Awaken your purpose at Southern Wesleyan.
Southern Wesleyan University was originally established in 1906 as the Wesleyan Methodist Bible Institute whose mission was to develop Christian character in its students while giving thorough intellectual training. Now, as a four-year, private, liberal arts university, SWU’s structure and name have changed, but our mission—to be a Christian community of learners that recognizes God as the source of all truth and wisdom—has remained.
No matter your age or place in life, Southern Wesleyan University is a place for you to change your life and impact your world. As a Christ-centered, student-focused learning community, SWU has multiple options available for students of all ages to pursue their passion.
The college experience is all about learning and growing, so why limit that to sitting at a desk or in a lecture hall? At Southern Wesleyan University, we think you can do better. Each program incorporates real-world experiences, such as competitive internships for business majors, student teaching for education majors, forensic lab training for criminal justice majors, and real client video projects for media communication majors.
The institution was founded in 1906,
providing Christ-centered education
for over 100 years.
Named one of the Most Affordable Christian Colleges and Universities by Christian Universities
Over 40 programs of study in 7 School/Divisions
11 NCAA National Titles since 2007
A low student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1 assures students receive personal attention and individualized advising.
Named a Military Friendly School by G.I. Jobs
Named a Top School in the 2016 Military Advanced Education & Transition Guide
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Division of Fine Arts
• Church Music
• Music
• Music Education
Division of Humanities
• English
• English Education
• History
• Media Communication
• Social Studies Education
Division of Religion
• Bible
• Children’s Ministry
• Christian Ministry
• Christian Worship
• New Testament Greek
• Sports Ministry
• Youth Ministry
• Applied Computer Science
• Biology
• Biology Education
• Chemistry
• Computer Information Systems
Concentration in Business Informatics
Concentration in Forensic Informatics
Concentration in Media Informatics
• Exercise Science
• Forensic Science
• Mathematics
• Mathematics Education
• Pre-Medicine/Pre-Dentistry
Division of Social Sciences
• Criminal Justice Studies
• Human Services
• Psychology
• Recreation and Sport Management
Concentration in Outdoor Leadership
Concentration in Sport Management
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Concentration in Accounting
Concentration in Management
Concentration in Small Business & Entrepreneurship
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
• Early Childhood Education
• Early Childhood and Family Studies
• Early Childhood/Elementary Education
• Elementary Education
• English Education
• Mathematics Education
• Music Education
• Physical Education
• Social Studies Education
• Special Education
Faith-Filled Community
Ask a Southern Wesleyan student what’s so special about this place, and there’s a good chance you’ll hear the word “community.” While many private universities like to use the word “community,” we are redefining it. The Southern Wesleyan community genuinely cares for and helps others. From move-in day to graduation day you’ll experience real community at Southern Wesleyan University.
The community atmosphere we’re talking about is what makes this place magnetic. At Southern Wesleyan you can actively participate in real community and you’ll be changed by the Southern Wesleyan University experience.
Campus Life Activities:
Student clubs and organizations
Campus coffee shop
Intramural sports
Residence hall activities
Sand volleyball court
Outdoor basketball court
Tennis court
Campfire and picnic shelter area
Outdoor ENO hammock park
Golf driving range and putting green
Spiritual Life Activities:
Chapel Experiences
Discipleship Groups
Ministry Teams
Local Serving Opportunities
Global Mission Trips
Spiritual Emphasis Week
Student Missions Focus
Prayer Walks
Day of Service
Athletics
Southern Wesleyan University is a member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II and began competition in Conference Carolinas in 2014-15. The Warriors are also members of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) and the South Region.
Student-Athletes are given the opportunity to excel athletically, academically, and spiritually. Southern Wesleyan annually recognizes numerous all-conference, all-region and academic award winners. The Warriors have won four NCCAA National Championships in team competitions and seven individual national champion.
Warrior student-athletes have also traveled the world on mission trips reaching people for God’s kingdom in countries such as Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic and the USA. Student-Athletes and spectators alike will continue to have pride in our Warrior traditions.
Men’s Sports
Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Golf
Soccer
Tennis
Indoor Track & Field
Outdoor Track & Field
Women’s Sports
Basketball
Cross Country
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Triathalon
Indoor Track & Field
Outdoor Track & Field
Volleyball
Attending Southern Wesleyan is a life-changing experience.
But it’s also a life-changing investment in awakening your purpose.
Admissions
Become a different kind of businessperson, a different kind of doctor, a different kind of educator, a different kind of leader. Discover your passion. Awaken your purpose at Southern Wesleyan.
You can pursue your passion through:
- Academic programs in 40 distinctive undergraduate and 4 graduate areas of study
- Small classes averaging 13 students and dedicated faculty who offer personal attention in and out of
the classroom - Real-world experiences through internships, global cross-cultural trips, and traveling
summer ministry teams - A wide variety of campus and spiritual life activities in a supportive community
- 19 intercollegiate sports in NCAA Division II, as well as the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA)
- A 350-acre main campus nestled in beautiful upstate South Carolina and surrounded by outdoor attractions and city life
Financial Aid
At Southern Wesleyan University, we strive to set standards in our students’ lives. We want our graduates to experience strong career achievements and find success for themselves and their families. But our ultimate goal is to provide a meaningful, inspiring, and life-changing college experience that prepares students to impact the world for Christ.
By those measures, Southern Wesleyan offers a different kind of value. But it’s still one that we make approachable for students of all income levels.
- 100 percent of our freshmen students receive financial aid.
- The average award per freshmen student is more than $25,104 (including institutional aid and loans).
- We offer a flexible payment plan, which allows you to split your remaining costs into two or four payments throughout each semester.
- We awarded nearly $7.3 million in institutional scholarships/grants during the 2014–2015
academic year. - The average SWU graduate finishes with almost $10,000 less in loan debt than the national average.
- Southern Wesleyan ranks in the top third among the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities member institutions for affordability.
Situated in scenic upstate South Carolina
The 350-acre main campus of Southern Wesleyan University is located in the town of Central, nestled in beautiful upstate South Carolina and surrounded by city life and outdoor attractions. With a major college town just next door, you’ll find all kinds of shops and restaurants nearby. Just a half hour from campus you can find tons to do in Greenville, a city with a nationally-recognized, award-winning downtown full of shops, restaurants, parks, theaters, and more. Even Charlotte and Atlanta are only a couple hours away.
If you’re looking for adventure outdoors, SWU is perfectly located within minutes of beautiful lakes, mountains, waterfalls, and parks. Hike on the Foothills Trail or spend some time in the sun at Lake Hartwell. Whether it’s backpacking or kayaking, you can find your adventure here.