Johnson University Knoxville Programs: A Comprehensive Overview
Johnson University, founded in 1893 by Ashley and Emma Johnson, stands as a prominent institution dedicated to educating and developing students who advance the worldwide mission of Christ through their lives, ministries, and careers. Situated on the banks of the French Broad River in south Knoxville, the Tennessee campus offers a variety of programs designed to equip students for impactful service. This article provides a detailed look at the academic offerings, student life, and unique aspects of Johnson University Knoxville.
Academic Programs
Johnson University offers a range of academic programs, including 14 associate degree programs, with 8 available completely online. These online programs provide a flexible and convenient option for students seeking to further their education.
Arts & Sciences Core
All Johnson University students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree are required to complete a 46-credit Arts & Sciences Core. This core curriculum is designed to provide a broad foundation in essential academic disciplines. In addition to the core credits, students must also fulfill non-credit requirements in service learning, emphasizing the university's commitment to practical application and community engagement.
Course Highlights
Several key courses contribute to the holistic education provided at Johnson University:
English Composition I: This course introduces students to university-level writing, focusing on communication structure, rhetorical strategies, writing processes, argumentation, research, and documentation. Revision is emphasized through workshops and other formats. The course is graded on an A, B, C, NC-, ND+, ND, ND-, NF scale.
Read also: Intellectual Bravery at Spelman
English Composition II: A continuation of English Composition I, this class focuses on writing across the curriculum and within specific disciplines. Students are introduced to the basics of reading and researching in various majors. Organized around a research project related to the student’s fields of interest, students learn to develop an actionable central research question, propose a research project, conduct primary and secondary research, design a research project for multimodal platforms, and present their research in an oral presentation. This course is also graded on an A, B, C, NC-, ND+, ND, ND-, NF scale.
First-Year Experience: This course provides an orientation to college life for first-year students, supporting their adjustment through guidance on spiritual health, physical health, time management, organization, reading for comprehension, study skills, note taking, test taking, stress management, relating to others, and other skills necessary for a successful college experience.
History of Christianity: This course surveys the history of Christianity from its Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts in the first century to its global present, examining the development of the church’s theology, organization, spirituality, and social impact.
Service Learning Integration: This course bridges connections between students’ field of study and their service-learning placement, cultivating reflective service and spiritual formation through self-awareness, metacognition, and thoughtful engagement in a variety of cultural settings.
Senior Capstone Seminar: As an interdisciplinary course designed as the culmination of four years of undergraduate study, the senior capstone seminar integrates the Bible, Arts & Sciences, and professional areas of the curriculum, focusing on the Christian worldview, especially the discipline of ethics. Students consider a variety of moral dilemmas that prevail in societies and organizations.
Read also: From Transfer Portal to Gridiron Glory: Chasen Johnson's Story
Spiritual Formation (Online): Online Johnson University students complete a spiritual formation course as one of their general electives or major requirements in lieu of on-campus Chapel. This course examines the importance of culture and worldview in an increasingly multicultural world and will give special attention to “reading” the city in preparation for service.
Personal and Social Relationships: This course introduces students to concepts and practices of healthy personal and social interactions, emphasizing a Christian worldview when considering topics such as communication skills, problem-solving, personality styles, relationship stages, relationship enhancement and enrichment, societal expectations, and the impact of family dynamics, interpersonal violence, and unhealthy coping strategies on relationships.
Service Learning
The Service Learning program at Johnson University enables students to apply classroom learning to real-life situations through voluntary service in the church and community. While recipients benefit from the services of student volunteers, students also benefit from identifying their gifts and strengths, learning to work with others, developing skills in critical thinking and problem-solving, confirming their career decisions, and gaining a lifelong commitment to community involvement and civic engagement.
Athletics
Johnson University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC). This affiliation provides student-athletes with the opportunity to compete at a high level while pursuing their academic goals.
Leadership
The leadership of Johnson University is committed to guiding the institution in its mission. Dr. Daniel Overdorf serves as the President, leading the university's strategic direction. The President's Senior Leadership Team, including Cynthia T., supports the President in overseeing various aspects of the university's operations.
Read also: Robert Wood Johnson Emergency Services
Student Life
Johnson University offers various events and activities to engage students and foster a sense of community.
Online Programs
Recognizing the increasing demand for flexible learning options, Johnson University offers several online programs. These programs cater to students who require a convenient and accessible way to pursue their education. Online learners enrolled at an accredited institution are eligible for the same federal financial aid as on-campus students.
Benefits of Online Programs
Online programs at community colleges and universities offer a flexible and convenient option for students. Virtual learning is here to stay, and students can make the most of it by choosing programs that fit their needs.
tags: #Johnson #University #Knoxville #programs

