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© Southwest Baptist University
Southwest Baptist University

Southwest Baptist University

Southwest Baptist University

Introduction

Founded in 1878, Southwest Baptist University is a Christian liberal arts university offering more than 100 areas of academic study at undergraduate and graduate levels throughout four physical campuses in Bolivar, Mountain View, Salem, and Springfield, Mo., plus an online campus.

Founded in 1878, Southwest Baptist University is a Christian liberal arts university with:

  • More than 100 areas of academic study on undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels;
  • Faculty who are passionate about you, your education, and your future success;
  • Global service and mission projects to share your faith and develop as a servant leader;
  • Vibrant campus life within a close-knit community for getting involved and developing lifelong friendships; and
  • Five campuses throughout the southwest and south central Missouri. The 152-acre main campus is in Bolivar, Mo., population 10,300 about 25 minutes north of Springfield, Mo. Additional campuses are in Mountain View, Salem, and Springfield, Mo., and Online.

Liberal arts schools provide both breadth and depth. Breadth is offered across the curriculum with coursework in the arts, sciences, and humanities, with the goal of preparing students for life. Depth is provided through the major, which focuses on preparation for work in a specific field. In a Christian liberal arts education, the Christian lens is the primary lens for learning. Breadth and depth in a Christian liberal arts setting also mean a focus on critical thinking so that non-Christian perspectives are examined (but not endorsed) and students are prepared to serve in secular careers and in service to Christ.

Admissions

Admissions Process for International Students

It's easy to apply to SBU! As an incoming international student, use the checklist below to learn what steps you need to take for admission and enrollment at SBU.

1) Apply online

Get the ball rolling by filling out our online application for undergraduate admission. And the best part — it's FREE! Create a MyBearcat account to get started.

2) Send official documents

To be considered for admission to SBU, you must submit official academic documentation and standardized test scores. As an international student, you need to have your official secondary school records submitted to the SBU Office of Undergraduate Admissions. These documents must include an English translation if the original document is not in English.

Applicants from non-English speaking countries must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Test (IELTS) or the Duolingo English Test. If you have studied in the United States or an English-speaking country within the last three years, you are exempt from this requirement if you have achieved good academic standing at the school(s) you have attended. You must score one of the following:

  • 79 on the Internet-based test (TOEFL IBT)
  • 6.5 on the IELTS
  • 100 on the Duolingo English test

Additionally, all SBU students must submit scores from the ACT or SAT exam.

3) Review financial aid

Your admissions counselor will contact you with information about your academic scholarship eligibility and any other financial aid for which you might qualify.

4) Submit enrollment deposit

Ready to officially join the SBU family? Send in your enrollment deposit to secure your spot in classes and housing!

5) Apply for your student visa

Once you have decided to attend SBU, we will work with you to receive the necessary documents to obtain your F-1 student visa.

English Language Requirements

Certify your English proficiency with the Duolingo English Test! The DET is a convenient, fast, and affordable online English test accepted by over 4,000 universities (like this one) around the world.

Locations

  • Bolivar

    1600 University Avenue, 65613, Bolivar

  • Springfield

    4431 S. Fremont, 65804, Springfield

    Questions