University of the Southwest
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Degree Level
University of the Southwest
The University of the Southwest is a private non-profit Christ-centered institution of higher education. It is committed to developing individuals who are committed to servant leadership. It focuses on individual faith and responsibility and strives to achieve academic excellence through a supportive educational community. The learning environment encourages freedom of thought and expressions and demonstration of faith. Faculty and staff members are committed to incorporating Christ-centered values into instruction and valuing a diverse community of students.
The University of the Southwest offers distance education online opportunities to provide flexible education to meet the needs of students with busy schedules. It offers single courses, licensure, bachelor degrees, and master degrees via the online format. Online courses are delivered through Blackboard and CAMS-Enterprise course management. The courses feature innovative technology such as media and web conferencing components. Some courses also feature Interactive Video Delivery (IVC). Students are able to communicate with instructors, classmates, and administrative staff through email, eStudent Portal, and the e2Campus notification system. Online students also have access to various online support services through the eStudent Portal including financial aid, advising, library and research, online databases, registration and records, and business office. A technology helpdesk is also available to provide assistance for computer and online delivery issues. Students also have access to an online bookstore to purchase course materials.
The online programs include a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Master is Business Administration, and Master of Education with emphasis in curriculum and instruction, curriculum and instruction: TESOL, curriculum and instruction: bilingual, curriculum and instruction: reading, school counseling, mental health counseling, early childhood education, educational administration, educational diagnostician, special education, and school business administration. Licensure programs in educational administration, school counseling, and educational diagnostics are also available. Various programs require internship and practicum experiences and students complete these completed in the student’s own community.
In 1956, Clarence Evans founded the University of the Southwest as Hobbs Baptist College, a two-year junior college. The college expanded into a four-year institution and became New Mexico Baptist College in 1958. In 1962, the college changed its name to the College of the Southwest to serve a larger population. The college became the University of the Southwest in 2008 to better demonstrate its academic focus.
Accreditation
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits the University of the Southwest.
Schools of Education
School of Arts and Sciences: offers programs at the bachelor degree level including biological sciences-pre-med, Christian studies, English, criminal justice, general studies, psychology, and humanities.
School of Business: prepares students for a career in various business fields. Students learn from professionals and are able to supplement their learning with a specialty area. It offers programs at the bachelor and master degree areas including business administration, sport management, accounting, and global business management.
School of Education: prepares individual to pursue professional educator positions. Offers programs at the bachelor degree level in early childhood education, elementary education, secondary education, and special education. The bachelor degree programs enable students to focus on a specific content area such as bilingual education, general science, mathematics, social science, and psychology. It also offers a Master of Science in Education with concentration in a certain area such as school business administration, educational administration, and curriculum and instruction.
Scholarships Offered
The University of the Southwest offers various scholarships including Academic Merit & Merit II Scholarships, Mustang Grant, Servant Scholarship, LES Scholarship, I CAN Scholarship, Brunson Memorial Scholarship, William McPheron Scholarship, and Richard C. Brown Scholarship, Sears Transfer Scholarship, and Wells Fargo Scholarship. It also accepts scholarships from external sources.
Financing Options
The University of the Southwest participates in a variety of financial aid programs including federal grants and loans and state grants. Federal programs include Federal Pell Grant, Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, and Federal Direct PLUS Loans. It also accepts private and alternative loans. Additionally, the university offers a Student Incentive Payment Plan that allows students to pay their tuition and fees through four installments.
Credit Earning Options
The University of the Southwest grants transfer credits for previous coursework completed at another accredited college and university, credit by examinations, and credit for experiences. All transfer courses must have earned a grade of a C or better. Students can earn up to 6 credits for examinations such as College Board Achievement Tests, College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and Advanced Placement examinations. The university awards up to 6 credit hours for real life experiences such as internships and practicum experiences. Students must submit official transcripts and those seeking experience credits must submit a portfolio.