Overview
Christopher Newport University's Wide Array of Study Programs Can Suit Every Student
Christopher Newport University (CNU) is a selective public university in Newport News, Virginia. The school is distinguished by its large offering of academic programs. With over eighty major programs of study at the undergraduate and graduate levels, students can study in virtually any area that interests them, including communication studies, creative writing, technical writing, fine arts, theater, management, business administration, marketing, chemistry, and more. A Bachelor of Music degree with several different concentrations is also offered. For students who wish to study multiple subjects, an interdisciplinary studies major is available. A full complement of minors and certificate programs ensure that students can be as specialized or as broadly-minded in their studies as they choose to be.
Newport News, Virginia, and CNU's 260-acre Campus Combine to Provide a Dream Collegiate Location
Students at Christopher Newport University live and study in one of the nation's most historically important areas. Located in Newport News, the 260-acre campus is just a few miles from such significant sites as Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. History is not the only thing that this region has to offer, however. Virginia's world-class beaches are a short 45-minutes from the campus and offer students abundant opportunities for recreation and nightlife. Norfolk, a mid-Atlantic cultural center, is also nearby. Directly adjacent to campus is a 550-acre woodland park, and the campus itself is a dynamic location, with new residence halls, a new student union, and landmark arts center. The school's library has recently been expanded to accommodate an ever-growing supply of resources and technology.
Its Growing Reputation Makes Christopher Newport University a Sought-After, Selective Institution
With its recent additions and expansions, Christopher Newport University's already positive reputation is growing. "The Washington Post" has referred to the school as an "undiscovered gem," referring to its small size, selectivity, location, and affordability. Statistics underscore the excellence of the student body, whose SAT average has increased 240 points in recent years. Part of the increasing desirability of a CNU education has to do with the intimate learning environment that the school takes care to foster. The average class size is only 24 students, which is small enough to be engaging and personal, but large enough to introduce a diversity of ideas into the classroom. The school's faculty is committed to preserving this learning environment.
CNU Faculty Members Are Experts in Their Fields and Experts in Developing Relationships with Students
Christopher Newport University's faculty members are a group of highly qualified and motivated individuals, nearly 90 percent of whom hold terminal degrees in their fields of specialization. All faculty members are working professionals with experience in their respective areas; among them are Fulbright scholars, business owners, poets, and award-winning researchers. Developing mentor relationships and friendships with professors helps students achieve the most rewarding possible college experience and is encouraged at CNU.
Thriving Athletics Programs and Student Organizations Contribute to Student Life at CNU
Another benefit of the recent expansions and improvements on the university's campus is the ability to devote more time, space, and resources to student life. A new sports center and a new center for the arts ensure that students have a place to engage in the extra- and co-curricular activities of their choosing. Christopher Newport University has twenty-three successful and competitive athletic programs, and the school participates in intercollegiate athletics as a member of the USA South Athletic Conference. Athletics facilities are state-of-the-art, including a 4,200-seat football stadium. In addition, over 100 student organizations and clubs ensure that students have an opportunity to get involved with the school and with one another, no matter where their interests lie.
Modern, Well-Equipped Residence Halls Are "Home" to the University's Innovative Learning Communities
The new residence halls and apartment complexes at Christopher Newport University have been named the best in Virginia in a survey of the state's students. Each room has high-speed Internet, basic satellite cable TV, digital local phone service, and electronic keyed entry. In addition, all rooms have a microwave and mini-refrigerator or kitchen access. The luxury and modernity of the buildings themselves is supplemented by a dedication on the part of the school to construct living communities that enhance the educational and social experiences of students as they study at the school. This effort includes the innovative Learning Communities, in which groups of 30 students living on the same floor of a residence hall take two of the same classes, providing an opportunity for students to bond and develop a sense of companionship that is integral to the CNU experience.
