History
Midwest University was founded in 1986 by Dr. James Song with the purpose of identifying and nurturing global talent.
The first building of Midwest University was erected in 1989. Since October 1990, Midwest University has operated as a nonprofit educational institution in Missouri, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. In 1992, Midwest University achieved membership with the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS).
In September 1993, Midwest University acquired 17 acres in Wentzville, Missouri, and in 1995, a building that included classrooms, a dining hall, and an auditorium was constructed. The following year, faculty apartments were built.
In 2000, Midwest University received accreditation for its degree programs from TRACS. This accreditation was recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education (USDE).
In November 2003, Midwest University completed a comprehensive administration building equipped with an auditorium, classrooms, administrative offices, and a computer lab.
The university’s graduate and doctoral programs were accredited in 2004. In April 2005, Midwest received accreditation for its program with a concentration in music, and in 2005, the institution’s name was changed to Midwest University.
In 2006, Midwest University received accreditation for its Doctoral program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). In the same year, to promote mutual exchange and understanding among nations, Midwest University was approved by the U.S. Department of State to participate in the J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program, allowing the university to issue the Certificate of Eligibility (Form DS-2019) for J-1 visas.
On November 3, 2009, Midwest University received a 10-year reaffirmation of its accreditation with TRACS.
On November 8, 2011, Midwest University became a member of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), and on February 18, 2015, it was granted full membership with ABHE.
On November 6, 2015, Midwest University received approval from ABHE for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
On December 17, 2015, Midwest University was approved by the U.S. Department of State as a sponsor of the Exchange Visitor Program, enabling it to issue DS-2019 forms for J-1 visas.
In 2017, Midwest University’s Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management, Master of Arts in Gifted Education, Master of Business Administration in Public Policy/Administration, Doctor of Leadership in Brain and Gifted Education, and Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership were all approved by ABHE.
On January 23, 2018, Midwest University received approval from ABHE for its Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) program.
On July 12, 2019, Midwest University received approval from ABHE for its Ph.D. program in Counseling Psychology.
On August 23 of the same year, Midwest University was authorized by NC-SARA to participate in the SARA initiative, enabling it to offer online education across the United States.
On March 11, 2020, Midwest University received approval from ABHE for an additional teaching site in Texas.
On February 15, 2021, Midwest University earned a 10-year reaffirmation from ABHE.
On July 19, 2021, Midwest University received approval from ABHE for an additional teaching site in Irvine, California.
On December 20, 2021, Midwest University was approved by ABHE for its Ph.D. in Music program.
On June 24, 2022, Midwest University received approval from ABHE for its Bachelor of Science program in Computer Science.
On May 20, 2024, Midwest University was approved by ABHE for its Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and Doctor of Fine Arts (DFA) programs.
On August 20, 2024, Midwest University received approval for the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Financial Economics, and the Executive MBA (EMBA) programs.