academics
Grow in Your Knowledge and Faith
Increase your academic knowledge and skills while studying in the framework of a Biblical worldview in one of Nelson University’s academic programs. Core classes in Bible and theology serve to deepen your understanding of Scripture and the human journey. You’ll graduate from Nelson with strengthened character, hands-on servant leadership experiences, and marketplace skills to help you succeed in your career or calling.
By the Numbers
Degrees
offered on campus and online by professors with real-world experience
Student-faculty ratio
means personalized instruction and a comfortable learning environment
Programs
are taught by Christian instructors from a Biblical worldview
Explore Nelson University Programs
Use our Program Finder to help you compare and choose from many options for associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs. Sharpen your skills and clarify your calling as you prepare for ministry or the workforce. Explore our on-campus and online options.
Looking for Course Details?
For a full list of degree programs, course descriptions, and academic policies, please refer to the official Nelson University Catalog. This is our University’s trusted resource for understanding degree requirements and staying on track for graduation.
Southwestern College of Bible & Church Ministries
In the College of Bible and Church Ministries, faithful scholarship and genuine love for people are our top priorities. The Great Commandment — to love God and love others — is not simply an institutional motto. It is the animating conviction behind every course we teach, every degree we offer, and every student we serve.
College of Behavioral Sciences and Community Services
Our college is committed to academic excellence as students master their field of study from a faith-based, Biblical perspective that strengthens their Christian values and helps them develop critical thinking skills essential in Counseling, Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Social Work.
College of Business
The College of Business embraces Nelson University’s vision of glorifying God by preparing students to be influencers for Jesus Christ in the business world. We provide a comprehensive business education coupled with practical, marketplace-ready skills essential for professional success.
College of Health Sciences
This newly expanded college represents an exciting milestone in our institution’s commitment to preparing compassionate, skilled healthcare professionals who will serve their communities with excellence and Christian integrity.
College of Music & Communication Arts
Develop your talents in music, communication, and media. Combine faith and creativity through our theater programs, music ensembles, award-winning filmmaking teams, and more. Gain production skills and on-field reporting experience. This college also provides publishing opportunities to showcase your prose, poetry, and scripts.
College of Education and Integrative Studies
The College of Education and Integrative Studies houses our highly rated Teacher Education program as well as our foundational disciplines, including English, History, Math, and Science. One of our core values as a university is academic excellence, and we support that value in our multidisciplinary general education core as well as through our various majors focused on training future teachers, writers, thinkers, historians, theorists, and researchers.
Early College Credit Program
Take college courses through online offerings while you’re still in high school to save up to $25,000 on tuition at Nelson University. With our Early College Credit program, you can earn college credit starting from the summer after your sophomore year. Your Nelson University courses may also count towards your high school diploma.
Learn About Admissions to the Early College Credit Program
Read the Early College Credit FAQs
The Support You Need
Through the Nelson Learning Centers, you’ll find academic help and resources to assist you with your courses. You’ll also be able to practice and develop essential study skills. This may involve one-on-one tutoring or small group appointments to assist with coursework, and this is provided without extra cost. Our Learning Centers also help with any students in need of academic accommodations.
Nelson’s L3 Initiative – Lions Leading Lions
Nelson University cares about student success! We also recognize that one of the greatest influences in our students’ lives is other students. The Lions Leading Lions Initiative is designed to focus on increasing student retention and persistence to graduation. Below you will find information regarding the Q.E.P. and peer advisors along with resources to help you simplify your experience at Nelson University (i.e. degree plans, academic support resources, etc).
Degree Pathways
Each of Nelson’s Undergraduate programs has developed a Degree Pathway Sheet to help students better understand their pathway to graduation. These sheets provide general information about the degree requirements and career opportunities related to the degree, along with a suggested pathway to degree completion. The Degree Pathway Sheets provide an excellent starting point for students as they work with their department chair, program coordinator, course scheduler, or peer advisor in planning the success of their academic career. Select your degree to see the degree pathway that corresponds with your chosen major.
Nelson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Nelson University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Nelson University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).