•AVERAGE: 69
Founded in 1883, Belhaven University (named for Belhaven, Scotland, the ancestral home of the founder) came about through the merger of two colleges, the McComb Female Institute and the Mississippi Synodical College, in 1939. Originally a women’s school, Belhaven began admitting men in 1954, beginning a process of growth that continues until today. Located in the capital city of Jackson, MS, offering students excellent access to internship and employment opportunities Belhaven has earned recognition across the US, ranking among the best regional institutions in the South by U.S. News & World Report.
Academic Programs
Affiliated with the Presbyterian church, Belhaven is dedicated to Christian values and faith, with biblical foundations threaded throughout its curriculum. A student:faculty ratio of 12:1 helps provide students with close personal attention and mentorship. While Belhaven offers both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, the university still makes undergraduate education a priority, including a well-rounded grounding in the liberal arts for all undergraduates. Belhaven is particularly known for their visual and performing arts programs, with nearly a quarter of students enrolled in music, dance, theater, and the arts, with the distinction of being nationally accredited in all four disciplines. The arts is not all, by any means; Belhaven offers more than 70 degrees programs, and is one of only two Christian colleges recognized by the White House STEM initiative.In addition to its bachelor’s programs, Belhaven offers 8 master’s degrees, including business, education, public health, and dance. Belhaven’s MBA program offers seven concentrations, including Leadership, Health Administration, and Sports Administration. Belhaven has also offered a number of adult education programs for the last 25 years, including business, health and social services, and biblical studies, and the university’s online bachelor’s programs have been ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Student Life
Belhaven has a student body of around 4000, including 1200 traditional residential students, and many more graduate, adult education, and online students. With its location in Jackson, MS, the capital and largest city in the state, Belhaven students have access to all of the amenities of an urban environment, from entertainment to internships and networking. In addition, Jackson has been named one of the best towns in the US for entrepreneurs, as well as the heart of Mississippi’s healthcare system, making it an ideal location for business, nursing, and pre-professional students.Two dozen student-led organizations, including honors societies and special interest groups, give Belhaven students an outlet for building relationships and community, as well we developing their skills outside of the classroom. Community service is a major part of student life, in keeping with Belhaven’s Christian heritage. The Belhaven Blazers compete in the NCAA Division III, including 15 men’s and women’s varsity teams; the men’s soccer team won the national championship in 2012, when the Blazers were still part of the NAIA.