Business
Earn your MBA and become part of the next generation of faith-based business leaders, innovators, and impact-makers.
View Our Business ProgramComputer 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 ProgramCounseling
Your passion for helping others can make a real, tangible impact.
View Our Counseling ProgramEducation
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 ProgramNursing
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 ProgramReligion
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 ProgramSocial 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 ProgramProfit 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.
![Nurse working with a female patient](https://discover.e.southern.edu/hubfs/Nurse%20working%20with%20a%20female%20patient.jpeg)
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.
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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.
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](https://discover.e.southern.edu/hubfs/Stock%20Images/%5BGS%5D/Computer%20Science/iStock-953534132-min.jpg)
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!
![IT Support worker](https://discover.e.southern.edu/hubfs/Stock%20Images/%5BGS%5D/Computer%20Science/iStock-505051567-min.jpg)
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.
Earn an MS in Professional Counseling and Make a Difference
Your passion for helping others can make a real, tangible impact.
![AdobeStock_197216732](https://discover.e.southern.edu/hubfs/AdobeStock_197216732.jpeg)
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. With the increasing diversity of populations to be served, there is a corresponding need for counselors from various ethnicities and cultures to better serve them. You can choose from different emphases, such as School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling to benefit others in a way that fuels your passion.
![Counseling eBook](https://discover.e.southern.edu/hubfs/Premium%20Content%20Assets/%5BGS%5D/An%20Inside%20Look%20at%20Southerns%20Value-Based%20MS%20in%20Professional%20Counseling%20Programs/1232330_-Southern-%20GS%20Counseling%20eBook%20Cover_2_111121.jpg)
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.
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](https://discover.e.southern.edu/hubfs/Male%20teacher%20working%20with%20students-1.jpeg)
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.
![Young teacher working with a student](https://discover.e.southern.edu/hubfs/Young%20teacher%20working%20with%20a%20student.jpeg)
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.
![Female teacher working with a student](https://discover.e.southern.edu/hubfs/Female%20teacher%20working%20with%20a%20student.jpeg)
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.
![MAT eBook Cover](https://discover.e.southern.edu/hubfs/Premium%20Content%20Assets/%5BGS%5D/The%20Career%20Changers%20Guide%20to%20Becoming%20a%20Teacher/1333106_-Southern-%20GS%20MAT%20eBook%20Cover_1A_032822.jpg)
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.
Nursing Excellence + Faith-Based Values = Advanced Nursing Programs at Southern
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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.
![Nurse holding patients hand-min-1](https://discover.e.southern.edu/hubfs/Nurse%20holding%20patients%20hand-min-1.jpg)
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.
![Nursing professional in a white coat.](https://discover.e.southern.edu/hubfs/%5BGS%5D%20Images/%5BGS%5D%20Nursing/iStock-1189305225-min-1.jpg)
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.
![49676908061_c5c58152b0_o-min-1](https://discover.e.southern.edu/hubfs/%5BGS%5D%20Images/%5BGS%5D%20Nursing/49676908061_c5c58152b0_o-min-1.jpg)
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.
![Nurse and doctor talking to each other](https://discover.e.southern.edu/hubfs/Nurse%20and%20doctor%20talking%20to%20each%20other.jpg)
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.
![eBook Cover Placeholder](https://discover.e.southern.edu/hubfs/Module%20Images/eBook%20Cover%20Placeholder.png)
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.
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 to learn more about our programs.
![Ministry reading the bible](https://discover.e.southern.edu/hubfs/Ministry%20reading%20the%20bible.jpeg)
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.
![Youth ministry reading the bible](https://discover.e.southern.edu/hubfs/Youth%20ministry%20reading%20the%20bible.jpeg)
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.
![kenady@directdevelopment.com](https://discover.e.southern.edu/hubfs/AdobeStock_219838597.jpeg)
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.
![Rows of empty brown seats in an auditorium with a dark stage in the background.](https://discover.e.southern.edu/hubfs/%5BGS%5D%20Images/%5BGS%5D%20Program%20Pages%20Photo%20Bank/AdobeStock_173639822.jpg)
MDiv Prep Track
The MDiv Prep Track prepares students to pursue a Master of Divinity and guides them in choosing the best courses for that degree. Although Southern does not offer an MDiv program, students in the Prep Track can earn up to 36 credits at Southern and transfer these credits to another institution that does offer an MDiv. Aspiring pastors, church leaders, or those in full-time ministry may be best suited for this track and the preparation it gives for pursuing a graduate Divinity degree.
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.
![AdobeStock_463965924](https://discover.e.southern.edu/hubfs/%5BDC%5D%20Microsite/what-is-adc-pp/AdobeStock_463965924.png)
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.
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.
International students are required to provide English translations of academic records, demonstrate English proficiency (by submitting qualifying TOEFL scores), and submit a Declaration of Finances form. Some exceptions apply. You may view complete international-student admission requirements on each academic-degree page. Or, for an overview, visit our international admissions page.
If you have specific questions, schedule a meeting with our adviser to get you the information you need.
Official college and university transcripts
Many institutions subscribe to the convenient transcript-request service at National Student Clearinghouse. You may also contact your institution directly. For best results, request to have transcripts sent to the Graduate and Professional Studies office.
2-3 recommendations from work supervisors or professors
These must be initiated as part of the online application process.
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.
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.
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.
Tennessee Behavioral Health Pathways Scholarship
The Tennessee Behavioral Health Pathways Scholarship Initiative offers up to $15,000 per academic year to help a Tennessee resident pay for tuition in a behavioral health master’s degree program at an accredited Tennessee college or university. Learn more here.
You may qualify for the Lifetime Learning Credit when filing your taxes, and claim up to $2,000 per student. For more information, contact your tax adviser or consult the IRS booklet “Tax Benefits for Education,” available online at www.irs.gov.
Many employers have programs set up to help their employees obtain a graduate education. You may check with the human resources department at your organization.
You may be eligible for the following student loan programs:
Southern offers a monthly installment plan so you may spread the cost of tuition over the semester. Sign up for a payment plan.
Learn more about graduate assistantships in the next section.
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.
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:
Graduate Assistant
Graduate Assistantships are available for counseling students only.
For more information, contact the enrollment counselor.
Clinical Lab Assistant
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Graduate Assistant
From the Graduate Studies Blog
![Rosa Mayr wearing a grey blazer and blue button up shirt smiling at the camera Rosa Mayr wearing a grey blazer and blue button up shirt smiling at the camera](https://discover.e.southern.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/%5BGS%5D%20Images/Faculty%20Headshots/MBA/Rosa%20Mayr%20Circle%20Profile%20Image.png?width=300&height=300&name=Rosa%20Mayr%20Circle%20Profile%20Image.png)
Rosa Mayr
Graduate Program Manager
rosamayr@southern.edu
423.236.2527
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!