Harding University

50 miles from Little Rock, AR is Searcy, AR which is home to Harding University. Harding, a private 4-year university, was established in 1924 and is affiliated with the Church of Christ. The campus sits on 350 acres of a rural small town (it is the center of town) and its buildings are of a contemporary architecture. Located in White County, which is a dry county (alcohol is prohibited), Harding incorporates several conservative policies in its culture. Many esteemed local politicians and professionals have graduated from Harding University.

Academic Programs

Harding University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission and offers Bachelor’s Degrees, Masters Degrees and Doctorates in over 100 majors and minors. The university is comprised of 9 separate colleges: the College of Allied Health, the College of Arts & Humanities, the College of Bible & Ministry, the Paul R. Carter College of Business Administration, the Cannon-Clary College of Education, the Carr College of Nursing, the College of Pharmacy, the College of Sciences, and the Honors College. The university is noted for its Dietetics, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Speech Pathology, Teacher Ed and Music programs, the largest programs on campus are Business, Healthcare disciplines and Education. Harding only offers a degree completion program online; but Harding is affiliated with several international campuses. According to the Mission Statement, Harding is “a private Christian institution of higher education committed to the tradition of the liberal arts and sciences…The University community seeks to provide an environment that both supports students and challenges them to realize their full potential. Thus, Harding’s mission is to provide a quality education that will lead to an understanding and philosophy of life consistent with Christian ideals.”

Student Life

There are approximately 6,000 students enrolled at Harding University; on campus housing is gender exclusive with no casual visitation privileges. The school offers dozens of social clubs and intramural sports; there are no formal Greek affiliations on campus. For the varsity athlete, the black and gold Bisons field teams in 9 sports and participate in NCAA Division II competition. Since the campus is located in a dry county, alcohol is prohibited on and off campus. Additionally, the school has a strict non-smoking policy and all students are required to dress professionally for classes and gatherings. Harding’s vision includes the statements “We are, at our core, a Christian university. The character, example and concerns of Jesus Christ are the standards that shape us and chart the course for our future. Because of this, an all-encompassing love for God and a corresponding love for people are at the heart of who we are… Harding University integrates and celebrates “faith, learning and living.” The Christian worldview is to be at the core of every academic discipline and every extracurricular activity on campus…This statement of spiritual vision is presented, and we offer it to God with the words of our Lord, Jesus: “Father … not [our] will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).”