The Simpson University Story
Simpson University, California’s only Christian university north of Sacramento, has been educating and shaping world-influencers for over 100 years. Fully accredited, Simpson offers 25 liberal arts and professional studies degrees, degree-completion programs, graduate studies, and credential programs, serving more than 1,000 students a year.
One of four higher education institutions of The Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination, Simpson’s students choose to come here from all over the world – the majority from California. More than 30 percent of traditional undergraduates are first-generation college students, and student diversity stands at 50 percent.
Nearly two-thirds of Simpson’s full-time faculty members hold the highest degree in their field of study and come from major universities around the U.S. They are award-winning scholars, writers and composers who choose to be in an academic environment where they can integrate faith and learning. With a ratio of one professor for every 18 students, Simpson offers an intensely personal classroom experience. Students are encouraged to engage in original research projects with professors, resulting in publications and national presentations that boost their graduate school and career prospects.
Global and Local Service
Marked by a deeply rooted heart for service as an expression of Christian faith, Simpson University invests in and encourages students to give back to their community and the world. Approximately 15 percent of undergraduate students travel worldwide each spring and summer to serve in orphanages, churches, camps, universities, and other locations. Locally, student Strike Teams volunteer in the community almost every weekend to help with moving, yardwork, painting, cleaning, and other tasks. This initiative results in more than 1,000 hours of service each year.
Twice-weekly chapel is an integral part of the Simpson Spiritual Formation experience, with the student body gathering to worship, listen to speakers, and share testimonies of God’s work in their lives.
Student Leadership and Athletics
Committed to excellence, Simpson University gives its traditional undergraduate students multiple opportunities to be leaders on campus, whether through athletics, student government, residence life, clubs, chapel worship teams, campus events, and on-campus jobs, which employ 300 students per year. Many students also gain hands-on work experience through internships on and off campus.
The university encourages Simpson Red Hawks athletic programs that develop character and leadership, as well as promoting good health and the growth of athletic skills. Simpson University has been recognized as a Five-Star Champions of Character Institution for the past two years.
Academic Programs
As it continues to grow its academic offerings, Simpson University prioritizes the needs of the local community and those of students. Committed to healthcare education and how it fits with Christian service, the university opened a science and nursing center in fall 2014, tripling the capacity for students in healthcare. The new Business, Technology, and Engineering Building broke ground in the Fall of 2024, and fundraising for this monumental project is still underway.
Outside of its traditional undergraduate program, Simpson has graduated more than 3,800 local residents through its Adult Degree Completion Program. These alumni work in business and technology firms, government agencies, nonprofits, schools, and social service organizations throughout Northern California.
The School of Education, which offers master’s degrees and teaching credential programs, has graduated more than 2,500 students, many of whom teach or serve as administrators in Northern California. The School of Graduate Professional Studies offers master’s programs in counseling psychology and organizational leadership – both in demand in the regional market.
Closely tied to the heart of Simpson’s mission and denominational roots, A.W. Tozer Theological Seminary offers online and on-campus courses for pastors and those interested in Christian ministry leadership, as well as seminars open to the community.
In the Community
Simpson University has a strong relationship with the North State community, exemplified through student interactions in schools and churches, employee interaction in clubs and organizations, and music and lecture events open to the public. Simpson’s annual Business Leadership Luncheon draws hundreds of community leaders each fall. The campus hosts numerous events for organizations year-round, including summer gatherings and retreats. Simpson University for Seniors offers non-credit courses to adults of any age interested in exploring a wide range of topics, and sponsors free workshops on topics related to healthcare and safe driving.
The focus of the university has been and continues to be the education and development of service-minded graduates in a faith-based environment who have a positive impact on their communities.
