Viewbook 22-23

YOUR PASSION

GOD’S PURPOSE

CHANGE

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21 NIV).

THE WORLD

Few phrases carry such weight. “Change the world” may sound daunting to you, or maybe you were born to challenge the status quo. For Southern students, those three words represent a promise: combine your passion with God’s purpose, and you can’t help but change the world! That’s why we want you here. Because our passion is growing world changers.

Change begins with you. It’s tempting to start elsewhere, but sadly that never works. The Bible tells us, “Do not conform to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2 NIV). That’s where Southern comes in. Our professors spend time both in and out of the classroom teaching you how to think more than what to think. That’s true growth: education for a lifetime of learning.

“The faculty in the English and Education departments are incredible. They were so ready to help me out when I first got here, and that’s something that really impresses me. Both departments have small classes overall, so was able to get to know my professors, and I really appreciate that. And every department here has opportunities to grow, become closer to the people in your major, and network with professors who are established in their fields. Southern is a place to grow in every sort of way, and I think it has something for everyone. What you want from Southern is generally what you’ll find. And if you come looking for a strong spiritual experience, you’re going to grow exponentially.”

- Samantha Schmidt, ’21, English education graduate

SIZE

FITS YOU

At Southern, you’ll spend time researching not only cutting-edge academic topics, but also who God wants you to be. Faculty mentoring, student-led ministry opportunities, and small-group studies with Christian classmates make this the most meaningful homework you’ll ever have.

You’ll find that there’s no “one size fits all” college experience at Southern. You are uniquely designed to accomplish career and kingdom tasks that only you can do. So come exercise your brain and stretch your soul while pursuing an education that prepares you to tackle anything. These are the daily habits of world changers.

CHANGE

A new world is opening for you, full of friends, fun, learning, challenges, and growth. You’ll be stretched to be the best version of yourself, and you’ll be ready to take the world by storm. At Southern, you’ll prepare for a career, but more importantly, you’ll prepare for life. And in the process, you will bring your unique perspectives and strengths to Southern, and we will all be better for it.

Looking back, Southern’s 130-year history provides a strong foundation from which to look ahead to your future, bright with opportunity. So what’s your passion? There’s a pretty good chance you don’t even know yet, and that’s okay. That’s why we’re here, to help you discover, grow, refine, and ultimately combine your passion with God’s purpose. So get a head start on transforming tomorrow by giving Southern a closer look today. We can’t wait to help you change the world!

STARTS

FUTURE

FOCUSED

The academic profile of Southern’s incoming freshmen is at an all-time high and represents one reason why Southern has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Colleges Guide” for 21 consecutive years.

We’re attracting the brightest, most ambitious students to campus, including a number of National Merit Scholars each semester.

HANDS-ON LEARNING

Our students have the opportunity to immediately apply classroom theory in real-world settings.

• Internships - Chattanooga is a growing technology hub and home to a healthy community of startups, medical facilities, industries, and businesses that covet the enthusiasm and fresh perspectives of Southern interns.

• On-Campus Jobs - More than half of our students work on campus, allowing them to build their résumés while getting paid to work in future-focused positions such as computer programmers, grant writers, and athletic trainers.

• Networking - We connect you with professionals through regular networking events on campus, road trips to career-related conferences all across the country, and access to an international network of more than 25,000 alumni who are ready to become part of your Southern story.

• Faculty - Our professors understand the impor tance of hands-on learning. When not in the classroom, they can be found leading archaeology digs in Israel, registering ideas at the U.S. Patent Office, and writing textbooks used in institutions all over the country!

HONORS PROGRAM

For 40 years, the Southern Scholars program has served our most academically motivated students, offering an intellectually rigorous opportunity with an honors curriculum, interdisciplinary learning, and original research. Each year, dozens of students take advantage of this program—including the scholarship money that accompanies it. A sampling of student projects from 2021-2022 includes:

• “An Evaluation of Effective Fraud Awareness Programs in Current Educational Systems”

• “Emblem: A Badge-based Approach to Learning Management Systems”

•

Effect of

Southern Devil

Venom

For admissions criteria and other information, visit southern.edu/southernscholars

PERSONALIZED STUDIES

Southern prepares you for success in life with opportunities for independent, intellectually demanding work.

• Fewer Gen Ed Requirements – Southern has a reduced number of general education courses required for graduation, which gives students the freedom to explore courses outside their major without adding extra time or money to their college experience.

• Accelerated Options – We don’t expect everyone to arrive on campus with career plans set in stone, but for students born with laser focus, Southern offers accelerated study tracks. Whether it’s a three-year bachelor’s degree in biology that gets you into med school sooner or a five-year degree that combines your bachelor’s and master’s in computing, Southern is excited to advise you along the way.

• Research – As a component of personalized studies, students train their brains to think critically in a number of ways, from assisting with cancer research at a Chattanooga hospital to studying the impact of slave labor in Africa on the cost of chocolate in the United States. In fact, our annual Campus Research Day provides a public platform to share your findings.

A curious mind and critical thinking are signature elements of a Southern education. These qualities serve you well, not only while in school but also for the lifetime of learning ahead. We’ll help you discover the balance necessary to keep an eye on the future without sacrificing the friendships and fun of college life today.

It’s a tall order, but we know you’re up for the challenge. There’s a reason Southern hands out diplomas at graduation instead of participation ribbons each semester; the hard work and commitment pays off! We’ll do this together. Your individual journey is our collective triumph.

ENTREPRENEURS

Changing the world takes more than just a big heart, and students on Southern’s Enactus team receive training in the tools necessary to move a good idea from conception to reality. Enactus is an international nonprofit supporting students, professors, and business leaders who create sustainable change by improving the triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit. Students measure their projects’ success by giving a multimedia summary before a panel of judges in a competition setting. Recently, Southern’s team placed third at the national level for work such as helping to restore people’s sight in India and mentoring teen girls in computer coding and robotics.

MAJOR DECISION

We’d love to have you join us and study one of the following areas. Can’t decide which? Wow your friends and family with a double major, or mix and match disciplines to create a personalized degree with help from a faculty adviser.

It’s smart to plan ahead, but you don’t have to have it all figured out right now. Southern has a flexible system for general education courses; you can take classes in a variety of potential career fields without extending the amount of time it takes to graduate. Knowing your destination is important, but there’s a lot to be learned (and enjoyed!) in the journey.

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

Applied Technology

Automotive Service, AT Automotive Service Management, BT Construction Management, AT and BT

Biology and Allied Health Biology, AS and BA Biology, Biomedical, BS Biology, Research, BS Biology, Teaching Licensure, BA Medical Laboratory Science, BS Pre-Dental Hygiene, AS Pre-Nutrition and Dietetics, AS Pre-Physical Therapy, AS Pre-Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, AS

Business Accounting, AS and BBA Business Administration, AS and BS Business-Public Relations, BS Cybersecurity, BBA Finance, BBA

Health Services and Senior Living Administration, BBA Management, BBA Management, Entrepreneurship, BBA Management, International Business, BBA Marketing, BBA Chemistry

Chemistry, AS, BA, and BS Chemistry, Biochemistry, BS Chemistry, Teaching Licensure, BA

Computing Computer Science, BA and BS Computer Science, Security, BA and BS Computer Science, Web Development, BA and BS Information Technology, BS Information Technology, Security, BS Information Technology, Web Development, BS

Education and Psychology Liberal Arts Education, BA Psychology, BA Psychology, Clinical, BS Psychology, Family Systems, BS Psychology, Industrial/Organizational, BS Psychology, Psychobiology, BS

English

English, Literature, BA English, Professional/Writing, BA English, Teaching Licensure, BA English, TESOL, BA

Health and Kinesiology

Health Science, BS Health and Wellness, BS Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, Teaching Licensure, BS Kinesiology, BS

Outdoor Emergency Services, BS Outdoor Leadership, AS and BS Vegetarian Culinary Arts, AS

History and Political Studies History, BA History, History/Government Teaching Licensure, BA International Development Studies, BA Political Science, BA

Journalism and Communication Communication, BA Communication, International Communication, BA Journalism, BA Journalism, Digital Broadcast, BA Mass Communication, Advertising, BS Mass Communication, Media Production, BS Mass Communication, Photography, BS Mass Communication, Writing/Editing, BS Media Technology, AS Public Relations, BS Public Relations-Business, BS Public Relations and Graphic Design, BS

Mathematics Mathematics, BA and BS Mathematics, Teaching Licensure, BA

Modern Languages

French, BA French, Teaching Licensure, BA International Studies, French, BA International Studies, German, BA International Studies, Italian, BA International Studies, Spanish, BA Spanish, BA Spanish, Teaching Licensure, BA

Music

Music, BS

Music, Performance, BS Music, Theory and Literature, BS

Music, Worship Studies, BS Music Education, Teaching Licensure, BMus

Nursing Nursing, AS and BSN Nursing, RN-BSN, Campus and Online

Physical Therapist Assistant Physical Therapist Assistant, AS

Physics and Engineering Biophysics, BS Engineering, BSE* (Computer, Electrical, and Mechanical Concentrations) Engineering Studies, AS Physics, BA and BS Physics, Teaching Licensure, BA

Religion

Archaeology, Classical Studies, BA Archaeology, Near Eastern Studies, BA Biblical Studies, BA Missions, BA Pastoral Care, BA

Religion, Bible Instructor, AA Religion, Literature Evangelist, AA Religious Education, Teaching Licensure, BA Religious Studies, BA Theology, BA

Social Work

Social Work, AS and BSW

Visual Art and Design Animation, Character Animation, BFA Animation, Effects Animation, BFA Animation, Motion Design, BFA Art, BA Art, Museum Studies, BA Art, Therapy, BA Film Production, BA and BFA Fine Arts, BFA Graphic Design, AS, BA, and BFA Web and New Media Design, BFA

NOTE: The most up-to-date listing of degrees may be found in Southern’s current Undergraduate Catalog. Visit southern.edu/catalog to access the online version. Southern also offers graduate degrees in business, computing, counseling, education, nursing, religion, and social work. Visit southern.edu/graduatestudies to learn more.

RADICALLY

CHURCH COMMUNITY

The churches on campus represent a variety of languages, service times, and worship styles, welcoming you to be as involved as you want in the planning and presentation of weekly messages and music. It’s always a blessing to have students present, providing the energy and perspectives that only youth can bring. Within a 20-minute drive from campus, there are even more options, as approximately 30 Adventist churches call the greater Chattanooga area home. Come find your faith family at Southern!

TRADITIONAL

At Southern, classrooms transform into chapels as professors integrate faith and learning while outlining this often-overlooked truth: everything is spiritual. From this strong foundation, you learn to take ownership of your faith—a revolutionary concept even in faith communities. Our roots of support for bold, independent Christian ideas can be found both at Southern and in Seventh-day Adventist history.

It is the work of true education … to train the youth to be thinkers, and not mere reflectors of other men’s thought. Instead of confining their study to that which men have said or written, let students be directed to the sources of truth, to the vast fields opened for research in nature and revelation. Let them contemplate the great facts of duty and destiny, and the mind will expand and strengthen.

- Ellen G. White, Education, p. 17

PERSONAL GROWTH

Southern has the largest Adventist undergraduate student body in the country but just because you’re going on this faith journey alongside thousands of others doesn’t mean there isn’t space and opportunity for individual growth.

Our students take great pride in creating their own moments of spiritual significance, whether:

• starting a special-topic Sabbath School class

• performing original praise songs during lawn concerts

• speaking during student week of prayer

• sharing life-changing testimonies during small-group studies on the couch

Being this open and vulnerable does have benefits, though. As a close-knit campus of believers, our employees and students prioritize authenticity in the Christian walk and welcome your chapter in this story we’re writing together. #nofilter

SPIRITUALITY

GLOBAL IMPACT

On-demand access to the internet has made your world smaller (and perspectives bigger) than generations before you. Social and spiritual issues overlap now more than ever, resulting in a campus that cares deeply about the Creator as well as His creation.

• Students respond by choosing to spend their spring break on short-term mission trips or their summers participating in evangelistic series.

• Annually, approximately 60 students dedicate a full year abroad as a student missionary, in many ways benefiting as much or more than those they serve.

• During Southern’s Community Service Day each year, more than 1,000 students and employees spend the day volunteering just 30 minutes down the road in Chattanooga.

• On Sabbath afternoons, students head into the community to feed and clothe the homeless, visit the elderly, or find other creative ways to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Even small acts of Christian kindness can be profound. For the outside world, these acts of service represent an admirable personal sacrifice. For Southern students, it’s simply a radical submission to God, who has already paid the sacrifice.

Southern attracts students from all 50 states and more than 30 countries. Our ethnic, cultural, and geographic diversity contributes to a strong community of faith representing a wide variety of perspectives. Come be part of something bigger than you while discovering His purpose for your passions. It is our joy to watch God work wonders in you and through you!

CAMPUS MINISTRIES

The spiritual heartbeat of Southern can be found in the Office of Ministry and Missions, offering many student-led ministry opportunities. Whether you need a word of encouragement or have plans for a new campus group or outreach effort, this is a good starting point.

For more information, visit southern.edu/chaplain.

LIFEGROUPS

As the student body has grown at Southern, we’ve been intentional about keeping our focus on individual students. LifeGroups are made up of no more than 12 students who come together weekly as a family for prayer, Bible study, and dynamic discipleship in a small-group setting. There are approximately 80 different LifeGroups available for you to join, or you can start your own.

“Best Place to Live”

And then there was one. Again. Chattanooga has taken the top prize in Outside Magazine’s “Best Place to Live” contest—twice! When describing Chattanooga’s victory, magazine editors cited not only the area’s abundance of outdoor activities, but also its reputation as a growing business and technology hub: “People are relocating to Chattanooga because it has something that many other recreation meccas don’t: opportunity.”

SHAPED BY PLACE

YEP, IT REALLY IS A HAPPY VALLEY

Mention Southern at any large Adventist gathering and you’ll likely hear a joking reference to Collegedale—and our campus specifically—as the “Happy Valley.” It’s a nickname we are proud to own: part geographical fact, part personal testimony. Students come to Southern from all over the world, and after graduation more than 20% stay in this area. Of all the places they could return to or explore, the fact that so many stay here to begin their careers and raise their families is proof that Southern alumni find great truth in the Happy Valley label.

• Beautiful Setting- Southern is nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Smoky Mountains and covers 1,300 acres, 800 of which are forested.

• Convenient Nature - Steps from the residence halls, you’ll enjoy access to nearly 40 miles of hiking and biking paths, natural rock walls with 40- to 60-foot climbs, a cave with underground trails and water, and an outdoor amphitheater.

• Easily Accessible City - There are even more recreation options in Chattanooga, accessible via a short drive downtown. Once there, chances are good on any given weekend that you’ll bump into a classmate while paddle boarding, hang gliding, or walking one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges.

• Wide Variety - Chattanooga has an abundance of other entertainment and leisure options: a minor league baseball team, professional orchestra, and even an indoor trampoline park, just to name a few.

• Centrally Located – Set in peaceful, small-town Collegedale, Southern is still not too far from major metropolitan areas such as Atlanta and Nashville— only two hours away.

These opportunities alone won’t define your college experience, but road trips and recreation are a great backdrop for making some amazing memories.

CAMPUS LIVING ROOM

Students are the reason Southern exists, and now there’s a building on campus that is all about you: the Bietz Center for Student Life. Besides a fireplace and multiple areas to relax in comfy chairs, there’s a game room, eatery, store, prayer room, and numerous study rooms—not to mention a slide! It’s also home to the Student Association and student publication offices. Additionally, you’ll find the chaplains and outreach coordinators, career and mental health counselors, and many more people who are ready to help you thrive and succeed in college and beyond.

“I think this is the most beautiful campus of any Adventist college. There’s so much green, it’s a mood booster—it makes me really happy. Smelling the fresh air and the Little Debbies baking in the morning, seeing such beautiful sunsets and views around campus, and even all the stars you can see at night, I love that. Those are my favorite things. On Sabbath afternoon, there’s so many great places where I love to go and get outside—Lookout Mountain, Sunset Rock, Rainbow Falls, Soddy Daisy. When I’m in nature I’m relaxed, and I feel at peace and connected with God.”

- Merypaula Lara, ’19 business administration graduate #HumansofSouthern

LOCATION VS. PLACE

Location is important, but “place” is more about community than geography. Some of the healthiest decisions you’ll make at Southern involve the friends and activities that fill your daily routine.

• Play - Nearly 50% of our students participate in intramurals, and never before have losing teams had so much fun! It’s less about competition and more about camaraderie.

• Move - Exercise plays a huge role in campus life, and Hulsey Wellness Center is a hub of activity as students go for a swim in the pools, get a cardio workout on the racquetball or basketball courts, or participate in a group fitness class.

• Stay Fit - We were humbled, but not surprised, when Southern ranked as the top private university in a National Collegiate Fitness Index, which measures schools for both fitness facilities and programs available to students.

BALANCE AND WHOLENESS

Student health—both physical and spiritual—is a priority at Southern. But we also know the importance of balance. Periodically on Friday nights, Southern becomes Brownie World as residence hall deans prepare freshly baked goodies in the Dining Hall. The smell alone puts a smile on students’ faces and gets them talking about the grace of free food and the joys of Sabbath rest.

Wholeness is our goal and prayer for you. One way we stimulate this growth is by requiring that you take a religion and a physical education course each year. Building this curriculum indicates the value we place on who you’re becoming and how you’re preparing for future success.

The people. The places. Even the required courses. Your time here will shape you

LIFETIME INVESTMENT

Value is best defined by what something’s worth, not how much it costs. The same is true with your education, so be sure to consider employability and other career success indicators before deciding where to spend your college fund. At Southern, we welcome your scrutiny:

• Our graduates rank highly both for starting salary after college and for return on investment (lifetime earnings versus cost of attending).

• Alumni leave here with less student loan debt, on average, than those from a majority of educational institutions across the nation.*

WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK Don’t let budgetary fears keep you from exploring a life-changing academic, social, and spiritual experience at Southern. Most of our students receive tuition assistance; you’re not alone. In fact, thousands of people—alumni, employees, and other friends of the university—have already shared generous financial gifts in anticipation of your need!

Reach out to us so we can share the blessings of those who have reached out for you. To learn more, visit southern.edu/finances

FINANCING FACTS

Your Southern admissions counselor will help you outline and personalize the path to affordable Adventist educa tion. As a result of their encouragement and direction:

• More than 95% of freshmen receive financial aid.

• More than $18 million in Southern scholarships and grants are awarded to students each year, with additional assistance coming from outside sources.

• More than 50% of students are employed on campus, earning $5 million annually toward tuition and other expenses.

The big picture becomes a little clearer when you can see exactly how much help is coming and when. Our admissions counselors are ready and eager to assist you, so contact them at enrollment@southern.edu.

*Based on average as reported

U.S.

SMART MONEY

Southern Adventist

student

SEE FOR YOURSELF

Just like no label or description fully captures who you are, the same is true for Southern. The things you’ve heard about us from others—even what we’ve told you in this brochure—are all just part of the big picture that only you can see.

COME VISIT!

By far the most interactive and insightful way to gain clarity is by scheduling a campus visit, and because we know life is complicated, you can pick the option that works best for you:

• Virtual visits allow you to see campus and get your questions answered from the comfort of home.

• In-person visits give you an immersive experience of walking around campus and meeting people face-to-face.

Either way, you’ll receive a warm welcome, visit with a professor from the academic area you’re most interested in, go on a guided tour, and have a chance to ask your admissions counselor about Southern, finances, and even life in general.

Make good use of this one-on-one time and ask us the hard questions; we don’t mind being grilled about the value of a Christian liberal arts education or the logic behind required worship events. We’ll proudly describe what we believe and why, then leave the observations and decisions up to you.

Do something today that your future self will thank you for—schedule a visit to Southern and learn more about how our campus family loves to help combine your passion with God’s purpose

A PERSONAL VISIT

Pick a time that is convenient for you and get a firsthand look at what it means to be a student at Southern Adventist University. Go on a campus walk with a current student, try out our multiple food options in the Dining Hall, and talk with an admissions counselor about how it is possible for you to pay for college. Or set up a time for a virtual guided tour, faculty visit, and admissions consultation—all from the comfort of your home. Let us know through southern.edu/visit, and we’ll set it up!

PREVIEWSOUTHERN

Join other prospective students and their families in finding your place at Southern. PreviewSouthern events were created for high school juniors and seniors, as well as prospective transfer students, who are ready to experience what Southern has to offer. Participants tour our beautiful campus, talk one-on-one with faculty, find out more about our multiple scholarship options, and visit downtown Chattanooga. Find out more or sign up at southern.edu/preview

SMARTSTART

Save more than $2,100 and discover what makes Southern so special with a free college course that starts in July. We call it SmartStart! New students can take a three-credit-hour summer class without paying a penny of tuition.

When the four-week session is over, most students decide to stay at Southern. To take advantage of this offer, just apply with Admissions or find more information at southern.edu/smartstart

YOUR PASSION, GOD’S PURPOSE

When you combine your passions with God’s purposes for your life, anything can happen! At Southern, we provide opportunities every day for our students to grow closer to their Creator as they increase their skills and knowledge with an award-winning university education. We want you to be a part of this experience. Please come visit us and see for yourself what makes our campus so special.

TEST SCORES