Johnson C. Smith University: Religious Affiliation Explored

Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) is a private, historically black university in Charlotte, North Carolina. It was founded in 1867 and is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including liberal arts, science, and social sciences. With a focus on interdisciplinary education, JCSU provides a diverse platform accessible to various audiences, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, or orientation. While I found no explicit mention of a primary religion or faith, its historical affiliation with the Presbyterian Church suggests a Christian influence.

Johnson C. Smith University is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA)

Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) is a private, historically black university in Charlotte, North Carolina. It was founded on April 7, 1867, as the Biddle Memorial Institute, following a meeting of the Catawba Presbytery in the old Charlotte Presbyterian Church.

JCSU is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The university offers Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Social Work, and Master of Social Work degrees.

JCSU has a strong connection to its religious roots, with a campus church and a theological seminary. The university joined the United Negro College Fund in 1944 as a founding member, working to revamp training programs, expand physical plants, promote faculty growth, and create new areas of service for church-related schools of higher learning.

The Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary is committed to advancing communities of faith, justice, and compassion through innovation in theological education. With roots in Black Liberation Theology, the seminary's programs are designed to promote justice across various sectors of society. The seminary caters to diverse audiences, including those seeking to ground their faith in the historic Black Church traditions and those engaged in justice work, such as community organizing and advocacy.

JCSU's academic programs reflect a liberal arts focus, with interdisciplinary courses in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. The university offers a flexible and diverse educational experience, catering to a range of student interests and career goals.

The university offers a Master of Social Work degree

Johnson C. Smith University is a private historically black university in Charlotte, North Carolina, that is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). While I cannot find explicit information on whether the university has a primary religious faith, its history and affiliations suggest a Christian ethos.

The Master of Social Work Degree

The university offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, designed for students who need flexible learning options to earn their degrees while working and managing their responsibilities. The MSW program's mission is to prepare social work graduates to engage in advanced culturally competent practice with individuals and families, small groups, organizations, and communities. This reflects the professional application of social work values, including respect for an individual’s dignity and self-worth, and a commitment to social justice.

The program offers two degree pathways: Advanced Standing (1 year) and traditional full-time (2 years). Courses are held in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate working students, with dynamic course options such as cultural competence, human behavior and the social environment, research methods, and data analysis.

A unique aspect of the MSW program is its focus on field experience, providing incredible opportunities for practical experience and community impact. Students are required to complete field placements in approved social work agencies, allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings.

The MSW program at Johnson C. Smith University equips graduates with competitive credentials, ensuring they are well-prepared to excel in the field of social work and become valuable members of their communities.

The university is a historically black institution

Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) is a private, historically black university in Charlotte, North Carolina. It was founded on April 7, 1867, as the Biddle Memorial Institute, following a donation from Mary D. Biddle. The school was named after her late husband, Henry Jonathan Biddle, who had died after the Battle of Glendale in 1862.

The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). It offers 25 degree programs to undergraduate students and one to graduate students. These are organized into three colleges: the College of Business and Professional Studies, the College of Liberal Arts, and the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

JCSU's programs are designed to be flexible, with courses offered in the evenings and online to accommodate working individuals. The university also has a strong focus on tradition, a vibrant campus spirit, and a thriving student-led atmosphere. It is ranked #175 in National Liberal Arts Colleges and #34 in Historically Black Colleges and Universities by U.S. News Best Colleges.

The university's history as a historically black institution is reflected in its commitment to diversity and accessibility. The Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary, for example, aims to build an educational platform that is affordable and accessible to diverse audiences, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, or orientation. The seminary's programs are rooted in Black Liberation Theology and are designed to promote justice across various sectors of society.

The university offers a Lactation Consultant Training Program

Johnson C. Smith University is a private historically black university in Charlotte, North Carolina, that is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA).

The Lactation Consultant Training Program (LCTP) is a comprehensive, CAAHEP-accredited Pathway 2 training program administered through the College of Business and Professional Studies Health and Human Performance Department. The program aims to diversify the field of lactation to include more people of colour, positively impact health outcomes, and address breastfeeding and health disparities and inequities.

The curriculum provides supervised breastfeeding support education in the context of clinical lactation services and public health practice. Students receive both didactic and clinical training, earning a minimum of 300 clinical hours and 90 didactic hours to comply with the requirements of an IBLCE-Approved Pathway 2 Program. The content covers equity, population and program-based applications, the social determinants of health, and factors and barriers specifically affecting people of colour.

The didactic courses are completed within a 10-month school year, including a weekly three-hour interactive session held in a hybrid setting with a monthly in-person on-campus class. The clinical practicum is completed simultaneously, requiring at least one 8-hour day per week at a designated clinical site in the Charlotte, NC area. Attendance at breastfeeding conferences, support groups, prenatal classes, and other pre-approved events is also an important part of the program.

Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a certificate of eligibility to sit for the IBLCE exam to become an IBCLC. The program began in 2019, and the tuition fee is $610 per credit hour.

The university has a student-faculty ratio of 13:1

Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) is a private, historically black university in Charlotte, North Carolina. It was founded on April 7, 1867, as the Biddle Memorial Institute and has been affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including business, science, and arts.

The student-faculty ratio at JCSU is 13:1, which means that for every 13 students, there is one faculty member. This ratio allows for more personalised attention and support for students. With 91 full-time faculty members, JCSU provides a close-knit and intimate learning environment for its students.

The university values diversity and welcomes students from all backgrounds and religious affiliations. While it has a historical connection to the Presbyterian Church, JCSU encourages an inclusive atmosphere where students can explore their own spiritual paths. The university's mission is to empower students to become bold innovators and leaders who positively impact their communities.

JCSU offers a holistic educational experience, focusing on both academic excellence and personal growth. With a range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, student government, and special interest clubs, students have numerous opportunities to develop their skills and pursue their passions. The university's small class sizes and dedicated faculty create a supportive environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and critical thinking.

In conclusion, Johnson C. Smith University's student-faculty ratio of 13:1 contributes to a rich and engaging learning environment. The university's commitment to academic excellence, coupled with its emphasis on student development, makes it a top choice for those seeking a well-rounded and transformative educational journey.

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