Gardner-Webb Online Programs in Nursing, Cybersecurity, Human Services, Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Start March 7

Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree from Experienced Educators in Flexible Format

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Obtaining a bachelor’s degree through Gardner-Webb Online offers students access to the University’s highly-qualified professors from wherever they are. Aimee Burgess, of Simpsonville, S.C., earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in December 2024 through the Davis RN-BSN online program. Being out-of-state and online was never a problem for her. “They were so responsive, providing great feedback on assignments and always available by email, phone, or Zoom when I had questions,” she shared.

Classes for the Davis RN-BSN program and programs in cybersecurity, homeland security, human services and criminal justice in the College of Arts and Sciences will start on March 7. Graduates with these degrees have the skills that are in high demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in professional, scientific, and technical services is projected to increase in the next 10 years by 10.5%, more than double the 4.2% growth rate for total wage and salary employment.

The faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences and Hunt School of Nursing are dedicated to preparing students to enter these fields. College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Robert Prickett observed, “What truly sets GWU Online and our programs apart is our unwavering commitment to student success, combining the faculty’s academic rigor with their compassion and personalized support.”

He continued, “We want students to not only complete the program but excel beyond the program. Our faculty and staff go above and beyond. They meet the students where they are (academically, professionally, personally) and provide not only the academics in the class but the support outside of the class, as well. They ensure success is possible.”

Ashley Triplett, who lives in Caldwell County, N.C., earned her bachelor’s in human services in December 2024 through the online program. She deeply appreciated the academic experience and personal attention she received from her professors. “The most meaningful aspect of this program is the deep dive you take learning about yourself, your areas of improvement, areas of understanding, and areas where growth is needed,” she observed. “This program gave me a broader understanding of my role as a helping professional and how best to continue self-growth while helping others. GWU encourages each student, whether on campus or online, to grow in Christ while obtaining a higher educational degree.”

Dr. Erin Montgomery, assistant professor of nursing and chair of the Davis RN-BSN program, notes that the faculty’s goal is to engage with students. “At GWU, faculty are real people who genuinely care about student success,” she affirmed. “In the Davis RN-BSN program, faculty prioritize meaningful connections, offering frequent interaction, personalized feedback, and prompt responses to student questions. At GWU, nursing faculty stay actively engaged in clinical practice, ensuring our RN-BSN curriculum is current, relevant, and grounded in real-world experience. We focus on meaningful learning—no busy work, no wasted time—just practical, high-impact education that prepares you for success. And the results speak for themselves.”

Burgess encouraged anyone considering earning their BSN to enroll in Gardner-Webb’s program. “If you’re feeling apprehensive, especially if it’s been a while since you were in school, I want to tell you: it’s 100% doable,” she affirmed. “Like me, I graduated with my associate degree in 1997, before all this new technology, like Blackboard and Zoom even existed, and I was terrified to go back. But from my very first eight weeks, I knew I’d made the right choice.”

Burgess praised the instructors, both in nursing and general education, who were responsive and provided great feedback on assignments. “And this support continued throughout the entire program until I graduated,” she stated. “But the biggest difference? The faculty’s genuine commitment to student success, and their shared faith in Jesus, truly made all the difference.”

Programs starting March 7

College of Arts and Sciences

Cybersecurity

Develop the skills and knowledge to help you master the fundamentals of identifying and protecting against security threats and organizational risks. The curriculum is based on the standards of the National Security Agency and will prepare graduates for the professional certification tests in the field. Learn more here.

Human Services

Obtain a solid foundation in the principles, theories, and skills needed to provide services as a human services practitioner and helping professional. By the end of the program, students will have the ability to relate to consumers on multiple levels. The curriculum consists of courses and experiences so that a graduate will have the knowledge and skill to perform entry-level work in public, not-for-profit, and private settings. Learn more here.

Homeland Security Administration

Gain insight into nature and complexity of current national and international public safety issues and the critical need for all law enforcement levels of communication and cooperation to address evolving transnational crime. Interrelated topics include intelligence gathering, global threats, and terrorist groups, that dominate 21st Century law enforcement concerns on the local, state, and federal level, and are critically important to our communities and nation. Learn more here.

Criminal Justice Administration

Study cybercrime, homeland security, terrorism and intelligence, while incorporating science and technology into investigative strategies. Gardner-Webb provides a student-centered program of study based on current law enforcement, societal and political demands of criminal justice officers designed to meet the growing local, national, international law enforcement and homeland security concerns. Learn more here.

College of Health Sciences

Davis RN-BSN

Designed for registered nurses with an associate degree who desire to obtain their BSN. Emphasizing holistic healthcare grounded in Christian values, the curriculum focuses on clinical competence, therapeutic relationships, and social awareness. Gardner-Webb maintains productive partnerships with community healthcare facilities, providing students with valuable opportunities for service learning. Learn more here.

Contact Enrollment Development Officers at (704) 406-4000 or email [email protected] to discuss next steps.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.