symposiums, field trips and consulting projects as well as internship opportunities that don’t exist at other colleges. Students attend conferences throughout the country and learn the business of sports from behind the scenes of many professional sport agencies. They are also able to explore faith in the sport world.
Students who choose the outdoor leadership concentration learn hard skills for outdoor leadership while also acquiring wilderness medical skills. Students learn ropes course skills which they can apply to real-world situations at the Southern Wesleyan University Challenge Course. Students have the opportunity to hike the Foothills Trail in the Jocassee Gorges, kayak on the lakes in the area and connect with outdoor professionals through the Christian Adventure Association conference. The program provides insight into connecting people to God using outdoor activities.
Southern Wesleyan University has many student clubs and organizations to appeal to any interest a student may have. The Outdoor Club is an excellent option for students enrolled in the outdoor leadership concentration. The club pursues outdoor adventures such as hiking, camping, backpacking, rock climbing and other activities that provide an opportunity to interact with others with similar interests and to appreciate the world God created.
Students in Sport Management may also want to participate in intramural sports available at Southern Wesleyan University. Some of the sports available include:
- 3v3 Outdoor Basketball
- Co-ed Soccer
- Co-ed Ultimate Frisbee
- Dodgeball
- Poker
- Men’s Flag Football
- Sand Volleyball
- Smash Bros.
- Spikeball
As a school based in Christian values, faith is an important part of campus life. Students are provided an opportunity to grow their faith with worship, discipleship groups, ministry teams, local service and global missions experience. There are many chapel speakers who provide insight into the word of God. The goal of university is to help students find God’s purpose, prepare them for that purpose and send them out to make a difference in the world.
Students participate in Day of Service in March each year. There are no traditional classes on campus that day as the day is dedicated to helping others. Traditional students who are taking 12 or more credits are required to attend 24 chapel experiences per semester. Students who participate in Day of Service projects receive chapel credit if the project is university sponsored. Students may also participate in Summer Ministry Teams where they act a servant leaders in order to counsel, assist with recreation, lead cabin devotions and build relationships with children at summer youth camps.
Southern Wesleyan University offers degrees based in Christian philosophy many of which include a flexible schedule that allows students to meet work, family and social obligation while still achieving their higher education goals. The flexible online courses allow adult learners to move into a new career or advance in a current career.
