WJU School Year Begins Amidst Continued Growth

Rocklin, Calif. – William Jessup University began its 2016-17 academic year August 22 with the largest enrollment in the university’s 77-year history. Approximately 367 new students are slated to attend the Sacramento region’s only WASC accredited private four-year Christian Liberal Arts University.

“William Jessup University continues to be recognized for the excellent higher education value we are providing in Northern California,” said Jessup’s President, Dr. John Jackson.  “As we continue to make progress to being a distinguished Christ-centered university, an increasing number of students and family are seeing us as the provider of choice for affordable excellence in higher education.  We are excited at the ongoing story of growth and expansion happening at the university.”

Jessup has continued to broaden and develop facilities as well as academic and athletic programs. Unveiled to students this year is a new chemistry lab, constructed and completed to welcome the growing number of students enrolled in various science programs including Biology, Environmental Science, Pre-Allied Health and Kinesiology.

A new Criminal Justice program delivered fully online also kicks off this fall enabling students to prepare and train for a wide range of careers such as public administration or serving as police, corrections and parole officers.

In addition, the university now offers four graduate programs that include a master’s in Business Administration, Education, Leadership and Teaching.

William Jessup’s enrollment is up 15 percent over last year’s fall census totals reporting just over 1316 students. As Jessup continues to expand its’ reach, incoming students are represented from across the United States and internationally including students from China and Australia.

Three of the largest majors declared by students are Business, Psychology, Liberal Studies or Teacher Education. William Jessup University offers nearly 20 majors and over 50 concentrations in addition to an accelerated degree program geared for working professionals known as the School of Professional Studies.

Jessup’s expanding athletic program is part of the Golden State Athletic Conference.  The Warriors sponsor 12 conference sports, six for men and six for women. Men and women’s sports include cross-country, soccer, basketball, track and field, as well as men’s golf, baseball, women’s softball and volleyball.

Founded in 1939, the university was established in San Jose, Calif., and known as San Jose Bible College when it opened its’ doors with just 14 students on September 20 that year.  In 1989, the name was changed to San Jose Christian College and later became William Jessup in 2004 when the university relocated to Rocklin and broadened academic programs in a variety of disciplines.