Undergraduate

University Studies

Bachelor's, Minor, Online Undergraduate

Ready to take the next step?

The University Studies degree is designed for students who have invested significant effort in education without completing a traditional pathway. It offers a flexible approach for leveraging accumulated credits, aiding transfer students, military personnel, and those re-entering education. Students can use prior coursework and life experiences to hasten degree completion. This degree also allows for tailoring education to fit specific career aspirations and personal interests, creating a relevant academic experience.

CURRICULUM

What You’ll Learn

Program graduates demonstrate the following skills and abilities:

Tailored to your accumulated learning, the University Studies degree allows you to develop skills and abilities that qualify you to reach your career goals. Create a personalized path to the finish.

Program Objectives

Connect prior learning and future plans to essential learning outcomes.
Use multidisciplinary perspectives to synthesize facts, ideas, and information to independently solve problems.
Communicate to a variety of stakeholders using written, verbal, visual, or digital skills.
Use self-directed skills to complete project(s).

Ready to take the next step?

Contact Info

Admissions

[email protected]

(704) 406-4000

Upcoming Start Dates

Traditional Undergraduate
August 19
January 11, 2027
May 19, 2027
June 23, 2027
GWU Online
August 17
October 12
January 4, 2027
March 1, 2027
April 26, 2027
June 21, 2027

Additional Info

Cost of Attendance – GWU Online

Financial Aid

Transfer Students

Program hours

Years (avg.)

Class Type

Online

Total Credit Hours

120 hours required

Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 90 semester hours

Accreditation

Gardner-Webb University is accredited by SACSCOC

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in University Studies

The online BA/BS University Studies degree offers flexibility, allowing accumulated credits to count towards graduation. It suits students with 60+ completed hours, including transfer and military students. Students work with career coaches and advisors to create an individualized study plan based on their goals. To complete the degree, at least 60 credits must be at the 300- and 400-levels, with the final 30 credits done at Gardner-Webb. Students can transfer up to 60 credits from 2-year or 90 from 4-year institutions. Graduates receive a degree from the College of Arts and Sciences and may take coursework from any of Gardner-Webb’s colleges and schools. For a complete listing of online undergraduate courses, view the Academic Catalog.

Additional opportunities

Gardner-Webb offers an Accelerated Masters Program, letting undergraduates take graduate courses for selected master’s degrees at lower costs.

Accelerated Masters Program (AMP)

Gardner-Webb offers an Accelerated Masters Program, letting undergraduates take graduate courses for selected master’s degrees at lower costs.

Learn more about the Accelerated Master’s Program

Career Preparation

We mentor our students at every step of the way, from career exploration to course selection to applications for internships and to searching and applying for graduate programs.

Learn more about Career Development

The Center for Personal and Professional Development helps students find their purpose and pursue passions. For guidance, contact [email protected].

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Why Choose University Studies at Gardner-Webb?

The University Studies program at Gardner-Webb University offers flexibility with an online curriculum tailored to career goals.

Flexibility

Online

Personalized learning path

Career coaching

Small class sizes

Faith-based

Related Clubs & Organizations

Academic

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

Academic

Student NC Association of Educators

Academic

HOSA

Academic

Art Club

Gardner-Webb University offers various student organizations that enhance academic pursuits. Students can join clubs related to their majors or interests. These clubs aid personal and professional growth through networking events and workshops, and they improve resumes by showing leadership and teamwork. For a complete list, students should explore the available options to enrich their college experience.

outcomes

Value of a Completed Bachelor’s Degree

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that individuals with a bachelor’s degree earn 59% more annually than those with a high school diploma. For example, in 2022, the median annual income for those with a bachelor’s degree was $66,600 versus $41,800 for those who completed high school as their highest level of attainment.

Employment Opportunities

Self-designed BA/BS in University Studies graduates find opportunities in diverse fields like education, healthcare, media design, and marketing and often advance in their careers.

Continued Education

Many also pursue further education, transitioning smoothly into graduate school programs, alternative teacher licensure, or other professional qualifications.

Recent News & Student Stories

NC DOT Training PACE Foothills Workforce Development, graduates, GWU President, Provost and Ted Alexander

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October 8, 2026

Two-Week Academy Combines Industry Certifications, Hands-On Learning and Job Interviews BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University recently celebrated the graduation of participants in the North Carolina Department

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Gardner-Webb University Launches Open Door Guarantee, Expanding Access to Private Christian Education

October 6, 2026

Free Tuition, Mandatory Fees Available to Qualifying Students from Families Earning $100,000 or Less Beginning in Fall 2027 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.— Gardner-Webb University is opening

Gardner-Webb to Host 47th Annual Choral Clinic on Oct. 19 for Middle and High School Singers

October 1, 2026

Students from Across the Carolinas will Rehearse with Distinguished Conductors Before a Public Concert in Dover Theatre BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University will welcome student singers

Admissions & Aid

Finish your degree and ignite your career. Once you’ve found the program that’s right for you, learn how to apply easily apply for admission and financial aid opportunities.

College of Arts & Sciences

Explore Gardner-Webb University’s College of Arts & Sciences programs, preparing students for impactful careers in various fields.

Meet Our Deans

Dr. Jennifer Buckner

College of Arts and Sciences

Dr. Robert Prickett

Interim Chair, Department of Social Sciences, Professor and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

[email protected]

(704) 406-4240