Andrews University was founded in 1874. From the beginning, AU has been the flagship educational institution of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, including the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business Administration, School of Education, College of Tech. Andrews University Online programs include BSN to DNP, MS to DNP, and MS/ARPN to DNP among others.
The school was even named after John Nevins Andrews, a revolutionary in the 19th-century Seventh-Day Adventist Church. His words even act as the foundation for the university’s motto, “Seek Knowledge. Affirm Faith. Change the World.”
Andrews University Accreditation
Andrews University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The HLC accredits schools who constantly push their programs to innovate. This could include designing new courses to reflect technological of informational advancements.
In short, the HLC has students, and their education, in mind when accrediting AU.
Applying to Andrews University Online
Applying to Andrews University has different requirements depending on whether you’re interested in the undergraduate or graduate programs or on campus or Andrews University online classes. Both applications could be found on Andrews.edu. For more information, contact the AU admissions department.
Undergraduate Admissions at Andrews University
Andrews University aims to holistically review prospective students. To do this, they use the ZeeMee program. ZeeMee is designed to allow universities to have a glimpse of students outside academics. In it, you could post photos, recent accomplishments, or just examples of your hobbies! AU knows you’re more than just test scores and GPAs. So, it’s time to show them what you’re passionate about! A ZeeMee profile is not a required portion of the application.
In terms of requirements, students applying to undergrad programs at Andrews University may be asked to submit the following.
- Completed online Andrews University application
- An ACT score of 20 or a 1070-1080 composite SAT score
- 2.5 or higher high school GPA or GED equivalent
As of the 2016-2017 school years, undergraduate students may be required to submit a $30 application fee when applying.i
In the fall of 2015, 2,201 prospective undergraduate students applied to Andrews University. Of those students, 39% were admitted. 41% of admitted students were male and 38% were female.
Graduate Admissions at Andrews University
The requirements for graduate admission at Andrews University varies depending on degree level you’re interested in pursuing. For masters and graduate certificate programs, students may be asked to submit a bachelors degree diploma. Doctoral and other advanced degrees may require students submit both a bachelors and masters diploma to be considered.
Each unique program may have different requirements regarding GPA and previous coursework. For more information about specific program details, visit their page.
Graduate admissions do share some common requirements, though. As part of the application process, students may be asked to submit the following.
- Résumé or curriculum vitae
- Statement of purpose
- Entrance exams (ex. GRE, GMAT)
Enrollment & Andrews University Online Degrees
32% of the applicants would go on to enroll in Andrews University. As of fall 2014, 3,366 students were enrolled in Andrew University. 1,733 of those students were enrolled in undergraduate education. The remaining 1,633 were enrolled in graduate coursework.
Many undergraduate students choose to pursue their studies full-time. For instance, 82% of undergraduates attend classes full-time. On the other hand, graduate students are a more even mix of fulltime and part-time studies. 54% of graduate students pursue their courses full-time while 46% choose to attend part-time.ii
Online Learning Opportunities at AU
AU’s online campus is a learning environment that welcomes both undergraduate and graduate students to take part in distance education. The online courses are convenient, flexible, and faith-based.
Online courses are collected in the LearningHub. There, students could log into their courses to view their materials, assignments, and lecture notes. These courses could be accessed wherever there is internet access.
Students could complete parts of their program curriculum as their schedule allows. Then, they could upload their completed work to the LearningHub.
To enroll in Andrews University online courses, speak with the undergraduate or graduate registrar’s office.
Online B.A. in Religion at AU
Much of Andrew University’s online bachelor of arts in religion program is focused on the teachings of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. The online program conveniently allows students to study their faith while continuing their commitments to their family and career. The goal of this program is to develop students’ understanding of how SDA principles apply to their personal life and the ministry as a whole. In addition, many of the courses push students to contextual biblical research to further educate the SDA community.
As part of this program, you could have the chance to take some of the following faith-based classes.
- Introduction to the Old & New Testament
- SDA History & Prophetic Heritage
- Hermeneutics
- Religion and Ethics
- Intermedia Greek and Hebrew
Students may be required to complete 33 credit hours to graduate.
Many students who earn their BA in religion go on to attend Andrews University seminary. Students could continue their digital instruction via the Seminary Online Learning Center (SOLC).
Financial Aid Options at Andrews University
Andrews University understands that paying for college education could be stressful for some students. To combat this, this make services available to help ensure students could apply to the aid they need.
First off, AU provides payment plans and other options to pay for your education. The finance options could help you space out your payments to address your unique situation. They also have online, mail, check, and money wire payment options. This could help alleviate some issues you could encounter when trying to afford the next semester.
Secondly, AU collects its financial aid resources in one area. Students could have access to advice to apply to scholarships, loans, FAFSA, and other financial aid options. Also provided are Lifesavers. The Lifesavers page collects important financial aid deadlines, IRS data, and other FAQs in one convenient place. Andrews University does puts a great deal of effort to make sure students could apply the student aid they need.
And it shows! In the 2014-2015 school year, 100% of fill-time beginning undergraduate students received some sort of financial aid. 99% of those students received aid from a grant or scholarship. Students received a median of $12,755 in aid from this type of aid. And additional 98% of students received aid from student loans. These students received a median of $11,717 in aid.iii
Andrews University Faculty Members
As of fall 2015, Andrews University employed 233 full-time and 88 part-time faculty members.
Students may also be able to apply for certain faculty positions. Graduate students could apply for graduate assistant position. In fall 2015, AU employed 51 part-time graduate assistants. 16 of those students taught undergraduate courses. The remaining 35 assisted professors with additional research. Both opportunities could be a great addition to your professional resume.
Outside of Classes at AU
There’s more to Andrews University then just attending classes! Much of the AU experience takes place outside of the classroom. Below are few examples of what creates AU’s unique collegiate atmosphere.
Spiritual Life
Andrews University is a faith-based campus and this is reflected in a lot of students’ downtime. Students wanting to take place in SDA-related activities have many choices to pick from. For instance, students could take part in an annual day of service to help the surrounding community. Or, you could attend worship at Andrews University Church. Services are open to students throughout the school year.
Co-Curricular Opportunities
Co-curricular activities are a way to engage with your faith and learning outside the classroom. These could be great opportunities to speak with professionals or discuss new ideas with your peers. Co-curricular actives are broken down into three categories.
- Chapels and forums are held so that students could interact with pastors, community leaders, authors, other students, and alumni. This time could be used to discuss recent trends in world news, campus events, and more.
- Choices are smaller programs that focus on campus culture. They could include things like student concerts, recitals, gallery openings, and university Vespers.
- Finally, Changes is a program the pushes students to become involved in leadership, ministry, community service, and professional development. Many of these programs are experience based learning opportunities that may place you into things like internships.
AU Graduation
Students who begin their studies at Andrews University typically continue to pursue their education there. For example, 80% of full-time and 100% of part-time first-time students who began their studies in fall 2014 returned in fall 2015.
And, many students go on to graduate from there! 26% of fulltime, first-time students who began their studies in fall 2009 graduated within 4 years. Another 60% would go on to earn their degree in 6 years. Of those students, 43% were male and 65% were female.
In the 2015-2015 school year, Andrews University conferred the following number of awards in some of their popular fields.iv
- 75 bachelors degrees in health professions
- 39 bachelors degrees in business, management, and marketing
- 31 bachelors degrees in biological and biomedical services
- 25 bachelors degrees in visual and performing arts
Going to Andrews University Online or On Campus
With this information, you may be prepared to jump into a degree program at Andrews University. AU has designed programs that could keep students engaged, and connected with their studies. And, they offer ways to make that education more accessible to their students through online and financial aid opportunities.
[i] nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=andrews+university&s=all&id=168740 | [ii] nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=andrews+university&s=all&id=168740 | [iii] nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=andrews+university&s=all&id=168740 | [iv] nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=andrews+university&s=all&id=168740
