Pursue Your Passion with a Graduate Degree

Take your career to the next level with a graduate degree
from Southern Adventist University.

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Business

Earn your MBA and become part of the next generation of faith-based business leaders, innovators, and impact-makers.

View Our Business Program

Computer Science

With your passion for computer science and our faith-based teachings, you’ll be able to deliver incredible value to your organization and increase your earning potential.

View Our Computer Science Program

Counseling

Your passion for helping others can make a real, tangible impact.

View Our Counseling Program

Education

Southern’s graduate degrees in Education are designed for teachers who want to reach new achievements so that their students can do the same.

View Our Education Program

Nursing

Nursing professionals who earn advanced nursing degrees open themselves up to amazing career opportunities, including increased responsibilities, promotions, and engagement in an entirely new area of focus.

View Our Nursing Program

Religion

The world needs spiritual leaders with the practical skills to serve a diverse church and society. Take the next step in your pastoral journey with our Religion Master’s programs.

View Our Religion Program

Social Work

Pursue your passion for helping people. Southern’s MSW program will prepare you to work across all levels of social work, from individuals and families to legislation and policymaking.

View Our Social Work Program
Business

Profit with a Purpose: Southern’s MBA Programs

Earn your MBA and become part of the next generation of faith-based business leaders, innovators, and impact-makers.

Social worker in the business world (MBA_MSW)

Master of Business Administration

We believe that purpose-infused businesses are the only way to strike a balance between profit and people. At Southern, our Christ-centered philosophy of leadership is at the core of everything we do.

Discover the MBA Program

 

Nurse working with a female patient

Dual Degree—Master of Nursing and Master of Business Administration

If you’re interested in the business of healthcare, our dual MSN/MBA degree will prepare you to lead effectively in the healthcare and nursing arenas. Influence healthcare policy, manage teams to successful patient outcomes, and approach nursing in a truly holistic way.

Discover the Dual MSN/MBA Degree

A young family in counseling

Dual Degree—Master of Social Work and Master of Business Administration

You value helping others and the service side of social work. Now you can explore the business side of social work by gaining management expertise, negotiation tactics, and other business foundations.

Discover the Dual MSW/MBA

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What Can You Do with an MBA?

Inside this interactive experience, you'll find insights into Southern's mission-minded approach to business, our dual degree options, and how our MBA program can help advance your career as a compassionate business leader.

Access the eBook

Computer Science

Lead the Technology Charge with a Computer Science Degree

With your passion for computer science and our faith-based teachings, you’ll be able to deliver incredible value to your organization and increase your earning potential.

Applied computer science

Master of Science in Applied Computer Science

If you’re looking to break into the IT field, Applied Computer Science will fast-track you to learning practical applications that will make you a very desirable candidate across a range of industries and career trajectories. No IT experience or extensive technical background is required!

Discover the MS in Applied Computer Science Program

IT Support worker

Master of Science in Computer Science

Ready to take on more responsibility in your current IT role? Earning your MS in Computer Science will help take your career to new heights. Southern’s graduates earn an additional $12,000-$20,000 per year and go on to become IT leaders in their organizations.

Learn Advanced Knowledge in Computer Science

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Data Analytics: the Gateway to Your Dream Job

Download our extensive guide, How Data Analytics Can Jumpstart Your Career, to learn why data analytics is a strong career path within the IT field and why so many companies are hiring data professionals.

Access the eBook     Hear From Our Faculty

Counseling

Earn an MS in Professional Counseling and Make a Difference

Your passion for helping others can make a real, tangible impact.

Counselor working with a couple

Master of Science in Professional Counseling

Break into a rewarding career in counseling by earning a Master of Science in Professional Counseling from a CACREP-accredited program. You can choose from different emphases, such as School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling so that you can help people in a way that fuels your passion.

Explore the MS in Professional Counseling

Counseling eBook

Peek Behind the Curtains of Southern’s Professional Counseling Programs

Access our eBook, An Inside Look at Southern’s Value-Based MS in Professional Counseling Programs, to learn about our different program emphases, how to know which one is right for you, and why our graduates are set up for a successful professional counseling career.

Access the eBook

Education

Improve Your Craft with a Master’s Degree in Education

Southern’s graduate degrees in education are designed for teachers who want to reach new achievements so that their students can do the same.

 
Male teacher working with students

Master of Science in Education

Learn a Christian-based perspective on advanced strategies for teaching, administration, and facilitating a learning environment that brings out the best in your students. Graduates are well equipped for administrative roles and are positioned for increased marketability by future employers.

Discover the MS in Education

Young teacher working with a student

MS Ed Outdoor Education

The MS in Education with the Outdoor Education emphasis will prepare you for success as an educator in a nature setting. Accommodate different learning styles and maximize the potential that an “outdoor classroom” can have on young learners.

Explore the Outdoor Education Program

Teacher in the computer lab with students-1

Master of Arts in Teaching

Right now, there is a need for licensed teachers all over the country—which means that school districts everywhere are streamlining the requirements to become a teacher. Our MAT program brings passion, faith, and a mission-minded focus to the classroom. 

Discover the MAT Program

Female teacher working with a student

Adventist Teacher Certification

Faith meets advanced education with the Adventist Teacher Certification. Designed with K-12 teachers in mind, many certification courses are offered online through Southern so you can discover new ways to bring His teachings into the classroom.

Explore the Teacher Certifications

MAT eBook Cover

Thinking About a Career Change?

Changing careers is becoming increasingly common. If you've been thinking about teaching as a second career, explore our guide to learn more about the benefits of becoming a teacher. Download our eBook: The Career Changer's Guide to Becoming a Teacher. 

Access the eBook

Nursing

Nursing Excellence + Faith-Based Values = Advanced Nursing Programs at Southern

Nursing professionals who earn advanced nursing degrees open themselves up to amazing career opportunities, including increased responsibilities, promotions, and engagement in an entirely new area of focus.

Explore Nursing Career Paths

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Doctor of Nursing Practice—Post-Master’s & BS to DNP

As a practice-focused alternative to research-based doctoral programs, Southern’s DNP programs are preparing the next generation of nurses and nurse practitioners for leadership roles in advanced practice settings.

Explore the DNP Programs

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Master of Science in Nursing

If you’re an RN with a Bachelor's degree in nursing and want to pursue advanced roles in clinical practice, administration, or education, then earning your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) may be the path for you. Receive increased responsibility and earning potential while opening doors to advanced areas like Acute Care or Primary Care.

Discover the MSN Program

Nursing professional in a white coat.

Dual Degrees—MSN/MBA and DNP/MBA

Completing a dual degree is a fast-track way to build on the experience you’ve already gained and become a top business leader in the healthcare industry.

Discover the Dual Degree Programs

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RN to Master of Science in Nursing

The accelerated RN to MSN program is designed for registered nurses who have nursing experience and can manage an expedited approach to a graduate degree. Our unique curriculum will provide you with both the broad and specialized education that will prepare you for success.

Explore the RN to MSN Path

Nurse and doctor talking to each other

Post-Master’s Certificate and DNP Specialist Certificates

For those who hold a master's degree in nursing, you can now earn a post-master's certificate as an Acute Care Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

See the Certification Program

Explore the Curriculum

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An Inside Look at Southern's Nursing Programs

Download our eBook, The Complete Guide to Advanced Nursing Degrees at Southern Adventist University, to get more information about the DNP and MSN programs (and how to know which is right for you) and how Southern will prepare you to thrive as a nursing professional.

Access the eBook

Religion

Religion Master’s Programs: Where Theory Meets Theology

The world needs spiritual leaders with the practical skills to serve a diverse church and society. Take the next step in your pastoral journey with our religion master’s programs or connect with our faculty during a Graduate Religion Live Q & A information session to learn more about our programs.

Ministry reading the bible

Master of Arts Religion

Designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working pastors, the Master of Arts Religion program will develop your skills in research, writing, and independent thinking. A hybrid of short summer intensives, online courses, and writing a thesis, will put you on the academic track for applying for a doctoral program.

Explore the Master of Arts Program

Youth ministry reading the bible

Master of Ministry

The Master of Ministry degree helps prepare current pastors, Bible teachers and lay church leaders in an emphasis of their choice: church ministry and evangelism, leadership and management, or biblical counseling. Courses are offered through short summer intensives that will accommodate the busy schedule of working professionals.

Discover the Master of Ministry Program

Three hands in prayer over a bible

Graduate Certificates

Graduate Certificates are offered in the same areas as our Master in Ministry degrees and provide a condensed version of the most critical courses in those emphases. Pastors, leaders in supporting ministries, and lay people looking for additional training, may find these certificates particularly helpful. Courses are offered mostly online with some emphases requiring a short-summer intensive.

Discounted tuition rates are available.

Discover Graduate Certificates in Religion

A man working on his laptop at home.

Biblical Counseling Certificate

Biblical counseling is caring for individuals by listening to them, discovering the roots of their behaviors and motivations, and providing ways for the gospel to transform their lives. This is the only certificate of its kind offered by an Adventist university.
Discounted rates are available.

Explore the Certificate in Biblical Counseling

Social Work

Continue Your Service-Based Career with a Master of Social Work

Pursue your passion for helping people. Southern’s MSW program will prepare you to work across all levels of social work, including individuals and families, communities and organizations, and legislation and policymaking.

 

Master of Social Work

Master of Social Work

This faith-based program will position you to support individuals in schools, hospitals, government and community organizations, hospice settings, and more. Southern graduates are equipped to provide client support, counseling, and advocacy through evidence-based practice.

Discover the Master of Social Work

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Dual Degree–MSW and MBA

We believe that purpose-driven businesses are the best way to strike a balance between profit and people. At Southern, our Christ-centered philosophy of leadership is at the core of everything we do.

Check Out the Dual Degree Program

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Get an Inside Look at the MSW Program

Download our guide, A Faith-Based Approach to Social Work: Earning Your Master’s Degree in Social Work at Southern, to learn more about the program and how you'll be prepared to make an impact on the lives of the people you'll serve.

Access the eBook

Your Guide to Graduate Admissions

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How can we help you?

Learn More About Southern’s Graduate Programs

What courses will you get to take? What financial aid options are available to you? What’s the admissions process like?

To get all of your questions answered, browse our table of contents or simply choose to request more information to find out how to get in touch with us.

The Southern Adventist University Admissions Process

The application deadlines, eligibility requirements, experience level, and admissions process will vary depending on your program of interest.

However, the basic requirements are common across all graduate and professional programs.

Please explore each program page for more information about your specific program. A full list of admission steps is listed on each degree page.

01

Graduate application (with a
non-refundable fee of $40)

Apply Now

02

Official college and university transcripts

03

2-3 recommendations from work supervisors or professors

Explore Our Graduate Programs

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Tuition and Financial aid

Graduate Programs Tuition and Financial Aid

Earning a graduate degree at Southern is within reach.

Enrolling in grad school is a worthwhile investment of your time, money, and energy. Here at Southern, we’re making grad school more affordable by providing a variety of tuition assistance resources to help students like you. With budgeting options, graduate assistantships, and monthly payment plans, your graduate degree is more accessible than you think.

View Financing Options

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Read Our Guide

Financing Your Graduate Degree at Southern Adventist University

Explore the ROI of earning your degree, how to finance it, and how Southern's program is designed to be affordable and flexible.

Access the Guide

Tuition and Budget for 2024-2025

Here’s a quick snapshot of the estimated cost for a typical semester (or summer) with a full-time load of 9 hours. 

Scroll Horizontally ->

Master's

Doctoral

Tuition

$6,840

$8,820

General Fee

$40

$40

Books and Supplies

$500

$500

TOTALS

$7,380

$9,360

 

  • Master's-level tuition is $760 per credit hour.
  • Doctorate-level tuition is $980 per credit hour.

  • Tuition for the BS-DNP program will be charged at the master's or doctoral rate based on course level:
    • 500-level and 600-level courses = master's tuition 
    • 700-level and 800-level courses = doctoral tuition

Financial Aid for Graduate Students

At Southern, we’re proud to offer flexible, affordable pricing to our students to help them realize their dreams without breaking the bank. Here are some financial assistance options available to graduate students:

Scholarships and Financial Assistance

The first step in exploring financial assistance options is to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), online at www.studentaid.gov.

For more information about financial aid and which programs you may qualify for, visit our Graduate Finances page or contact a graduate student finance counselor at gradfinance@southern.edu.

Assistantships

Graduate Assistantship Programs
Available at Southern

With graduate assistantships, you’ll have the opportunity to get valuable, hands-on experience through your program. You’ll be assigned to work a set number of hours each week, and your tasks and responsibilities will vary depending on the department or faculty member who oversees the position. In exchange, you may earn a tuition waiver or even a salary or monthly stipend.

On top of that, graduate assistantships are a fantastic way to work closely with faculty members and university leaders who will help you network, provide job references, and be your advocate as you open new doors to your future.

 

What Graduate Assistantships Are Available at Southern?

Graduate assistantships at Southern are offered by the individual schools, and each has its own description, responsibilities, and required qualifications. Click the links below to learn more about the graduate assistantship opportunities available within each school:

More About the Admissions Process

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laurie

Laurie Gauthier

Director of Graduate Marketing and
Enrollment Management
lgauthier@southern.edu
423.236.2585

Let's Talk About You!

Welcome! My number-one goal is to help you reach yours, so give me a call, send me an email, or just stop by my office in Wright Hall. Whether you’d like to explore program options, schedule a campus visit, or just need to ask about application deadlines, no question is too big or too small. Let’s work together to help you accomplish your dreams!

Schedule a Meeting with Laurie

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