Briar Cliff University, located in Sioux City, Iowa, offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs rooted in Franciscan values, emphasizing ethical leadership, service, and holistic education. The campus provides a liberal arts foundation across various disciplines, preparing students for diverse careers and lifelong learning. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students engage in hands-on learning, research opportunities, and community involvement.
The university's academic offerings span multiple schools, including the School of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Education; the School of Business and Technology; the School of Health Sciences; and the School of Graduate Studies. Programs are designed to foster critical thinking, communication skills, and professional competencies, with many incorporating internships, clinical experiences, and study abroad options.
- Arts and Humanities: Courses in English literature, creative writing, history, philosophy, theology, art, music, and theatre arts. Students explore classical and contemporary works, develop interpretive skills, and create original pieces through workshops and performances.
- Social Sciences: Programs in psychology, sociology, criminal justice, social work, and political science. Curriculum covers human behavior, social structures, policy analysis, and ethical dilemmas, with opportunities for fieldwork and research projects.
- Business and Technology: Degrees in business administration, accounting, marketing, management information systems, and sport management. Focus on entrepreneurship, financial analysis, digital tools, and strategic planning, including case studies and business simulations.
- Education: Teacher preparation in elementary, secondary, and special education, with endorsements in areas like reading and ESL. Includes pedagogy, classroom management, curriculum development, and student teaching placements.
- Health Sciences: Nursing (BSN and MSN), athletic training, exercise science, and pre-professional tracks in medicine, pharmacy, and physical therapy. Emphasizes anatomy, patient care, evidence-based practice, and clinical rotations in local hospitals.
- Natural Sciences: Biology, chemistry, environmental science, and mathematics. Hands-on labs, field studies, and advanced topics like genetics, ecology, and calculus prepare students for STEM careers or graduate studies.
- Graduate Programs: Master's in education, nursing, organizational leadership, and physician assistant studies. Advanced coursework, capstone projects, and professional development for career advancement.
Overall, Briar Cliff's courses integrate faith, reason, and service, encouraging students to address real-world challenges. With over 40 majors and numerous minors, the curriculum supports personalized academic paths, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for success in their chosen fields. The campus also offers online and hybrid options for flexibility, maintaining high academic standards and accreditation from bodies like the Higher Learning Commission and CCNE for nursing programs. This diverse educational landscape, combined with a supportive community, makes Briar Cliff a vibrant place for intellectual and personal growth.
