McKendree University
Nestled comfortably among the quiet streets and historic homes of Lebanon, the lofty steeple of Bothwell Chapel rises prominently above the outline of lush trees that dapple the campus of McKendree University. A simple, yet stately herald of higher education, the chapel stands as a symbol of the institution’s rich history and continued reputation for excellent academics. In 1828, McKendree University was founded by frontier Methodists, making it the first college established in Illinois. Since that time, the classes, programs and students have evolved to fit current trends; however, one element has remained steady: McKendree’s commitment to providing students with the best education and resources needed to accomplish their goals.
Serving a student body of approximately 1400, the university offers six Bachelor degree programs in 40 major areas of study and has recently expanded its graduate school services. McKendree now gives students the opportunity of earning a Master’s degree in Education, Professional Counseling, Business Administration and Nursing in addition to a new curriculum of off-campus courses known as AiM (Accelerated Instruction with McKendree). Small class sizes consisting of on average 16 students to one professor allow for personal interaction and create a more effective learning environment. With a vast array of degree selections and methods of attainment, the university prides itself in the fact that 97 percent of its graduates are enrolled in additional schooling or have a full-time career within six months of graduation.
Established in 1828 by pioneer Methodists, McKendree is the oldest college in Illinois, and the oldest in the nation with continuous ties to the United Methodist Church. First called “Lebanon Seminary,” the school opened in two rented sheds for 72 students. In 1830, Bishop William McKendree, the first American-born bishop of the Methodist church, permitted the Board of Trustees to change the institution’s name to McKendree. Later Bishop McKendree deeded 480 acres of rich land in Shiloh Valley, Illinois, to help support the College.
Mission
The mission of McKendree University is to provide a high quality educational experience to outstanding students. We guide our students in the pursuit of academic excellence which will prepare them for leadership roles in our society. To achieve this end we encourage broader vision, enriched purpose, engagement with community, commitment to responsible citizenship, openness to new ideas and dedication to lifelong learning. In keeping with our history and traditions, we provide our students with a rigorous, broadly based liberal arts curricula joined with specialization in a specific discipline.
Courses Offered
Undergraduate Programs
- Accounting
- Anthropology
- Art
- Athletic Training
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Business Administration
- Business Education
- Chemistry
- Church Music
- Coaching
- Computational Science
- Computer Information Systems
- Computer Science
- Creative Writing
- Criminal Justice in Sociology
- Dance
- Economics
- Economics & Finance
- Education
- Educational Studies
- English
- Environmental Studies
- Ethnic Studies
- Finance
- Finance/Actuary in Mathematics
- French Language and Culture
- Gender Studies
- German Language and Culture
- Gerontology in Psychology
- Health and Wellness
- History
- Human Resource Management
- Information Technology
- Interactive Media
- International Relations
- Journalism
- Management
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Music
- Music Business
- Music Performance
- Music
- Solo Performance
- Nursing (RN to MSN)
- Occupational Therapy
- Organizational Communication
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Political Science
- Pre Professional in Biology
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Social Science
- Social Work in Psychology
- Spanish Language and Culture
- Speech Communication
- Sports Performance
- Sport Psychology
Graduate Programs
- Master of Arts in Education – MAED
- Master of Arts in Professional Counseling – MAPC
- Master of Business Administration – MBA
- Master of Science in Nursing – MSN
Colleges & Schools
- College of Arts and Sciences
- School of Business
- School of Nursing and Health Professions
- School of Education
Contact Details
McKendree University
701 College Road
Lebanon, Illinois 62254
(618) 537-4481
1-800-BEARCAT
Official Website: http://www.mckendree.edu/
