Simpson University

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Expanding the Gateway to World Service with New Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies

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New interdisciplinary program offers students the flexibility to pursue a major, secondary major, or minor while preparing for careers and service around the world.

REDDING, Calif. — Simpson University is expanding opportunities for students to engage an increasingly interconnected world with the introduction of its new Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies. The interdisciplinary program, available this fall as a major, secondary major, or minor, equips students with the knowledge, cultural awareness, and practical skills needed to make a meaningful impact across communities, cultures, and nations.

Drawing from multiple academic disciplines, the Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies provides students with a broad understanding of global cultures, international issues, economics, politics, religion, and cross-cultural communication. Students will develop the critical thinking and leadership skills needed to navigate complex global challenges while integrating faith, learning, and service in diverse cultural contexts.

“With the launch of this new program, Simpson University continues to live up to its name as the Gateway to World Service,” said Dr. Michael Salmeier, provost of Simpson University. “Whether as a primary major, secondary major, or a minor, students will have the opportunity to design a degree that prepares them to make a global impact.”

The program is designed to prepare students for careers and service opportunities in nonprofit leadership, international development, education, business, government, humanitarian work, ministry, and community engagement. Students may also have opportunities to engage with global perspectives through cross-cultural experiences, service opportunities, and other experiential learning activities that complement their academic studies.

“Our Simpson faculty are not simply well traveled, they have lived around the globe, including in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Canada, France, Jordan, Germany, Peru, Finland, Sweden, the United Kingdom, China, Laos, Kenya, and beyond,” said Global Studies Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Ryan Brasher. “In addition to our significant number of international students, this makes Simpson University a unique learning environment where students can gain a truly global education, preparing them for meaningful careers in a constantly changing world.”

The Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies will welcome its first students this fall and is now available to incoming and current students seeking to broaden their academic experience and prepare for careers and callings that extend beyond traditional geographic and cultural boundaries.

For more information about the Global Studies program or to apply, visit simpsonu.edu/globalstudies.

Simpson University School of Nursing Named Top-Ranked Private BSN Program in California; Also Recognized Among Top 10 Programs Statewide for 2025

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Redding, Calif. — Simpson University has been recognized as the top-ranked private university offering a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in California, and has also been named one of the 10 Best Accredited BSN Programs in the state for 2025 by NursingProcess.org. 

Simpson University was recognized for its strong academic foundation, emphasis on nursing leadership, and commitment to preparing graduates to meet California’s growing healthcare workforce needs. 

“This recognition highlights our faculty’s dedication, the strength of our clinical collaborations, and our students’ commitment to excellence in patient care,” said Chief of Staff and COO Brent W. Thompson, J.D., MPA. “As healthcare needs grow across California, especially in the North State, Simpson University is dedicated to training highly skilled, compassionate nurses who are ready to serve immediately and lead confidently throughout their careers.” 

According to NursingProcess.org, the demand for registered nurses in California continues to rise, with more than 20,000 nursing jobs projected to open annually through 2027. The publication also reports that registered nurses holding a BSN earn an average annual salary of $139,250 in California, underscoring the value and long-term career impact of a bachelor’s-level nursing education. 

In response to the growing statewide demand for nurses, Simpson University has recently nearly doubled its nursing cohort, expanding instructional capacity, clinical placements, and faculty support. The University will graduate approximately 90 nurses each year, with many remaining in the North State to serve hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations. 

Simpson University Welcomes Largest Incoming Class in More Than 20 Years

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Redding, Calif. – Simpson University is celebrating a historic enrollment milestone, welcoming 390 new traditional undergraduate students this fall — the largest incoming class since 2003. This growth brings the university’s total traditional undergraduate enrollment headcount to 766 students, continuing a strong upward trend in recent years.

The increase reflects a 73% rise in new students since 2018–19 and a 42% increase in overall traditional undergraduate enrollment during the same period, underscoring the momentum and renewed vitality of Simpson University.

The enrollment growth has brought the total university students, including Degree Completion, Graduate programs, and Tozer Seminary, to above 1,000 students for the first time in 10 years.

“This remarkable growth is truly a blessing and a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness to Simpson University,” said Dr. Norm Hall, President of Simpson University. “We are excited to welcome this historic incoming class and to walk alongside these students as they pursue academic excellence, spiritual growth, and God’s calling on their lives.”

The record-setting class highlights the university’s continued success in enrollment, building on years of strategic efforts to strengthen academic offerings, enhance the student experience, and expand opportunities for students who want to integrate their education with their faith.

“Seeing such significant increases in new students is both humbling and inspiring,” said Dean of Enrollment and Marketing, Jerry Grimshaw, “It reflects the hard work of our  admissions staff and, more importantly, the growing desire of students to integrate their education with their faith.”

With the largest incoming class in over two decades and enrollment growth across the board, Simpson University continues to strengthen its role as a cornerstone of Christian higher education in the North State region.