Founded: 1889
Interim President:
Dr. Boone Hopkins
Location: Spartanburg, S.C.
Phone: (864) 596-9000
or (800) 766-1125
Website: converse.edu
About Us
Converse University is committed to developing adaptable leaders who are equipped with the creativity, character, knowledge and perspective to transform the world around them.
Compelled by the vision to “enable students to see clearly, decide wisely and act justly,” Converse has been a pioneer in higher education for more than a century. Throughout its history, the Spartanburg, S.C. university has offered a liberal arts education within a residential environment. Today, innovative programs for graduate and advanced study complement the undergraduate program.
Students develop their unique voices through our challenging liberal arts curriculum, century-old honor tradition, and Daniels Center for Leadership and Service. Our close-knit residential setting cultivates a spirit of community and enterprise among students with diverse backgrounds and interests. Across the board – from art and design to science, business, music and education – professors actively mentor and challenge students through spirited discussions inside and outside of the classroom. The Nisbet Honors Program, Petrie School of Music, independent and collaborative research opportunities, leading national debate teams, study abroad and internship programs, and an 11:1 student/faculty ratio differentiate the Converse learning community.
Quick Facts
- Ranked in the top 25 Best Regional Schools in the South by U.S. News & World Report
- Character: Private, doctoral University in Spartanburg, S.C., offering a distinctive undergraduate education and innovative programs for graduate study
- Students: 1,394 total enrollment (747 undergraduate and 647 graduate); 29 states and 9 countries represented
- Approximately 32% minority enrollment
- Student/Faculty Ratio: 11:1, among the best in the nation, ensures personal attention and mentoring from professors, 98% of whom hold the highest degree attainable in their fields
- Academic Profile: Over 90% of entering students have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; middle 50% SAT range: 1000-1200; middle 50% ACT range: 20-26
- Hands-on Learning: 70% of graduating seniors complete an internship and nearly half are involved in independent research or creative projects; the Daniels Center for Leadership & Service links leadership opportunities with service learning on and off campus
- Athletics: NCAA Division II athletics programs in 15 sports, including acrobatics and tumbling, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, men’s cross country, women’s cross country, field hockey, women’s golf, women’s lacrosse, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, women’s swimming, men’s tennis, women’s tennis, men’s track and field (indoor/outdoor), women’s track and field (indoor/outdoor), women’s volleyball, and co-ed sports – eSports, and IHSA co-ed equestrian
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: More than 90% of students receive some form of financial aid or scholarships with an average award of $18,500
Degrees and Majors
Undergraduate Degrees
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Science
Majors
Accounting
Art
Art Education
Art History
Art Therapy
Interior Design
Studio Art
Biochemistry
Biology
Business Administration (concentrations in economics, finance, human resources management, international business, and marketing)
Chemistry
Child and Family Studies
Contemporary Music and Media
Creative and Professional Writing
Economics
Education (comprehensive special education, deaf and hard of hearing/interpreting, early childhood, educable mental disabilities, elementary, learning disabilities)
Engineering (dual degree program offered in partnership with Clemson University)
English (concentrations in English and creative writing)
German studies
Healthcare administration
Hispanic studies
History
Individualized Major (self-designed)
Mathematics
Medical Technology
Music
Composition
Music Education
Music History
Music Theory
Music Therapy
Musical Theatre
Performance (voice, piano, wind instruments and strings)
Philosophy
Politics
Psychology
Religion
Sports management
Theatre
Career and Pre-Professional Programs
Arts Management
Pre-Dentistry
Pre-Law
Pre-Medicine
Pre-Ministry
Pre-Occupational Therapy
Pre-Pharmacy
Pre-Physical Therapy
Pre-Physician Assistant
Pre-Veterinary
ROTC
Graduate Degree Programs
Educational Specialist
Master of Arts in Teaching
Master of Education
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
Master of Liberal Arts
Master of Marriage & Family Therapy
Master of Music
Master in Management in Healthcare Management
Master in Management in Professional Leadership
Doctorate in Professional Leadership
