North Park has served five generations of students and continues to grow in diversity, academic relevance, and Christian commitment. Our Chicago location is a great asset that reflects the School’s global reach and outlook.
After 125 years, we’ve learned how to streamline the process of helping qualified applicants seek admission to North Park and find affordable ways to attend. If you don’t see what you’re looking for on our website, please contact us directly!
North Park offers more than 40 graduate and undergraduate programs in liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. Classes average 17 students. 84% of our faculty have terminal degrees. Academics here are rigorous and results-oriented.
North Park Theological Seminary prepares you to answer the call to service through theological study, spiritual development, and the formative experiences of living in a community with others on a similar life path.
The Office of Alumni Engagement fosters lifelong connections by engaging alumni with the university and one another in activities, programs, and services that support the university’s mission and alumni needs.
Dr. Boaz Johnson was recently interviewed by a prominent Christian scholar about his work in making Bible translations more gender accurate to improve the depiction of women in the Bible.
Dr. Boaz Johnson, professor of biblical and theological studies, was recently interviewed by a prominent Christian scholar about his work in making Bible translations more gender accurate to improve the depiction of women in the Bible.
Dr. Mimi Hadad, president of Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE), spoke with Johnson about his work for the Mutuality Matters podcast in November 2023.
Hada lauded Johnson for highlighting the work of several women throughout history who have translated the Bible into their native language. One of those was Pandita Ramabai, an Indian woman who became a Christian as a young adult and was the first person to translate the Bible into her native dialect, Marathi. She inspired another woman, Dr. Katharine Bushnell, to join her cause to improve biblical translations that repeatedly depicted women as inferior to men.
Their pioneering work significantly helped in reducing sex trafficking and domestic abuse across India, Johnson said. The podcast is available on CBE’s website.
North Park University gave away clothing, blankets, and supplies to more than 225 newly arrived migrants from Mexico and Venezuela who are currently housed in a former military base nearby.
Students, faculty, and staff at North Park University last month gave away clothing, blankets, and supplies to more than 225 newly arrived migrants from Mexico and Venezuela who are currently housed in a former military base nearby.
The 60 volunteers, comprising North Parkers and representatives from the North Park Community Association, Alderman Samantha Nugent’s office, Aramark, and other community groups, collected and distributed the items. They also hosted a lunch for the new arrivals—which included men, women, and children—featuring traditional Latin American food.
North Park held the event in Hamming Hall, and items distributed included coats, shoes, gloves, hats, undergarments, and blankets. Once news of the event spread through the community, people stepped forward to contribute. One local woman, a knitter, heard about the effort on social media and sent a message to her fellow knitters across the country. They responded by providing 500 hand-knit hats for the migrants. A group from Highland Park heard of the event and brought 10 carloads of donated clothing.
The event was an apt reflection of North Park’s mission, according to Tony Zamble, director of University Ministries.
“We are preparing students for lives of significance and service,” Zamble said. “Part of our mission is giving students the opportunity to experience the idea of God’s glory for neighbor’s good. These people are our neighbors; it’s a no-brainer that we would be involved.”
So many people donated, Zamble said, that the group hosted a second, smaller-scale event at Peterson Elementary School several days later. Zamble and Vice President for Student Engagement Frank Gaytan said they hope this event is a spark for similar efforts. One idea in discussion is developing student-led English language classes for the migrants.
“We do these things intentionally because it really is who we are,” Gaytan said. “And not just this single event with the migrants, but we want our students to serve all our neighbors, Chicago, and the world. This is who we are.”
In September, the City of Chicago approved the $1.5 million purchase of the former U.S. Marine Corps facility at 3034 W. Foster Ave. to house 500 migrants for up to 60 days each.
High School Visit Day is a great way to get a jump-start on your college search! This event is designed for current high school sophomores, juniors, and their families who are starting to think about the next step after graduation. It is a simple, fun, and informative way to learn more about North Park University and what college life might look like for you!
You will get a chance to see our beautiful campus, meet current students, and hear directly from our admissions and financial aid teams. Whether you are just starting to explore colleges or already have a few schools in mind, this event will help you picture yourself as part of the North Park community.
Event Highlights:
A student-led tour of our campus oasis in the city
A helpful overview of the admissions process and how financial aid works
Lunch in our dining hall and a peek into everyday student life
Come get a feel for North Park and start imagining your future as a Viking!
Get an in-depth look at North Park University and discover what it’s really like to be part of our community! Designed for high school students in grades 10–12, Discover North Park is our most comprehensive campus visit event. From conversations with current students to informative sessions about life, faith, service, and academics, this experience gives you the tools and confidence to take your next step in the college journey.
Event Highlights:
Personalize Your Experience. Choose two rotating sessions that match your interests, from first-gen college support and community engagement to faith-based programs and academic tours in STEM or the Arts.
Hear from Our Students. Learn what life is like at North Park through our North Park 101 presentation and Student Panel.
Get Clarity on Costs. Our Financial Aid session breaks down the FAFSA process, scholarships, and how to make college affordable.
Enjoy Lunch on Campus. Connect with current students, staff, and guests while enjoying a meal in our Dining Hall.
Take a Student-Led Tour. End your visit with an optional campus tour to see our welcoming urban oasis and ask any final questions.
Rotating Sessions:
First Generation College Student 101: Designed for students who are first generation college students. Information will be provided regarding the application, financial aid, scholarships and admitted student process.
CRUX: A community of students who follow Jesus together throughout their first year at North Park. With curricular and co-curricular elements, Crux provides a holistic approach to transformation in Christ, equipping students for a lifelong journey of faith and formation.
Civic Engagement/Catalyst 606: Students step outside of the classroom, serving and learning within their local community and gaining a closer understanding and appreciation for the increasingly urban world they live and work in.
SMAT Tour: Designed for students interested in majoring or minoring in Music, Art, and Theatre or non-majors interested in participating in an ensemble or club. Don’t miss this opportunity to tour our music and creative spaces.
STEM Tour: For students interested in STEM fields or passionate about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, this tour offers an in-depth look at the Johnson Center. Explore state-of-the-art labs, classrooms, and collaborative spaces where innovation and discovery come to life.
Rev. Dr. Dennis Edwards has released his much-anticipated book Humility Illuminated: The Biblical Path Back to Christian Character.
Renowned speaker and writer Rev. Dr. Dennis Edwards, dean of North Park Theological Seminary (NPTS), has released his much-anticipated book Humility Illuminated: The Biblical Path Back to Christian Character, which examines the importance of being humble while practicing the Christian faith.
At a book signing hosted by North Park’s Seminary, Edwards met with students, staff, and local pastors and engaged in a question-and-answer session with audience members. He was introduced by Jon Boyd, associate publisher and academic editorial director at InterVarsity Press, which published the book.
“I want to talk about how rare Dennis is,” Boyd said. “He’s a scholar in biblical studies who wants to bring that scholarship to fruition for the church, and that is a beautiful thing. For it to come in book form is a gift.”
In the book, released November 7, Edwards examines America’s obsession with competition and how the drive to be the best creates a society of haves and have-nots that favors the elite. And yet, he writes, some of our greatest innovations have humble roots in immigrant and underserved communities.
“From a biblical perspective, the most remarkable models of godliness emerge from among the lowly. This view from the bottom reveals that humility includes a submissive posture before God as well as a peacemaking posture with other people,” he wrote.
An in-demand speaker and ordained pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), Edwards spent October addressing ECC pastor and spouse retreats in four conferences, the Pacific Northwest, Midsouth, Great Lakes, and Southeast. He spoke about the value of humility, arguing it is perhaps the single most distinctive identity marker of followers of Jesus.
In addition to serving as dean of NPTS, Edwards is vice president for church relations and an associate professor of the New Testament. He earned his PhD and Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from Catholic University and holds degrees from Cornell University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. His recent publications include Do Black Lives Matter: How Christian Scriptures Speak to Black Empowerment, co-edited with Lisa Bowens, and Might from the Margins: The Gospel’s Power to Turn the Tables on Injustice.
Get an in-depth look at North Park University and discover what it’s really like to be part of our community! Designed for high school students in grades 10–12, Discover North Park is our most comprehensive campus visit event. From conversations with current students to informative sessions about life, faith, service, and academics, this experience gives you the tools and confidence to take your next step in the college journey.
Event Highlights:
Personalize Your Experience. Choose two rotating sessions that match your interests, from first-gen college support and community engagement to faith-based programs and academic tours in STEM or the Arts.
Hear from Our Students. Learn what life is like at North Park through our North Park 101 presentation and Student Panel.
Get Clarity on Costs. Our Financial Aid session breaks down the FAFSA process, scholarships, and how to make college affordable.
Enjoy Lunch on Campus. Connect with current students, staff, and guests while enjoying a meal in our Dining Hall.
Take a Student-Led Tour. End your visit with an optional campus tour to see our welcoming urban oasis and ask any final questions.
Rotating Sessions:
First Generation College Student 101: Designed for students who are first generation college students. Information will be provided regarding the application, financial aid, scholarships and admitted student process.
CRUX: A community of students who follow Jesus together throughout their first year at North Park. With curricular and co-curricular elements, Crux provides a holistic approach to transformation in Christ, equipping students for a lifelong journey of faith and formation.
Civic Engagement/Catalyst 606: Students step outside of the classroom, serving and learning within their local community and gaining a closer understanding and appreciation for the increasingly urban world they live and work in.
SMAT Tour: Designed for students interested in majoring or minoring in Music, Art, and Theatre or non-majors interested in participating in an ensemble or club. Don’t miss this opportunity to tour our music and creative spaces.
STEM Tour: For students interested in STEM fields or passionate about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, this tour offers an in-depth look at the Johnson Center. Explore state-of-the-art labs, classrooms, and collaborative spaces where innovation and discovery come to life.
Viking Preview Days offers you a firsthand taste of the North Park University experience by allowing you to connect with our community and learn about our vibrant student life. Viking Preview Days are an ideal opportunity for students to take the next step in their college journey and discover what makes North Park special.
Highlights:
-Attend “Coffee with Coaches” and learn more about Viking Athletics (optional)
-Are you a first-generation college student? Attend a session designed just for you!
-Connect with faculty from your intended major
-Explore our campus oasis on a tour led by North Park students
-Get all your questions answered about your admissions application and financial aid
All prospective students and their families who attend Viking Preview Day will be eligible for a 10% discount on tickets for Homecoming 2024 the weekend of October 11-12. The discount code is valid until September, 30th. Discount code: Viking Preview Day 10/11
Join us for Fall Open House and experience North Park University like never before! This interactive event is designed especially for high school students in grades 10–12 and their families to get an authentic feel for life at our beautiful Chicago campus. From engaging with faculty to participating in hands-on academic sessions, our Fall Open House offers an immersive look at what it means to be a Viking.
Event Highlights:
Engage with Our Faculty. Connect with North Park’s dedicated professors through casual conversations and meaningful interactions during Lunch with Faculty. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, hear about academic programs, and get to know the people who make our learning community so vibrant.
Explore Cutting-Edge Facilities. Get an up-close look at our state-of-the-art science labs, including the high-tech Nursing Simulation Lab and the Carlson Athletic Training Center.
Hands-On Workshops. Build your own schedule by choosing from interactive sessions across a wide range of academic departments. Whether you already have a major in mind or are still exploring your options, this is your chance to dive in and discover what interests you most.
Take a Student-Led Tour. See campus through the eyes of a current student and explore our welcoming urban oasis in the heart of Chicago.
Whether you are just starting your college search or narrowing down your choices, our Fall Open House is the perfect opportunity to see what makes North Park special.
Open Major Exploration Pick and choose your activities from a list of hands–on workshops led by faculty: •STEM (Chemistry, Physics and Engineering, Pre–Health Tracks, Cadaver Lab, Lab tours) •School of Nursing & Health Sciences •School of Music, Art, and Theatre •School of Education •Humanities & Social Sciences •School of Business and Nonprofit Management
North Park University launches Center for Civic Engagement.
North Park University has launched the Center for Civic Engagement, an outgrowth of its Catalyst 606 program in which the university’s faculty and students will work with community leaders to strengthen the important work they’re doing in Chicago’s neighborhoods. As part of the initiative, North Park will also offer a Public Policy major beginning in fall 2023.
“The main idea is to build more of a city-centered ethos on campus, and to augment North Park’s commitment to the just flourishing of cities by honoring the work that is going on in neighborhoods,” said Richard Kohng, assistant vice president for the Center of Civic Engagement.
The center enacts this mission through four core divisions: the Catalyst Hub; the Community Assets and Program Evaluation Consortium; the Community Development Hub; and through public policy engagement.
“The Center for Civic Engagement elevates North Park’s unique distinctives as a Christian, city-centered, intercultural university,” North Park President Mary K. Surridge said. “Faculty and students learning and working alongside community leaders across Chicago is yet another example of North Park living into its mission of preparing students for lives of significance and service.”
As part of the center, faculty will provide their specialized expertise to community groups for a reduced fee. For instance, Assistant Professor of Psychology Amy Governale will provide at-cost guidance on program development for organizations that lack the resources to do so themselves.
“A lot of locally led groups don’t see the money they should from grants or philanthropy,” Kohng said. “This will help level the playing field.”
Students will be involved as well, via the Catalyst Hub. Since 2017, students have participated in a designated civic engagement block every Wednesday afternoon. The schedule allows immersive learning experiences to be incorporated into classes across the curriculum, Kohng said.
Building on Catalyst’s success, the new program will incorporate a consortium that allows students to work on real-time projects that benefit community groups. For example, a business class might work on a marketing campaign for a fundraising drive, or a math class could analyze data related to program participants.
The center will be led by a board of community leaders from across the city, and with the guidance of partner Transform Capital—a nonprofit lending initiative cofounded by Paul Hawkinson, a professor in North Park’s School of Business and Nonprofit Management.
North Park student Joshua Crozier shares his first-hand experience at CHIC, the national gathering of Covenant high school students.
Joshua Crozier, Current North Park Student
My favorite part about CHIC was realizing just how big the Body of Christ is. Over 6,000 other teenagers and leaders from around the nation gathered together to worship God, grow in their faith, and make lifelong memories. If you’ve never been to CHIC, I suggest diving deep into the base camps, go hard on the fields, worship in ways you never have before, and soak up the messages of the speakers.
This week three years ago was incredibly formational to me; I still remember messages that were shared, the bands that played, and the friends I made at CHIC 2015. I also remember the screaming North Park student volunteers handing out t-shirts and telling us about the University. Because I grew up in the Covenant Church, CHIC was not the first time I had heard of North Park, but I remember learning more about the University from the excited volunteer students.
Author Kennedy MurphyPosted on Categories Stories
The event was an apt reflection of North Park’s mission, according to Tony Zamble, director of University Ministries.
