Avila University is a Catholic, four-year, co-educational university offering liberal arts and professional programs. Conveniently located on fifty acres in suburban south Kansas City, Missouri, Avila 's "Heart of America" location makes it accessible from anywhere in the country.

From its modest beginnings in 1916, Avila has become a flourishing, comprehensive university. We currently offer undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs through day, evening, and weekend classes.

Avila's commitment to excellence, to service of students and the community, to quality education of spirit, mind and body, and to growth of the "whole" person is deeply rooted in its Catholic heritage and in the lives and beliefs of the founding Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

A strong emphasis is placed on integrating the liberal arts into all programs so as to prepare students for a lifetime of personal fulfillment and career growth. Carefully planned courses in the humanities, arts, natural and social sciences are designed to develop each student's ability to think critically, analyze written material and write and speak effectively. At Avila, students acquire those skills necessary for success in a chosen career as well as preparation for graduate or professional studies.

History

Avila was founded as The College of St. Teresa in 1916. In 1940 the college became a four-year institution and was awarded its first accreditation in 1946. The college moved to its present location in 1963 and became known as Avila College in honor of St. Teresa of Avila . Avila became a coeducational institution in 1969. In July 2002 Avila gained university status.

Undergraduate Studies

Avila offers the following undergraduate programs as major fields of study:

Accounting – B.S..

Art – B.A. and B.F.A.

Biology – B.S.

Business Administration – B.A. and B.S.B.A.

Business Education – B. A.

Communication – B.A.

Computer Science – B.S.

Educational Studies – B.S.

Elementary Education – B.S.

English – B.A.

Finance – B.S.B.A.

General Management – B.S.B.A.

Healthcare Services – B.S.

History – B.A.

International Business – B.S.B.A.

Management Information Systems – B.S.B.A.

Marketing – B.S.B.A.

Mathematics Education – B.A.

Middle School Education – B.S.

Music – B.A.

Nursing – B.S.N.

Political Science – B.A.

Pre-Health Professions – B.S.

Psychology – B.A.

Radiologic Science – B.S.

Religious Studies – B.A.

Social Work – B.S.W.

Sociology – B.A.

Special Education – B.S.

Sports Science – B.S.

Theatre – B.A. and B.F.A.

A Certificate program is offered in Education.

Avila students may minor in most major fields as well as in the following areas: Advertising/Public Relations, Anthropology, Chemistry, Dance, Economics, English, Secondary Education (Art, Biology, English, Music-Unified Vocal/Choral, Social Studies, Speech/Theatre), Mathematics, Philosophy, Studio Art, and Women's Studies.

Graduate Studies

Avila offers the following graduate programs as major fields of study:

• Business Administration – M.B.A. (Concentration areas: Accounting, Finance, General Management, Healthcare Administration, International Business, Management Information Systems, and Marketing)
• Education – M.A. (Concentration areas: Teaching and Learning, Literacy, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
• Counseling Psychology – M.S.
• General Psychology – M.S.
• Organizational Development – M.S.
• Counseling and Art Therapy – M.S.

Avila Advantage in the School of Professional Studies

Avila Advantage is an adult degree-completion program offering a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Services, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Courses are structured in 8-week, 5-week, online, Saturdays, and weekend intensive formats . The Advantage program also offers customized on-site training to companies in a wide variety of areas. The Advantage office can be contacted at 816.501.3737.

Accreditation

Avila University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, the Council on Social Work Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Missouri State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Masters in Psychology Accreditation Council, also accredit our university programs. Avila University has professional approval of the Paralegal Program by the American Bar Association and of the nursing program by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.

Faculty

The Avila University faculty is made up of 106 full-time equivalent professors. Seventy-four percent of the full-time faculty hold Ph.D. degrees or terminal degrees in their field and teach introductory as well as advanced courses. The university's adjunct faculty are practitioners chosen for their ability to teach in specialized areas.

The faculty is committed to excellence in teaching. Research and publication are also valued, especially when collaboration of students and faculty is involved. The Avila faculty is dedicated to life-long learning, professional growth and excellence in the classroom.

Student Body

Avila University's 1,800 students come from the Kansas City Metropolitan area as well as from 14 states and 34 countries. They are a mix of traditional and nontraditional college ages. Over 80% of the full-time first year students receive some type of financial aid.