ST. PAUL, Minn., March 11, 2025 – To meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in biomedical technology, University of Northwestern – St. Paul is expanding its engineering programs to include the addition of the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) degree and a Chemical Engineering concentration.

Due to the significant interest in the Mechanical Engineering concentration within UNW’s ABET accredited Engineering degree, the expansion into a BSME is a logical next step for UNW’s program. “Mechanical engineering is one of the top in-demand fields, with applications across aerospace, robotics, manufacturing, energy, and specially Minnesota’s thriving medical device industry” says Dr. Siu-Yue Tam. “Our new BSME program equips students with a strong technical foundation while integrating a Christ-centered approach to innovation and ethical leadership. Graduates are prepared to excel in cutting-edge industries that drive technological advancements and improve lives.”

Due to strong student and industry demand, we are introducing a concentration in Chemical Engineering, making Northwestern the only private university in Minnesota to offer this option. This concentration joins our existing concentrations in Electrical and Civil Engineering, allowing students to specialize in critical areas of engineering. The Chemical Engineering concentration prepares graduates for careers in the energy industry, microelectronic production, biomedical technology, and environmental sustainability, which are all high-impact industries.

Northwestern is also pleased to share updates on the Northwestern Center for Industrial Research (NCIR) which launched in January. NCIR is serving the local industry and contributing to the regional ecosystem for economic and technological growth. Currently, the NCIR is partnering with two startup companies on projects including testing application accuracy and efficiency as well as creating systems to help engineers manage and optimize complex systems.

By driving external industrial partnerships and fostering internal collaboration, NCIR is strengthening its focus on medical devices, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable engineering. Through these efforts, NCIR is helping bridge the gap between academia and industry, providing students with internship and job placement opportunities, ensuring they gain real-world experience and career pathways in high-demand fields.

Dr. Janet Sommers, Northwestern’s Provost, commented, “The addition of these two programs was an organic, yet strategic choice for Northwestern. We are well prepared, both in our ideal location in Minnesota’s Medical Alley and with our STEM program expansion, to equip future leaders to succeed in this industry.”

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University of Northwestern – St. Paul (UNW) is a nondenominational, Christian university in St. Paul, Minn. With a biblical worldview integrated into all programs, UNW provides a unique educational experience for students who want to combine faith and education. Northwestern offers more than 65 areas of study, including seven master’s degrees, and online and early college programs. Northwestern Media, a ministry of the university, owns and operates 29 Christian radio stations throughout the Midwest with a total listenership of more than 2 million listeners. Visit unwsp.edu for more information.

Classical education prioritizes deep learning through discussion-based courses. Small class sizes led by faculty mentors emphasize student engagement and provide an exciting, thought-provoking environment. This approach encourages problem-solving, robust conversation, analytical thinking, and ethical reasoning. Research shows that students who have learned in this environment are better prepared for personal and professional success. [1] More importantly, this way of learning equips us to pursue our calling as Christians (Romans 12:1-4).

Graduates of a Christ-centered classical program are differentiated from their peers in at least five key ways:

1. Intellectual Agility & Critical Thinking:

Engaging in discussion challenges students to use higher level thinking, analyzing what they encounter and articulating what they discover to their classmates. Discussions help students grapple with alternative perspectives, cultivating the ability to consider and respond to ideas in real time. These skills fuel our joyful obedience to the Great Command (Mark 12:29-31) and provide real-world application and value. [2]

2. Emotional Intelligence:

Christian classical education prioritizes personal and spiritual formation, not simply intellectual development. Discussions frequently reveal opposing perspectives, challenging students to cultivate self-awareness, emotional regulation, understanding, and effective communication. Students also learn how to couple courage in conviction with sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech. Not only are these valuable soft skills for the workplace, they reflect a person’s ongoing sanctification (Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Peter 3:13).

3. Confidence & Leadership Development:

Research demonstrates that discussion-based programs enhance verbal and written communication skills. [3] Cohort models (where students progress through a series of courses, together) provide students the opportunity to improve along others whom they will grow to know and trust. Grounded in a biblical understanding of identity (Galatians 2:20), students learn to how to present ideas persuasively, engage with different viewpoints, respond to failure, navigate group dynamics, lead discussions, and delegate authority—critical skills for all of life.

4. Broad-based learning:

The diverse subject matter represented in a theologically-oriented, liberal arts Great Books curriculum exposes students to a variety of disciplines – economics, psychology, literature, biology, physics, philosophy. This not only fuels worship (Psalm 111:1-2), it provides students the opportunity to make connections across fields and approach problems with greater insight. Such broad-based learning is increasingly valuable in today’s quickly changing, hyper-specialized workforce. [4]

5. Adaptability:

Automation and artificial intelligence are reshaping industries in countless ways. Classical education equips students as life-long learners, enabling them to re-skill and transcend specific job functions. More importantly, it challenges students to consider the nature and ends of technology, equipping them to make wise and ethical use of innovation in an increasingly complex world.

The Classical Christian Honors College provides these benefits while allowing students to pursue any of UNW’s more than 50 areas of study. Our Great Books & Ideas program is a unique way of satisfying most of UNW’s core curriculum requirements. This allows you to earn a highly marketable, honors-transcripted, 40-credit second major alongside nursing, engineering, biology or any other degree of your choice.

Want to earn unique skills for the marketplace? Space is limited! Apply today.

[1] Ling Li, “Reskilling and Upskilling the Future-ready Workforce for Industry 4.0 and Beyond.” Information Systems Frontiers 26, (2024): 1697–1712. Accessed Feb 17, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10796-022-10308-y

[2] Ibid. See Table 1.

[3] Jay R Howard, Discussion in the College Classroom. (Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2015), 6.

[4] Ling Li, “Reskilling and Upskilling, ” Accessed Feb 17, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10796-022-10308-y

The University of Northwestern (UNW), long celebrated as a Christian teaching institution, is embarking on an exciting new chapter in its history. With the launch of the Northwestern Center for Innovation and Research (NCIR), UNW is embracing a dual identity that emphasizes both academic instruction and value-driven research. This transformation is not just a shift in focus; it is a new step toward redefining the university’s role in shaping the future.

The NCIR is a multidisciplinary hub advancing industry innovation and technology through collaborative research and development. Organizations can work with the NCIR for product development and process improvement. The center offers support to help businesses succeed. Whether the company is large or small, and regardless of where they are on their innovation journey, the NCIR can tailor to specific needs.

NCIR represents a commitment to excellence and innovation, rooted in UNW’s Christian values. The center seeks to form strong, lasting partnerships with industry leaders to address real-world challenges, create impactful solutions, and provide students with ample opportunities to grow. In its short time since establishment, NCIR has already established connections with numerous companies, initiated research projects, and positioned itself as a hub for collaboration and discovery. By integrating research with teaching, UNW is not only preparing students for meaningful careers but also contributing to advancements that align with its mission to serve others and glorify God.

Collaboration lies at the heart of NCIR’s mission. The center fosters partnerships not only between UNW and industry leaders but also within the university itself. NCIR supports projects that connect faculty and students from various fields. This helps participants develop a valuable skill for the future. This skill is the ability to work well in a diverse team. In a world where innovation increasingly depends on collective efforts, NCIR is ensuring that students learn to thrive in collaborative environments, both academically and professionally.

Real-World Impact through Community Partnership

Community partnerships connect academic theory with real-world practice. They give students a chance to tackle real challenges faced by businesses, both big and small. Through these partnerships, NCIR fosters a dynamic learning environment where students do not just study problems—they solve them.

One recent project came from a start-up company. The aim was to improve a project management tool. This tool is made for design engineers who work with complex equipment. This is a cutting-edge technology that gives students a front row look intotechnology development with the satisfaction of contributing to a dynamic ecosystem of technological advancement and job creation.

Outside of providing solutions to organizational needs, the NCIR also opens doors for UNW students. Andrew, a current Engineering student, is just one example. Despite months of searching, he was unable to secure an internship with his dream company. After connecting with NCIR, Andrew quickly got an internship that fit his goals. He was given hands-on experience and the connections he needed to succeed in his field.

This year, our students achieved a milestone by qualifying for the first round of the Department of Energy’s prestigious Wind Competition. The challenge? To design and build a prototype for an offshore floating wind turbine farm. UNW is one of only 35 teams nationwide to qualify, earning prize money to test and build their innovative prototype. Achievements like this showcase the caliber of opportunities our students can access.

Student Opportunities at UNW and NCIR

One of NCIR’s primary goals is to provide students with hands-on learning experiences that extend beyond traditional classroom settings. Collaborating with leading companies in STEM fields, particularly in the medical device sector, students can:

• Engage in Class Projects: Work on assignments that solve problems for industry partners. Use what you learn in class to tackle real-world issues.
• Complete Senior Capstone Projects: Undertake year-long projects sponsored by companies, gaining valuable insights into professional workflows and expectations.
• Secure Internships: Benefit from NCIR’s connections with industry leaders to land internships that offer practical experience and mentorship.
• Build Career Opportunities: Leverage NCIR’s network to connect with employers who value the rigor and values-driven education provided by UNW.
• Develop Problem-Solving Skills: Engage in industrial projects that hone their abilities to think critically, innovate, and tackle complex challenges. These experiences prepare students to become not only effective professionals but also forward-thinking innovators and entrepreneurs.

Benefits for Students and Their Families

For prospective students, choosing a university is a significant decision. At UNW, we’re committed to making that choice easier by offering an experience that combines academic excellence, practical skills, and spiritual growth. Here are some key benefits NCIR provides:

Partnering for the Future

NCIR’s mission is to form lasting partnerships with industry leaders who share our commitment to innovation and excellence. These collaborations not only benefit students but also enhance the university’s ability to impact the broader community. By working together, NCIR and its partners can drive advancements in technology, healthcare, and more—all while glorifying God through their efforts. Within the university, NCIR promotes collaboration among departments, creating a vibrant ecosystem where faculty and students from different disciplines unite to tackle complex challenges and share knowledge.

Join Us at UNW and NCIR

The Northwestern Center for Innovation and Research is more than just a research center; it’s a launching pad for success. Whether you’re a student eager to make a difference or a parent seeking the best for your child, NCIR offers a pathway to growth, opportunity, and faith-driven achievement.

We invite you to learn more about NCIR and see how it can transform your educational journey. Visit our website, schedule a campus tour, or connect with us directly to explore all that UNW and NCIR have to offer. Together, we can build a future rooted in faith, guided by excellence, and dedicated to service.

Wind Competition Team, including students from U of MN, our partnering school

What is Biotechnology?

Biotechnology (Biotech) is a branch of science that dates back to the twentieth century. This branch, in its simplest terms, is advancement in technology using biology. University of Northwestern – St. Paul (UNW) works to equip students in engineering and biology majors to go into the growing field of biotechnology and biomedical professions. Northwestern’s location in Minnesota and the Twin Cities provides many benefits for students interested in technology.

Here are 3 Reasons:

Biotech companies in the Twin Cities

Biotech and the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry are part of a growing industry in Minnesota. University of Northwestern – St. Paul is in a prime location in the heart of the Twin Cities, offering opportunity for students to intern with nearby biotech companies within this growing biomedical hub.

8 biotech companies less than 10 miles away from UNW:

• Boston Scientific – 2 miles
• Galil Medical Inc – 5 miles
• Pharmgate Research and Development – 7 miles
• Kingfisher Biotech – 7 miles
• Ecolab – 7 miles
• Minnebio LLC – 7 miles
• Syntiron LLC – 7 miles
• Medtronic – 8 miles

Dr. Michael Jacobson, Department Chair of Engineering, commented on the learning that takes place for engineering students, equipping them for combined learning in both engineering and biomedical, “courses include Biomedical Instrumentation and Biomechanics, which gives particular skills in support of the Minnesota MedTech industry. This regional focus has expanded beyond Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott, and Mayo Clinic to include hundreds of midsize and startup companies. The UNW engineering graduates are well suited to support this growing industry.”

With access to a wide variety of large and small biotech companies alike, students at UNW are able to find an internship that best suits their specific passions within the industry – they aren’t lost in large companies. Throughout the entire program at UNW, students are prepared and to go out into the workforce post-graduation.

Support for Budding Entrepreneurs

Minnesota is an ideal location for entering into biotech because there is much support for students looking to launch or join a small business. Launch Minnesota is an initiative that works to help startups access capital and connect them to helpful resources in addition to offering grants. Further, Minnesota houses many successful small biotech businesses within the Twin Cities. General Probiotics Inc. located in St. Paul, Lichen Labs located in Minneapolis, and Katana AgriScience located in St. Paul name a few startups that rank within the top 12 biotech businesses in Minnesota as of November 2024. The support and opportunity is perfect for students desiring a job within a biotech small business.

Students are seeking jobs that make a real difference. They aren’t looking to simply work at a company and make money; they want to make products that produce change. Small companies offer an opportunity to be the known change, not just another person working for the business. Small businesses provide a personable atmosphere for growth as an employee too. There is a growing trend towards students who are passionate about the mission of the company/product, not the money they are making.

Some of our own UNW students chose the opportunity to work with smaller companies. In the last year, Andrew Martinez and Timothy Moyer interned with VivaQuant a small business that describe themselves as focusing on building software tools for quantitative analysis of ECGs in biomedical and drug safety research. A way for them to get hands-on experience where they can make a known difference for the world around them.

Sustainable Career Paths

Not only are students seeking out small, but they are also looking for sustainable careers. The idea of sustainability is not a new concept, this idea was originally found in Scripture. God created the earth and calls us to care for it. “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” Genesis 2:15 (ESV). Sustainable living expands greater than just a trend. It’s a way of serving the Lord.

As sustainable careers continue to grow, the biotech industry offers numerous eco-friendly job opportunities that contribute positively to our planet. One such field is biomedical engineering, where professionals are focused on advancing sustainable medical technologies through the use of renewable materials, energy-efficient devices, and waste reduction efforts.

What makes UNW’s programs different? UNW seeks to focus on aspects such as entrepreneurship, innovation, and exceptional thinking alongside Christian liberal arts values of critical analyzation, problem solving, spiritual formation, and upstanding leadership. In addition, biotechnology labs will be integrated into the program and designed by faculty as a way to further enhance the learning experience for students.

Interested in pursuing biotechnology at UNW? Talk with an admissions counselor here.

American higher education is experiencing a revival of classical education. This education is “classical” in that it retrieves a time-tested educational approach focused on the liberal arts to develop wisdom, virtue, and critical thinking. It sees education as formation of the whole human being—about the cultivation of character, the exploration of life’s most important questions, and responsible service to society than the acquisition of a credential. Classical liberal arts education also equips students to understand, evaluate, and integrate what they read in order to conquer new fields of knowledge, make sound decisions, and serve responsibly as virtuous leaders in their home, church, community, and nation.

Universities largely abandoned this approach in the early decades of the 20th century in favor of specialized training. As America moved from an agricultural to industrial economy, leaders applied the insights of mass production and technical competence to higher education. Education became increasingly specialized, lacking a wholistic vision of the coherence and interrelatedness of knowledge and the importance of intellectual and moral formation. Ultimately, a college education was viewed almost exclusively for its economic value—rather than for the critical way it should shape a person’s moral and spiritual purpose.

But as business leaders testify, a technical-skills-focused approach to undergraduate education is proving incomplete for today’s rapidly changing workforce. Graduates can emerge into their chosen profession to find their technical skills quickly outdated. Without an education that exposes students to a vision for human flourishing or teaches them how to address viewpoint diversity, graduates can find themselves insufficiently equipped to face today’s complex social and cultural challenges. Unless their education has prepared them to adapt, think creatively, and problem-solve, as well as shaped them to be resilient, humble, principled, and self-aware, career opportunities and mobility become limited.

A Fortune 100 corporate executive recently stated that when hiring for leadership positions, executives are looking for graduates with strong social and critical thinking skills, rather than simply a degree in marketing or finance or business. For leadership, a rigorous foundation provided by a classical liberal arts curriculum proves a better measure of potential for success. In addition, with the explosion of AI in the workplace, the focus on critical thinking skills provides graduates with an advantage over the expected outcomes from this technology.

And at Northwestern, you get the best of both. Our Classical Christian Honors College (CCHC) provides a unique way to fulfill the general education requirements of your undergraduate liberal arts degree, while cultivating an understanding of how wisdom and virtue can be applied to modern day issues. The CCHC is a robust classically oriented liberal arts foundation grounded in reading and discussing great works that have shaped human history. Its intentionally small learning cohorts are interactive and designed to catalyze discussion around the enduring questions of human existence while nurturing students’ spiritual growth, humility, intellectual curiosity, and critical thinking ability. Because it fulfills much of Northwestern’s core curriculum, students earn a second major while pursuing a degree in Nursing, Engineering, Music, or any of our other programs.

In the future of our economy, the question might not be what you can do with a strong classical liberal arts foundation, but what you can do without it.

Interested in pursuing a degree at Northwestern? Request more information about a major of your choice or apply today! Interested in the Classical Christian Honors College? Find out more and submit your application today!

WHAT IS OUR PURPOSE? WHY ARE WE HERE?

These are big questions that we all must answer at some point in our lives. But they don’t just apply to our individual identities—they also apply to our organization as a whole. And in the midst of our cultural climate today, it’s even more important to clearly articulate who we are and what we want to accomplish as University of Northwestern – St. Paul and Northwestern Media.

And the ultimate question we must ask ourselves, as President Corbin Hoornbeek posed, is this: “What difference does this organization make in the world?”

His response? “If we can’t answer this question, we don’t have a right to exist.” As Northwestern moves into the future, dedicated to advancing the Gospel, we seek to deepen our foundation on Christ and emphasize what makes Northwestern unique. One of those unique attributes is the partnership between University and Media.

Northwestern Media is a network of radio stations spanning across the Midwest and beyond. The first station, 98.5 KTIS out of the Twin Cities, began in 1949 under the leadership of Billy Graham, Northwestern’s second president. Now, the network has expanded to include 15 radio stations, each with its own staff and on-air personalities, listenership, and role in their communities, but all operating under the same mission: “to lead people to Christ and nurture believers in their spiritual growth through Christ-centered media.”

This unique relationship between University and Media means capitalizing on the strength of this partnership and the unique opportunities we have as a result. Just one of these areas is in student worker positions and internships. Current students at Northwestern can work as interns or student workers for stations like 98.5 KTIS, Faith Radio, or even for the network as a whole in a variety of areas such as on-air production, listener engagement, marketing, and more. In each role, students get to learn about and practice their field of work in an encouraging yet challenging environment. For some students, these roles even result in full-time positions at Northwestern Media or one of the stations in the network.

But even before full-time opportunities appear on the horizon, Northwestern Media can help students discover what they wanted to do with their careers after college.

For Keegan Goldfarb, Morning Show Producer at 98.5 KTIS, his internship at 98.5 KTIS changed the trajectory of his college major—and his career. After starting at the University, he changed his major several times, trying to figure out what his passions were. But it was his experience at his internship that caused him to pursue a degree and career in the radio industry. He stated, “I never knew I was going to go into radio until I had my internship with 98.5 KTIS.”

Marissa Biancardi, Marketing Operations Manager at Northwestern Media, has a similar story. She discovered Northwestern Media when one of her professors invited employees from 98.5 KTIS and Northwestern Media to speak in one of her classes. From those class sessions, she discovered her passion for media and turned that passion into student worker positions in a variety of roles, including voice tracking at Life 96.5 in Sioux Falls, listener engagement at 98.5 KTIS, and marketing at Northwestern Media before beginning her full-time role on the Northwestern Media marketing team after graduating from Northwestern. She shared:

“Coming into college, I had no idea what I wanted to do; I just knew that I was passionate about ministry … and so I followed that into a ministry degree. And then I tried to find an outlet … beyond just serving in the church. So when I found out about [Northwestern] Media, that’s ministry on the air or behind the scenes … that was where I could take my passion for ministry and then combine it with my skillset.”

There are countless more stories just like these, and all of them are possible because of the special relationship between both parts of Northwestern and their unique influence on the lives and careers of students. Through the support of professors, mentorship from employees at Northwestern Media, and real-world experience in the field, students gain not only practical knowledge but also encouragement in their life and in their faith walk.

As Professor Mark Seignious, chair of the Communications Department at Northwestern, put it, the University is the beginning of a student’s path to articulating how they will use their gifts to contribute to society and spread the Gospel, and Media is one avenue for them to do that. He said, “The University is about input and intake and preparing, and then Northwestern Media is the outpouring of all that you’ve learned.”

And at Northwestern Media, student workers get to do more than check email and get coffee. At the University, students are discovering more about their possible career path, and at Northwestern Media, they actually get real experience in their field doing some of the same tasks they would do in a full-time job. As a result, students are better equipped to enter the workplace, and as Matt Deane, 98.5 KTIS Station Manager, stated, student workers provide a “fresh perspective” on their areas of work, inspiring outside-the-box thinking and leadership in the station as a whole. As he said, “it’s a win-win situation” for the students and 98.5 KTIS.

The mission of the University is “to provide Christ-centered higher education equipping students to grow intellectually and spiritually, to serve effectively in their professions, and to give God-honoring leadership in the home, church, community, and world.” And working at Northwestern “can be a fulfillment of that in a unique way,” as Dave St. John, Senior Director, Media Markets at Northwestern Media, articulated.

So of course, what University and Media do is not the same, but both pursue the same higher calling, and that calling unifies us and draws us closer together as a college, a media organization, and as a community.

St. John stated, “Northwestern’s opportunity as a media organization [is] to be able to bring the good news of Jesus to our city, our state, our country, and our world. A key part of that is … providing opportunities for the next generation to do it and to live out their faith, and I believe Northwestern is a unique place to do that.”

But the journey doesn’t end with getting a full-time job. In fact, it’s the gateway into even more growth, both vocationally and spiritually. Because learning isn’t just restricted to college classes and final projects; it’s trying new things, stretching yourself further than you ever thought you could go, asking for advice, and learning as you go—even when it’s difficult.

Aaron Trost, aka Toast, Creative Services Director and Morning Show Host at 107.1 KSLT in Rapid City, has experienced that firsthand. After getting this job and moving to Rapid City after graduating from Northwestern, he found himself immersed in a culture that celebrates that growth.

“I wanted my first job out of college to be a place I could continue to learn and grow, fail, try again, and keep honing my craft as I continue growing closer to Jesus,” he shared. “107.1 KSLT is definitely a place where I am challenged to grow but am free to try new things!”

This partnership between University and Media is just one example of what sets us apart as a unified Northwestern. When we capitalize on our strengths, we are better able to serve our students and communities as a whole. As Deane shared, this partnership really does mean we are “better together.”

And at the end of the day, it’s about sharing the Gospel with everyone we come in contact with. As Raeann Goetz, Creative Services Director at Life 96.5 in Sioux Falls, said, “It’s not just the students whose lives are being changed. It’s thousands of people.”

And that’s the mission that God has embedded into our organization, into everything we do. It is our goal to remain UNWavering as we gratefully and excitedly anticipate what God is going to do next.

Are you looking for a program that will sharpen your intellect while strengthening your faith? At University of Northwestern – St. Paul, we are proud to offer a unique program through the Classical Christian Honors College (CCHC) combining the best of classical education with spiritual formation and a study of the Scriptures. But what exactly is the Classical Christian Honors College? Why is it a valuable option for students seeking a rigorous, faith-centered education?

What is Classical Education?

Classical education exists to recover and continue the tradition of the liberal arts. This approach to learning prepares students to excel as wise, knowledgeable, and disciplined members of society. Students pursue wisdom through their studies, concentrating on classic texts in literature, philosophy, theology, and history. Students are challenged with a deeper understanding of human nature. They are prepared to observe accurately, understand thoroughly, evaluate fairly, apply wisely, and communicate clearly.

Why Choose Classical Learning at Northwestern?

1. Integration of Faith and Learning

Learning isn’t just a critical part of human development; it is the very heart of what it means to be a Christian (Mk 12:29-31). To love the Lord with all our mind means following the biblical claim that all truth belongs to, is held together in, Christ (Col 1:17). Therefore, the world cannot be truly seen without his Lordship. At Northwestern’s CCHC, this approach is grounded in our unwavering commitment to the centrality of Scripture and the development of godly, humble, and fruitful leaders. Equipped with a robust theological foundation, students engage deeply with the great thinkers of history under the patient guidance of seasoned faculty mentors.

2. Study of the Great Books

The classical approach to learning emphasizes the ongoing value of the Great Books. Students take part in the discussion itself—reading and discussing the most influential works in literature, theology, philosophy, history, and mathematics.

3. Honors-Level Academics

The Classical Christian Honors College is designed for high-achieving students who seek an interactive, academically challenging environment. The program emphasizes rigorous coursework, small-group discussion, advanced writing and research, and intellectual engagement. Students are challenged to expand their capacities and develop habits of heart and mind that will prepare them to engage complex challenges in a constantly changing world.

4. Small, Close-Knit Community

Growth in wisdom and virtue is formed in the context of trust and friendship. That’s why we are committed to a cohort model where a small group of students progress through the entirety of the program, together. Students form close relationships with peers and faculty, fostering the kind of trust that drives community learning and personal growth.

5. Preparation for Diverse Careers

Classical education focuses on the holistic development of students to prepare them for a wide range of careers. Graduates of these programs are well-prepared for a variety of fields like law, education, ministry, business, and public service. The ability to think critically, communicate clearly, act wisely, and lead with integrity are qualities highly sought after in any profession. These are central to the CCHC experience.

Who Should Consider a Classical Christian Honors College?

If you are a student who:

• Desires a challenging academic program that pushes you to think deeply and critically.
• Wants to study the Great Books, digging into the ideas that have shaped civilizations.
• Pursue truth, beauty, and goodness.
• Seeks a deeper understanding of your Christian faith and how it relates to your education and the world.
• Enjoys small, community-focused learning environments where you can grow alongside like-minded peers.

At University of Northwestern – St. Paul, our CCHC offers a transformative educational experience. It is designed to help students develop both the intellectual rigor and spiritual wisdom needed to lead with integrity and purpose.

How to Learn More

Interested in learning more about Northwestern’s Classical Christian Honors College? Visit unwsp.edu/cchc for more information on admissions, program details, and how you can apply. We’d love to help you discover how a classical education, grounded in Christian faith, can help shape your future.