Southern Utah University Degree Programs
Southern Utah University appears in our ranking of the Top 50 Great College Deals: Master of Public Administration Online.
Southern Utah University (SUU) is in Cedar City, UT, on the border of many of America’s favorite playgrounds. The university began life in 1897 as a “normal” or “teaching” school. SUU grew to become one of the most influential post-secondary schools in the western U.S. Over 10,000 students attend in classrooms or online. Today, the college graduates over 1,800 students per year. Over 140 undergraduate majors and 17 graduate programs are available to choose from.
SUU streamlines its undergraduate educational structure into six colleges and schools. Those divisions are:
- College of Aerospace Sciences & Technology
- College of Education & Human Development
- College of Humanities & Social Science
- College of Performing & Visual Arts
- College of Science & Engineering
- School of Business
Motivated learners have an opportunity at SUU to enter the honors program. Here, students participate in an expanded curriculum instructed by select faculty members. These students work on an experimental education project (or an honors capstone project) while taking an extra 21 credit hours of study. The honors program at SUU is recognized nationally as an example of a student’s drive, character, and motivation to excel at a high skill level.
Most undergraduates at SUU seek a diploma in two fields of study. The pursuit in a dual interest can result in:
- a double major
- a major with a minor degree
- a major with a certification in a specialized area
Adding an extra major, minor, or certification to a degree allows the student to pursue knowledge in two separate areas of study. Those who receive degrees with dual interest expand their qualifications in the workforce.
There are significant differences in hours of study between major and minor degrees, and certifications as well at SUU. Pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology results in the completion of 120 semester credit hours of study. Adding a Minor in English-Creative Writing, which may come in handy when writing a novel based on anthropological investigations, adds another 21 credit hours. Certifications in an area, such as a Certificate of Proficiency in Technical Writing, enhance the credentials for degree holders in science. They require an added 18 credit hours of class.
SUU offers 17 graduate-level programs, 13 of which are offered entirely online. Master-level degrees like the Master of Arts in Professional Communication may be accompanied by a certification that serves to focus the master’s degree. While the master’s degree requires the student to complete 36 credit hours of study, the certification adds another 18 credit hours. SUU Master degree holders with an additional certification are pursued by private and public industries world-wide.
Students who already hold a baccalaureate who do not have the time to pursue a master-level degree may apply to enter a certification program. Most certification degrees at SUU are available online. Those with master-level degrees already in hand are encouraged to pursue a certification that serves to focus and enhance their abilities at work.
About Southern Utah University
One of the major attractions of SUU is that it sits in the middle of America’s largest playground. Close by are national attractions like:
- Zion National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Kolob Canyon
Ski resorts are nearby. The campus life of a student includes such events as:
- the Utah Shakespeare Festival that is held on campus
- the Utah Summer Games that bring over 10,00 athletes to compete around the environs of Cedar City, UT each year
- intramural sports that provide the physical and social interactions that students enjoy
According to the Utah System of Higher Education Annual Enrollment Report, the combination of outdoor fun and excellence in education has raised the headcount at SUU by 20% over three years, and it looks like the acceleration in student enrollment will not slacken for years to come.
Recognition of SUU’s prowess in the area of education is increasing. In 2018, SUU won Utah’s Best of State Award in multiple areas, including:
- Educational Institution
- Curriculum Development
- Volunteer Services
With 34 award areas available in the competition, SUU was the only school to receive multiple awards. US News & World Report ranks SUU at number 27 in its list of the Top Regional Schools in the West. SUU was one of 11 colleges and universities in the western U.S. to be placed on the list of Best College Values by the Princeton Review. Institutional Research & Evaluation, Inc. ranks SUU in the top 100 on their evaluation of America’s 100 Best College Buys. That ranking includes over 8,000 educational institutions across the nation.
Southern Utah University Accreditation Details
SUU is an accredited member of the Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Some accrediting organizations in specialized areas include:
- National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD)
- Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
- Accrediting Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET)
- Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Network of Schools for Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NSPPAA)
Southern Utah University Application Requirements
The application process for graduating high school students at SUU is extremely competitive. The average GPA of accepted applicants is 3.52. Those who are submitting SAT scores must be in the top 43-percent of test-takers. A combined SAT score of 1090 is the minimum performance required, with 1290 being a score that a student can submit with confidence. ACT scores of 20 are typically the minimum acceptable level. 27 is nearly always an assurance of entry at SUU. The student applicant must submit an unopened official high school transcript. A $30 application fee applies.
Those applying to enter graduate-level courses at SUU must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited school. The application fee of $60 is non-refundable. Each graduate-level applicant must submit an official transcript from each post-secondary educational institution attended. Some graduate programs at SUU also require a pre-application test. To find the required test information, visit the website of the appropriate program.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The tuition for a semester of schooling at SUU for an undergraduate who is a Utah resident is $3,003. For out-of-state applicants, the tuition is $9,911. Students should be aware of the added expense for books and supplies, which SUU estimates to be $320 per semester. Students who live on campus can expect an added cost of around $6,000 per semester for room and board and other personal expenses.
SUU’s Financial Aid Department helps students find funds for their educational expenses. The Financial Aid Department specializes in finding sources of funds for students. Graduates at SUU enjoy a student debt level 57-percent lower than the national average. The school offers scholarships and investigates state and federal programs to find “need” grants and Pell Grants for its students. Federal Student Loans are also available, but the Financial Aid Department will only consider the loan programs as a final solution.
At SUU, students work hard in class and have every opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors during their free hours. With all its possibilities, students seeking quality education in Utah should consider attending Southern Utah University to develop skills, knowledge, and memories that will last a lifetime.