History
Founded in 1986 by Dr. James Song, Midwest University is dedicated to discovering and cultivating global talent through excellence in higher education. The University provides academically rigorous and professionally relevant programs that reflect the standards and expectations of American higher education.
Guided by a commitment to integrity, scholarship, innovation, and service, Midwest University prepares students to become effective leaders in their professions, communities, and the global arena. The University strives to develop knowledgeable, ethical, and culturally competent graduates who contribute to the advancement of society and the promotion of international understanding and cooperation.
The University’s first educational facility was established in 1989. In October 1990, Midwest University began operating as a nonprofit institution of higher education in the State of Missouri, offering degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
In 1992, Midwest University became a member institution of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS).
In September 1993, the University acquired approximately 17 acres of property in Wentzville, Missouri, to establish its permanent campus. In 1995, the University completed construction of its first major academic building, which included classrooms, a dining facility, and an auditorium. Faculty housing was added in 1996 to support the growing academic community.
In 1999, student housing facilities, supporting the University’s long-term campus expansion efforts.
In 2000, Midwest University achieved institutional accreditation through TRACS. At that time, TRACS was recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the United States Department of Education as an accrediting agency.
In 2001, Midwest University received authorization under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll international students and issue Form I-20 for F-1 visa students through SEVIS.
In November 2003, the University completed a major administration building that included classrooms, administrative offices, an auditorium, and computer laboratory facilities.
Throughout the early 2000s, Midwest University expanded its graduate and doctoral offerings and strengthened its academic infrastructure. In 2005, the institution officially adopted the name Midwest University.
In 2006, Midwest University expanded its doctoral offerings, including programs in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). During the same year, the University received authorization from the U.S. Department of State to participate in the Exchange Visitor Program and to issue Certificates of Eligibility (Form DS-2019) for qualified J-1 Exchange Visitors.
On November 3, 2009, Midwest University received a ten-year reaffirmation of accreditation through TRACS.
On November 3, 2009, Midwest University received a ten-year reaffirmation of accreditation through TRACS.
On November 8, 2011, Midwest University became an institutional member of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). On February 18, 2015, the University was granted accredited status through the ABHE Commission on Accreditation.
Since 2015, Midwest University has continued to expand its academic offerings through ABHE-approved programs, including business, leadership, aviation, education, counseling psychology, music, computer science, fine arts, and other professional fields.
Major academic milestones include:
2015 - Approval of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program
Exchange Visitor Program Approval from the U.S. Department of State to participate in the Exchange Visitor Program and to issue Certificates of Eligibility (Form DS-2019) for qualified J-1 Exchange Visitors.
2017 - Approval of the Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management, Master of Arts in Gifted Education, Master of Business Administration in Public Policy and Administration, Doctor of Leadership in Brain and Gifted Education, and Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership
2018 - Approval of the Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)
2019 - Approval of the Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and authorization to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), enabling the University to expand distance education opportunities throughout participating states
2020 - Approval of an additional instructional site in Texas
2021 - Ten-Year Reaffirmation of Accreditation by ABHE; approval of an additional instructional site in Irvine, California; and approval of the Ph.D. in Music
2022 - Approval of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
2024 - Approval of the Master of Fine Arts (MFA),
Doctor of Fine Arts (DFA), Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Ph.D. in Financial Economics, and Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)
2024 - Approval of the Ph.D. Financial Economics
2025 - State of Florida. Midwest University received authorization from the State of Florida to operate an additional instructional site in Florida.
2025 - State of Washington. Midwest University received authorization from the State of Washington to operate an additional instructional site in Washington State.
2026 - Office Open Beijing, China.
Today, Midwest University serves students from the United States and around the world through undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. The University remains committed to its mission of integrating biblical faith, academic excellence, servant leadership, professional preparation, and global engagement in order to prepare graduates for meaningful lives of leadership and service.