Bob Jones University (BJU) is a Christian liberal arts university that seeks to incorporate a strong college education with the mission and goals of Christ. At BJU, students will learn how to think in a multidimensional way, communicate logically and persuasively, build confidence in unfamiliar subjects, and develop an appreciation for the arts. By introducing students to a wide range of subjects, the liberal arts education at BJU strives to create discerning and well-rounded individuals who can make choices in a complex world. BJU takes this mission one step further by asking students to compare their newfound knowledge with the teachings of Scripture in order to lead a moral and Christian life.
History
BJU was founded in Greenville, South Carolina in 1927 by Dr. Bob Jones, Sr., a Christian evangelist who saw the need for higher education options that recognized the importance of keeping Christ at the forefront of students’ thought and conduct. He sought to develop a citadel of biblical Christianity that offered academic excellence, an appreciation for the arts, and high standards for behavior along with a strong connection to faith and religion. The school opened with 88 students, a daily chapel service, and degrees in Bible, music, and speech.
Since then, BJU has expanded to serve over 4,000 students with modern facilities, a brand-new Seminary building, homeschool program support, extracurricular activities and a continued dedication to the fine arts. The school has been run by three generations of Bob Jones family members and has recently earned accreditation from the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. Today’s students come from every state in the U.S. and over 40 countries, and the campus boasts a 7,000-seat amphitorium, 10 residence halls, a dining common, and the BJU Museum & Gallery of fine Italian paintings.
Bob Jones University
Academics
BJU is divided into five academic schools, which award degrees in arts and science, religion, fine arts and communication, education, and business. The sixth school is the Seminary & Graduate School of Religion.
Students can earn associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees through any of the six schools. Specific majors include topics like actuarial science, cell biology, finance, music education, graphic design, cinema production, and Christian ministries, along with several others. There are many concentrated areas of study at both undergraduate and graduate levels, so students will never be at a loss for something new to learn about.
BJUOnline
Bob Jones University offers a distance learning program for students who are not able to commit to a traditional classroom education. Through BJUOnline, distance students can earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees, interact with classmates and faculty, complete assigments, and practice the same Christian values as their more traditional peers. Distance learners have the choice of pursuing an online class, which is a structured program with a set length of time and pre-determined deadlines, or an independent learning program, which has much more flexible deadlines but less interaction with classmates and faculty.
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at Bob Jones University.
Prospective students can apply to Bob Jones University as early as the end of their junior year of high school. BJU has a competitive application process, so not all applicants will receive a spot at the school. Decisions are made based on academic standing, testing, recommendations, and other characteristics.
The preferred application method is online through the BJU website. Applicants should fill out the online form and then submit their high school transcripts or GED scores along with any AP, CLEP, or IB test results to the admissions office. Students should also take the ACT and submit those results. All applicants will need to provide three sources of recommendation along with their applications. Most applications are processed within two to four weeks, so students will receive decisions relatively soon after completing the application process. Any questions regarding the application process can be directed to the Bob Jones University Admissions Office.
Bob Jones University
Students
BJU serves students from every state and over 40 countries. Students stay in one of ten on-campus residence halls that provide living amenities and a sense of community for both men and women. Each residence hall has fully wired internet access, a study lounge, laundry facilities, a microwave, and sleeping and storage space for each student.
Student Organizations
There are many opportunities to get involved with student life through clubs and organizations. Activities like the Student Leadership Council, Community Service Council, University Business Association, and Symphonic Wind Band give students an opportunity to connect with their peers over common interests while reaching out to the community or developing a skill. There is a thriving art culture on campus, so students can hone their musical, lyrical, speech, or creative design abilities through dozens of groups and events. The Collegian, the BJU student newspaper, has been printing issues since 1987 and is an excellent opportunity for aspiring journalists, photojournalists, and editors to learn about producing a weekly publication. The student-run radio station, WBJU-FM, lets music and talk show host hopefuls get hands-on experiences with a varied radio program that includes news, sports talk, music, and religious broadcasts. There are also many ministry-oriented organizations, which offer students opportunities to expand and develop their faith and relationship with God.
Societies
One unique student program that BJU offers is its society culture. Even though there are more than 4,000 students at the university, every student becomes part of a smaller and more cohesive community when he or she chooses one of the 45 different societies upon matriculation. Societies are smaller groups of students that encourage godly relationships and Christian behavior among the student body through camaraderie, service, prayer meetings, and outings. The process of joining a society is much like the Greek system. Students meet the different societies when they set up booths and host events during a several-day event called Rush. At the end of Rush, students select the society that they like the best and are incorporated into the group through a special ceremony.
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at Bob Jones University?
BJU’s 205-acre campus is located on the outskirts of Greenville, South Carolina, at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains. The thriving city community is home to approximately 60,000 people and conveniently located just a few hours from Charlotte, N.C., and other nearby cities. Greenville offers a diverse lifestyle, including restaurants, galleries, craft fairs, shopping, a zoo, a baseball field, and the Paris Mountain State Park. Students will enjoy participating in the arts community and frequenting local coffee shops. The area also offers a number of churches with volunteer and service opportunities.
Bibliography
Bob Jones University. Public Relations. Bob Jones Schools Begin a New Year. Print.
Feel free to add comments or additional information regarding Bob Jones University, or discuss this school in the University Discussion Forum
about 1 year agofarkus
There has been a growing concern over Bob Jones University's accreditation. It is Nationally accredited under TRACS, which is different from regionally accredited under SACS. If you don't know the difference I challenge you to look into the issue and really understand what accreditation is and why the right accreditation is so important.
You may find this helpful. http://bjuaccreditation.org for information specifically about Bob Jones University's accreditation.
over 2 years agoNorman Catledge scat ((at)) cfl dot rr dot com
Telling ethnic or racist jokes were also grounds for expulsion. Bigots were not welcome at BJU.
All professors were expected to take their classes to the Museum once a semester. When I took my French students, I focused on the French works; my English students, the English ones.
One librarian once claimed to me that a percentage of lubrary funds were set aside by Bob Jones Jr. to putchase books about or containing medieval and Renaissance art.
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There has been a growing concern over Bob Jones University's accreditation. It is Nationally accredited under TRACS, which is different from regionally accredited under SACS. If you don't know the difference I challenge you to look into the issue and really understand what accreditation is and why the right accreditation is so important. You may find this helpful. http://bjuaccreditation.org for information specifically about Bob Jones University's accreditation.