

You have bold aspirations. You want your life to matter. At Harding University, you’ll have the opportunity to be transformed academically, relationally and spiritually so you’re prepared to change the world. Your purpose is inspired. We want to help you discover it.
“... inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 1:3
Mike Williams
President of Harding University
Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania
The quest for inspired purpose is anchored in our historic Christian mission. The source of our strength is the Holy Spirit who saves, empowers and guides us. The essence of the Harding experience extends beyond career preparation. In this search for meaning and vision, we discover our values, convictions and direction. We aspire to restore the world to what God intended from the beginning.
You will have many opportunities to serve your neighbors as part of your educational experience. Whether you’re providing services to a child through our speech clinic, interning in a local classroom or learning important health care skills in our local hospital, you’ll discover where your passion and education meet. That is your inspired purpose.
For many schools, Christian education means chapel, Bible classes and a lofty code of conduct. At Harding, it’s much more. Here you’ll have opportunities to put your faith into practice.
Use your talents to serve the community and the world through fundraisers, contributions to the campus food pantry, working in the community garden and more.
Study Scripture with your friends in the homes of faculty and staff mentors and build deeper relationships with those who will walk beside you through celebrations and sorrows.
Attend weekly breakout chapels designed to provide a variety of worship experiences. Led by faculty, staff and students, there are sessions for women, student athletes, international students, and engaged or newly married couples as well as more specific topical studies and opportunities for creative expression and singing.
We want to meet you wherever you are on your journey of faith.
Jason Darden
Assistant professor of Bible and ministry, D.Min., Vanderbilt University
“We understand the value of integrating spirituality into every aspect of our lives. Students develop relationships here that draw them closer to God.”
Harding boasts a 100-year history of placing students just like you in the most prestigious graduate programs, professional schools and careers. Our track record of propelling students to achieve their career goals and aspirations speaks volumes about our academic quality, reputation and networking. Given the geographical diversity of our student population, our graduates
have pursued more national and international opportunities resulting in worldwide recognition. You can go anywhere and achieve anything with a Harding education.
91% of graduates have recognized professional outcomes within six months of graduating
Our alumni have gone on to careers with employers including: Our alumni have gone on to top-tier graduate schools including:
Abbott Laboratories
Amazon.com Inc.
American Express Co.
Apple Inc.
Boeing Co.
Boston Scientific
Broadway productions
Cartoon Network
CIA
Deloitte
FBI
Google LLC
J.B. Hunt
Johns Hopkins Medicine
U.S. Department of Justice
Keurig Dr Pepper
KPMG International
Le Bonheur Children's Hospital
Lockheed Martin Corp.
Oracle
Samsung Electronics Co.
Shell USA Inc.
St. Jude Children's Hospital
Southwest Airlines Co.
Tyson Foods Inc.
Walmart Inc.
The Walt Disney Co.
The Washington Post
Dana Steil Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Ph.D., The University of Alabama
Brown University
Columbia University
Duke University
Emory University
Georgetown University
Harvard University
Johns Hopkins University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Northwestern University
Princeton University
Rice University
Stanford University
University of Chicago
University of Notre Dame
University of Pennsylvania
Vanderbilt University
Washington University in St. Louis
William & Mary
Yale University
“Harding graduates have a rich history of going on to attend top-tier graduate programs and work for prestigious brands across the country. They consistently find that they are well prepared to succeed and perform at the highest level.”
“Our distinguished faculty go above and beyond to walk alongside students in their educational journeys and also to mentor them during this formative period in their lives.”
– Marty Spears
Provost
Ph.D., Rice University
“For professors at a lot of colleges, teaching can be just a 9-5 kind of job, but the teachers at Harding are constantly trying to find the best way to convey information so students can comprehend and utilize it in the best way.”
– Sydney Reynolds Molecular and Cellular Biology major Valley View, Texas
“Teachers are so available to help you and want to see you succeed. I've never seen another place where you have that in your corner.”
– Emma Montague Nursing major Denver, Colorado
In a recent student satisfaction survey, students identified strengths of the University that include faculty who care about them as individuals, approachable academic advisors and faculty who are available after class during office hours.
Your faculty will care about you.
2025 Best Regional Colleges by Princeton Review *
16:1
Student-faculty ratio
You will have access to one-on-one mentoring.
72%
Faculty with terminal degrees
You will be mentored by experts in their fields.
18
Average class size
Your professors will know you by name.
50 60
Your worldview will expand when you join our geographically diverse student population. STATES AND TERRITORIES NATIONS
2024-25 College of Distinction: Career Development *
2024-25 Christian College of Distinction *
2024-25 College of Distinction * * Five years running.
Discover a highly relational community of professionals who share your desire to advocate for those in need. While providing exceptional care for the whole person, you will learn to show mercy and compassion to all patients, families and communities. Through hands-on simulation, interprofessional collaboration and global mission opportunities, you’ll see how your classroom knowledge applies in the real world. No matter what area of health care you choose, our exceptional faculty will help you set and achieve your academic, spiritual and professional goals, equipping you to fulfill your calling to change lives.
Majors
Communication Sciences and Disorders (Clinical or nonclinical)
Communication Sciences and Disorders (ASL concentration)
Exercise Science
Health Studies
Kinesiology
Kinesiology and Health Education K-12
Medical Humanities
Medical Laboratory Science
Nursing
Preprofessional Health Science (Second major only)
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Sport and Recreation Management Master's degrees
Cardiac Function and Interventional Technology
Family Nurse Practitioner
Master's Entry into Professional Nursing
Kinesiology and Sport
Administration
Physician Assistant Studies
Occupational Therapy
Speech-Language Pathology
Strength and Conditioning
Doctoral degrees
Pharmacy
Physical Therapy
Justin Bland
Exercise and sport sciences chair and professor, Ph.D., Michigan
State University
“We are equipping students with practical, relevant, hands-on skills that will help them be effective in graduate school or in the workforce immediately after graduation.”
Name: Jayda Lynn
Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders
Academic Achievements: Dean’s List, Honors College, American Studies Institute Distinguished Scholar
Involvement: Spring Sing, Harding Student
Speech and Hearing Association
Social Club: Zeta Rho, queen for Sub T-16
Service: Walk to End Alzheimer's, Stirrups and Smiles
Hippotherapy Center, Bisons for Christ
By exploring the diversity of life on earth, you will develop a sense of the God-given responsibility to be good stewards of creation. Experience wonder at the intricacies of creation through scholarship and scientific research. You will learn to collaborate with a team to consider the development of science and its role in the modern world. Working with our faculty in classrooms and research labs, you’ll be fully prepared to pursue your professional goals whether in scientific careers or in graduate studies.
Majors
Artificial Intelligence
Biochemistry
Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology
Biology
Biomedical Engineering
Chemistry
Chemistry Education
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Construction Science
Data Science
Electrical Engineering
Environmental Science
Forensic Science
Human Biology
Mathematics
Mathematics Education
Mechanical Engineering
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Physics
Software Development
Rebekah Rampey
Biology department chair
Ph.D., Rice University
Experiential research courses provide hands-on opportunities to learn laboratory skills and technical writing. Integrating knowledge from multiple disciplines helps students stand out on post-grad applications.”
Name: Britney Njeri
Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya
Major: Data Science
Academic Achievements: Dean's List, American Studies Institute Distinguished Scholar, Honors College Scholar
Involvement: Student Association, Black Student Association
Social Club: Phi Kappa Delta
Service: Bisons for Christ
We understand that learning is not limited to what happens in a classroom. Gain the skills employers are looking for by applying your knowledge in real-world settings — both on campus and across the globe.
Take advantage of opportunities for scientific research in roles reserved for graduate students on larger campuses. Learn alongside your faculty mentors, working one-on-one or in small groups to conduct research, discuss findings and present at conferences across the country. Apply for your dream job knowing you will be fully prepared to discover your future.
• Get your hands dirty at the Giliam Biological Research facility.
• Build a racing vehicle with our Baja team.
• Practice nursing skills with state-of-the-art manikins.
• Produce a variety of media with the campus newspaper, yearbook, TV studio and radio station.
• Produce and perform a full theatre season.
• Perform in concert alongside the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.
• Assist law-enforcement with digital forensic investigation.
Ph.D., Louisiana State University
“ We believe in theory and practice. Students crew film sets, study abroad, work in hospitals, and research and publish alongside professors. They graduate with knowledge and experience.”
If your heart is moved to action by stories of oppression and injustice, you’ll find like-minded peers and professional mentors in behavioral sciences who will prepare you to make positive changes in the lives of many. Through hands-on learning experiences, you can make mistakes and grow from them in a safe environment. Opportunities for undergraduate research will put you a step ahead of your peers in pursuing graduate studies. Combining your passion for supporting those in need with the pursuit of critical thinking, scientific inquiry and Christian service, you will be equipped to support some of the most vulnerable populations.
Majors
Child Development
Child Life
Cognitive Neuroscience
Community Engagement
Criminal Justice
Event Management
Family and Consumer Sciences
Family and Consumer Sciences Education
Family Life Education
Food and Nutrition
Psychology
Social Work
Master's degrees
Applied Dietetics Practice
Clinical Mental Health
Counseling
Marriage and Family
Counseling
Professional School
Counseling Student Affairs
Educational Specialist degree
Counseling
Kathy Helpenstill
Behavioral sciences professor
DSW, LCSW, University of Tennessee
“We love investing in our students because we are proud and protective of our profession. We want to be sure our students are prepared to work with vulnerable populations and those with special needs.”
Name: Erin Tetrault
Hometown: Dartmouth, Massachusetts
Major: Social Work
Internship: Social work field placement at Unity Health inpatient psychiatric unit
Academic Achievements: Alpha Chi National Honor Society, Dean’s List
Social Club: Zeta Rho, queen for Sub T-16
We want to help you reach your goals of creating positive change in business and industry. You will join a team of fellow students and experienced faculty who work together to serve the world as corporate professionals. You will have opportunities to participate in team projects and presentations, career fairs, and international trips, and you will be connected to prospective employers through our global alumni network. You will also have opportunities for hands-on investigation experiences working alongside local and federal law enforcement in our Digital Forensics Lab. Whatever your passion, you can discover your future as a world business leader here.
Majors
Accounting
Cybersecurity
Finance
Information Systems
International Business
Management
Marketing
Sports Analytics
Business Administration
Information Systems
Organizational Leadership
Mike Allen
Management chair and professor, M.S., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
“We are preparing students on a broad spectrum to be out in the real world. We tell students today that on average they will work six careers and 25 jobs, and three of those careers haven’t even been invented yet.”
Name: Aurelio Coxaj
Hometown: Esquipalus, Guatemala
Major: Marketing and Information Systems
Academic Achievements: Alpha Chi honor society, Honors College Graduate with Distinction
Involvement: American Marketing Association, Society for the Advancement of Management, Walton
International Scholarship Program
Social Club: TNT
Service: Educating for Life president, Smiles for Christ officer, Honors College service director
Travel can transform the way you view yourself, your faith, your neighbors and the world we share. Whether you’re snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, ordering gelato in Italian or exploring the British Museum, you'll gain confidence and develop skills in critical thinking and cultural literacy. Doing it all with your friends and trusted faculty mentors is a life-changing experience. Choose to spend a semester abroad at one of our six international locations or enjoy a short-term experience that is more specific to your interests.
Programs
Semester-long
Australasia
Europe
Florence
Greece
Latin America
Zambia
Department-specific
Art and Design
Biochemistry
Bison Athletes in Training
Educators Abroad
College of Business Administration in London
Honors College
Mostly Music
Scholars Abroad (for incoming freshmen)
Audra Pleasant
Executive director of international programs, J.D., Pepperdine University School of Law
“Students
who study abroad gain skills that will provide lifelong benefits as they pursue their educational and professional goals.”
With your desire to nurture hearts and mold minds and the knowledge and real world training you will gain, you will be well equipped to live out your inspired purpose. As a future educator, you can choose from more than 23 programs that will prepare you for Christian service to children, families and communities. Our experienced faculty will walk alongside you as you prepare to navigate today’s educational challenges and bring hope to many. You will find lifelong professional partners who are committed to providing mentorship, resources and opportunities throughout your educational experience and beyond in your own classroom.
Majors
Early Childhood/Special Education Integrated (B-K)
Education Studies
Elementary Education, K-6
Middle Level Education, 4-8
English/Language Arts/ Math
English/Language Arts/ Science
English/Language Arts/ Social Sciences
Math/Science
Science/Social Sciences
Social Sciences/Math
Excellence in Teaching Curriculum and Instruction
Educational Leadership
Reading with Dyslexia Endorsement
Special Education Administration
Special Education K-12
Teaching
Educational Specialist degree
Educational Leadership
Doctoral degree
Leadership
Usenime Akpanudo
Education professor, director of research initiatives, Ed.D., Eastern Michigan University
“We take great pride in our large network of alumni and friends with whom we partner to be sure our candidates can find their place in the world of education.”
Name: Celena Mercer
Hometown: Anderson, Indiana
Major: Middle-Level Science and Social Sciences
Education
Internship: Teaching intern at Riverview Junior High School in Searcy, Arkansas
Academic Achievements: Dean’s List, American Studies Institute Distinguished Scholar, Nu Lambda Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi education honor society, Summa Cum Laude graduate
Service: Bisons for Christ
Central to Harding’s curriculum, the humanities invite you to examine society and culture through critical thinking and sound judgment. You will explore other cultures through history, literature and language. Storytelling will spark your imagination as you discover who you are and who you might become. Our exceptional professors will challenge and encourage you to communicate and collaborate, setting you up for success in a variety of careers or graduate programs. You will learn to articulate thought, connecting the world with the individual and cultivating a greater understanding of the human experience.
Majors
Advertising
American Studies
Applied French (Second major only)
Applied Spanish (Second major only)
Communication Studies
English
English and Education
English and Business
Communication
English and Creative Writing
Film
French
French Education
Foreign Language and Missions
History
Humanities
Integrated Marketing
Communication
Interdisciplinary Studies
International Studies
Media Production
Multimedia Journalism
Political Science
Public Administration
Public Relations
Social Science
Social Science Education
Spanish
Spanish Education
Master's degree
History
Michael Claxton
English professor, Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
“Employers tell us they can train employees to do their particular job, but they cannot train critical thinking skills, problem solving and interpersonal skills that we try to develop in all of our classes.”
Name: Luke Ziegler
Hometown: Fort Smith, Arkansas
Major: History and Spanish
Academic Achievements: Student Undergraduate Research Fund grant, Dean's List, American Studies
Institute Distinguished Scholar, Phi Sigma Iota foreign languages honor society, Phi Alpha Theta history honor society, Arkansas Governor's Distinguished scholar, Honors College
Involvement: Student Association vice president
Social Club: TNT and beau for Ju Go Ju, Spring Sing director
With Bison athletics, you can enjoy healthy competition, show your school spirit and enhance your overall wellness. In addition to 18 NCAA Division II sports, intramural and travel club sports give you the opportunity to compete with your friends and teams from other schools. Achieve your personal wellness goals in our world-class Ganus Activities Complex where you can enjoy swimming, weight lifting, walking, playing racquetball and more.
NCAA Division II Sports
Baseball
Basketball
Cross-Country
Football
Golf
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Track and Field (indoor and outdoor)
Volleyball
Travel Club Sports
Disc Golf
Esports
Fishing
Flag Football
Pickleball
Soccer
Swimming
Ultimate Frisbee
Volleyball
Intramural Sports
Basketball
Flag Football
Soccer
Softball
Volleyball
Kinesiology professor and Lady Bison soccer coach, Ph.D., University of Louisiana at Monroe
“Our main goal is to play, encourage and support each other in a way that glorifies God and uplifts our Harding family!”
The arts have helped form the foundation of Harding’s curriculum for nearly a century. Here, you will find people who share your love of creative expression and train you — through handson learning experiences — to cultivate your storytelling skills in a variety of media. In art and design you will illustrate your ideas and observations and bring the extraordinary to life. Music allows you to explore cultures and emotions through notes and melodies. Stories of history and humanity come to life with theatre where you recreate noble adventures and far-fetched dreams. Our accomplished faculty will equip you with skills and professionalism to prepare you for success on any stage or in any studio.
Majors
Acting
Architectural Studies
Art
Art Education
Drama/Speech Education
Graphic Design
Interior Architecture and Design
Music
Instrumental Music Education
Vocal Music Education
Piano Performance
Theatre
Theatre Education 7-12
Theatre Design/Production
Visual Arts Studio
Vocal Performance
Master's degree
Architecture
Enrique Colón
Art and design professor
MFA, University of Notre Dame
“Our students volunteer their services for local churches and nonprofit organizations to help promote and communicate their ideas throughout the community.”
Name: Amelia Kretzer
Hometown: Flat Gap, Kentucky
Major: Visual Arts Studio
Academic Achievements: Honors Scholar, Dean's List, National Merit Scholar, American Studies Institute
Distinguished Scholar
Involvement: Honors College Student Association vice president, Visual Aesthetics Committee, charter member and vice president of Studio 1924
Social Club: Delta Nu, Spring Sing director
Service: The Pack Shack, Child Safety Center of White County
Bible and ministry courses create an experience you will share with all students on campus. Dive deeper into God’s word, learn to love his people, and discover how to share and serve in your chosen vocation and in your local church. Find a mentor among our distinguished faculty of esteemed scholars and kingdom servants. Whether you plan to serve in preaching, family and children’s ministries, women’s ministries, scholarly research or missions — or want to better incorporate your faith into another field of study — we will partner with you in building God’s kingdom throughout the world.
Majors
Bible and Family Ministry
Bible and Ministry
Bible and Missions
Missions (Second major only)
Theological Studies (Second major only)
Master's degrees
Christian Ministry
Historical Theology
Systematic Theology
Divinity
New Testament
Old Testament
Doctoral degrees
Ministry
Daniel Oden
Bible and ministry professor
Ph.D., New York University
“Regardless of whether we are preparing students for graduate school or the mission field, our curriculum is designed with internships in place. They serve in local churches or parachurch ministries that involve the very things they’re going to do in their careers.”
Name: John Galloway
Hometown: Powell, Ohio
Major: Finance and Theological Studies with a Pre-Law concentration
Internship: Global Outreach missions based in Quito, Ecuador
Academic Achievements: Alpha Chi honor society, Honors College Graduate with Distinction, American Studies Institute Scholar, National Merit Scholar, StoneCampbell Journal Conference presenter
Social Club: Omega Phi vice president
Service: Jacob's Place, tornado relief
A vibrant community life is at your fingertips with options to join more than 150 clubs and organizations including 27 social clubs — our version of fraternities and sororities. Enjoy live music by local performers as well as on-campus concerts by headliners like Ben Rector, The Band CAMINO and COIN. Hear speakers like two-time national champion Tim Tebow as well as many other leaders in history, government and education. With movie nights, trivia competitions and games in the student center, there is always something fun to do on campus.
Explore local restaurants and other activities in Searcy’s historic downtown. Catch a movie at the Rialto Theater; stroll through Art Alley; practice yoga at Nooma studios; or attend a Beats and Eats festival on the square complete with food trucks, live music and more.
Arkansas: The Natural State
If getting outside is more your speed, experience the great outdoors in The Natural State. With more than 50 state parks that include hiking trails, mountains to climb, and rivers and lakes for fishing, you can get some fresh air and enjoy God’s beautiful creation.
Spend a day in Little Rock with even more options for shopping, dining, sports and entertainment or even make a weekend trip to Northwest Arkansas or Memphis. With so many options for fun with friends, you’ll be building relationships and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Assistant provost for curricular and community engagement, Ph.D., George Mason University
“This community loves deeply and richly. It's genuine and real. It's an incredible blessing that this community sees and knows people intentionally.”
If you are excited about academic challenges, you will be right at home in the Honors College. As an honors student, you can customize your courses and conduct scholarly research considering important questions with real-world applications. Personal faculty mentors will support your academic goals and assist you in pursuing professional careers or exceptional graduate opportunities. Through communication, critical thinking and contribution to your community, you can discover how your inspired purpose intersects with creative solutions to life’s greatest challenges.
Honors Symposium
Are you a high school junior who wants a taste of the Harding experience? Honors Symposium is a two-week summer academic program where students from all across the nation come together to grow spiritually and academically. You will be mentored by our finest professors and exceptional student counselors as you learn about how each of us fits into the world as a Christian. You also will receive three hours of university credit to give you a head start on your college education.
Jim Miller
Dean of the Honors College and communication professor
Ph.D., University of Tennessee
“The honors curriculum provides opportunities to produce scholarly projects and creative works that contribute to their academic and professional disciplines beyond a Harding classroom.”
Name: Grant Countess
Hometown: Shelbyville, Tennessee
Major: Accounting and Information Systems
Internships: Walmart Accounting and Finance Development program
Academic Achievements: Honors College Graduate with Distinction, Trustee Scholar, Presenter at the 2023 Society for Personality and Social Psychology Convention, Alpha Chi president, Dean’s List
Social Club: TNT, beau for Pi Theta Phi
Service: Honors College Student Association officer, Lamplight Ministries, Bisons for Christ
You may be discovering your own path, but you’ll never walk it alone. We are committed to providing all the resources you will need to succeed academically, spiritually, socially and emotionally. From your first day on campus to your first day on the job, we’ll be here to help you every step of the way.
• Academic Resource Center
• Brackett Library
• Career Center
• Center for Professional Excellence
• Counseling Center
• Housing Office
• Office of Financial Services
• Office of Disability Services and Educational Access
• Office of Diversity Services
• Office of International Student Services
• Office of Student Life
• Public Safety
• Student Health Services
• University Bookstore
Jean-Noel Thompson
Executive vice president Ph.D., Indiana University
“Our work with students is to help them interpret information through discernment and godly wisdom. They want that guidance; we must find ways to meet them where they are.”
Private does not have to mean expensive! Your college education is one of the biggest investments you’ll make. And although it is a major expense, it’s an investment that appreciates over your lifetime with a long-term impact on your career and future. At Harding, we are committed to providing you with a high quality education taught from a Christian perspective at an affordable price. Investing in Christian higher education is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make and is a financial partnership between Harding, you and your family. Harding offers a variety of scholarships and financial assistance programs to help bridge the gap between the cost of attendance and your financial resources.
By 2027 ed.gov estimates that 70% of jobs in the U.S. will require a college degree, but only about 45% of workers will qualify.
University Costs 2025-26
$37,853 7.5 4.2 Million
This last dollar scholarship — when combined with federal, state and other free resources — will pay 100% remaining tuition costs. Learn more about your eligibility for this and other financial aid at harding.edu/scholarships .
$26,500 45% Median Total Debt of Harding Students at Graduation ***
There are some questions humans spend their whole lives contemplating. At Harding, we consider these questions in every part of campus life: in chapel, in the classroom, in the dorm, in the lab, at the coffee shop, on the field, on the stage. You’ll graduate with a toolbox full of approaches to those questions as well as a continued desire to explore what it means to live a good life.
In a dynamic job market, people of character who can think and communicate well are positioned to change the global marketplace. When you combine your education with soft skills and the servant ethic of Jesus Christ, you can change the world.
Scan to learn more about how you can discover significance at Harding.