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Harding University is a private Christian university located in Searcy, Arkansas. The school, known for its strong liberal arts foundation and affiliation with the Churches of Christ, was founded in 1924 by visionaries with an inspired purpose. It was named after James A. Harding, a minister and educator. The university has grown into a nationally recognized institution with a focus on academic excellence, faith-based learning, and community engagement.
Harding consistently ranks in the Top 50 for Best Regional Universities in the South according to U.S. News & World Report. Harding University was listed among the Top Twenty Schools nationwide by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education under two different categories: student engagement and student inspiration.
Academics
Harding University comprises nine separate colleges: the College of Allied Health, the College of Arts & Humanities, the College of Bible & Ministry, the Paul R. Carter College of Business Administration, the Cannon-Clary College of Education, the Carr College of Nursing, the College of Pharmacy, the College of Sciences, and the Honors College. Each college has its own subdivisions of departments or other sections.
Between these nine colleges, Harding University provides ninety-seven majors, ten undergraduate degrees, fourteen pre-professional programs, and twenty-one graduate and professional degrees. Harding is known for placing students in competitive graduate programs and professional schools.
Undergraduate enrollment at Harding is approximately 3,535. Classes have a student-faculty ratio of 16:1. The Faculty Handbook, with narrow exceptions, requires all faculty members to be members of the Churches of Christ.
Harding University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Specific colleges and programs have received further accreditation by specialized agencies as well. The university was distinguished through the National Historic Chemical Landmarks program of the American Chemical Society for its contribution to the history of chemistry, based on its William-Miles History of Chemistry Collection, established in 1992.
American Studies Institute
Harding president George S. Benson (1936-1965), a conservative activist who had fled communist uprisings in China as a missionary, believed that fighting socialism was a moral imperative. In 1953, Harding established the School of American Studies in order to teach and train students in the founding principles of the United States Constitution.
Rebranded the American Studies Institute (ASI), the center supplements students’ academic training and promotes “a complete understanding of the institutions, values, and ideas of liberty and democracy.” In doing so, the ASI exhibits a generally conservative political stance, focused on going “back to the fundamental values that made this country great.”
Athletics
Harding competes in NCAA Division II as part of the Great American Conference (GAC). The university supports a full athletics program. Men’s sports include Soccer, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Tennis, and Track and Field. Women’s sports include Basketball, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, and Volleyball.
Campus Life
Harding emphasizes a Christ-centered education, integrating faith into academics, service, and campus life. Students at Harding University are expected to maintain the highest standards of Christian morality, integrity, orderliness and personal honor. Harding reserves the right to refuse admittance or dismiss any student whose lifestyle is not consistent with the Christian principles that Harding represents.
The university specifies that daily chapel service be held with attendance mandatory for undergraduate students. Harding also requires each student enrolled in nine or more hours to regularly attend one Bible class that meets at least three hours a week each semester.
Harding students are not allowed to participate in suggestive or social dancing, and they are not allowed to visit “inappropriate” places of entertainment such as dance clubs or bars. White County, Arkansas, where Harding is located, is a dry county where the sale of alcoholic beverages is completely prohibited by local law. Likewise, the consumption, possession, or storage of alcoholic beverages of any kind is prohibited on campus. The use of nicotine in any form is also not permitted at any time.
Students at Harding have opportunities to engage in community service, Bible study, and mission-focused activities. Spring Sing is an annual musical production held during Easter Weekend, featuring performances by the social clubs. Currently there are 14 women’s social clubs and 14 men’s social clubs that serve a similar social networking function to the Greek system.
Homeschool Applicants
The same requirements for high school graduates apply for students who are homeschooled. Prospective students who are homeschooled must submit official transcripts and ACT/SAT/CLT scores. Are you a homeschooled high school student seeking to earn college credits? Learn more about Bison Prep!
