About
Carson-Newman, founded in 1851, is a church-affiliated college. Its 90-acre campus is located in Jefferson City, 45 miles east of Knoxville. Most campus buildings were constructed within the last 25 years. Following a ten-year effort of five early East Tennessee Baptists, the school was established as Mossy Creek Missionary Baptist Seminary in 1851. The school began by holding classes in a local Baptist church. Within a few years the institution became Mossy Creek Baptist College and occupied its own buildings on the site of the present campus.
Our mission as Christian educators is to help our students reach their full potential as educated citizens and worldwide servant-leaders. Founded in 1851, Carson-Newman is where students experience what higher education can be at this nationally ranked liberal arts university. Our faculty prepares students every day to compete on the world stage – whether you’re studying on campus, online or at one of our many opportunities abroad. With our small class size, professors will know you and walk alongside you in your college journey in a caring, Christian community. Through faith and learning, we’re providing a life-changing education where students come first.
Our 120-acre campus is just 30 minutes away from eclectic Knoxville, world-renowned Oak Ridge National Laboratory and near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – the most popular park in the nation. Two lakes and a state park also surround Carson-Newman’s campus.
The University offers vast study-abroad and mission opportunities, internships, thriving Honors and Eagle Scholars programs and a nationally recognized honors society. Carson-Newman offers rigorous preparation for professional and health professions, including dentistry, law, medicine, business and physical therapy. Our graduate and adult studies programs give students a flexible educational experience compatible with their busy lives