For most students, the best major at George Fox University is Nursing, thanks to its high licensure pass rates, strong job prospects, and the university’s reputation for hands-on clinical experience. However, standout programs in Engineering, Business Administration, Education, and Psychology deserve attention for their unique strengths and career outcomes. Your best pick will depend on your interests, career goals, and the kind of learning environment you prefer.
What to Look For
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is regionally and, if relevant, professionally accredited (e.g., CCNE for Nursing, ABET for Engineering).
- Reputation & Outcomes: Consider graduation rates, job placements, and licensure pass rates associated with the major.
- Internship & Networking Opportunities: Look for majors with established connections to local industries, hospitals, or schools for practical experience.
- Class Size & Faculty Support: Smaller classes and accessible professors can be a major plus, especially at a private Christian university like George Fox.
- Faith Integration: Some majors more actively integrate Christian perspectives—an advantage or drawback, depending on your preferences.
- Research & Facilities: For STEM and health sciences, up-to-date labs and research opportunities matter.
- Flexibility: Some programs offer concentrations, minors, or accelerated tracks for greater customization.
Nursing
Strengths: George Fox’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is one of its flagship programs, with a strong track record of NCLEX-RN pass rates and clinical placements at respected Oregon healthcare facilities. Students benefit from modern simulation labs and a curriculum emphasizing both skill and compassion.
Trade-offs: Nursing is highly competitive for admission, with rigorous prerequisites and a demanding schedule. Clinical hours can be intense, and the program is less flexible than some others due to licensure requirements.
Best for: Students seeking a stable, in-demand career in healthcare, who are ready for a challenging, hands-on learning environment and value service-oriented, faith-informed care.
Engineering
Strengths: The ABET-accredited Engineering program (with concentrations in Mechanical, Electrical, and Computer Engineering) stands out for its project-based curriculum and close faculty mentorship. George Fox has invested in the Klages Center, which houses impressive engineering labs and collaborative spaces. Many students participate in internships with local tech and manufacturing companies.
Trade-offs: The program is rigorous in math and science, requiring strong foundational skills. The relatively small program size means slightly fewer elective options compared to large public universities, but students benefit from individualized attention.
Best for: Those interested in practical problem-solving, innovation, and design, who want a personalized education with Christian values and are willing to tackle a challenging STEM curriculum.
Business Administration
Strengths: George Fox’s Business Administration major offers concentrations in areas like Marketing, Management, and Finance. The program emphasizes ethical leadership and integrates faith perspectives into business decision-making. Internships in Portland and the Willamette Valley are common, and the university’s IDEA Center provides robust career support.
Trade-offs: Smaller alumni network compared to large state schools, and the business program is less research-focused. The faith-based approach to business ethics may not appeal to every student.
Best for: Students aiming for careers in business, nonprofit management, or entrepreneurship who value ethical leadership and want strong internship support in the Pacific Northwest.
Education
Strengths: The Education major (with licensure tracks for elementary, middle, and secondary teaching) is highly regarded in Oregon for its practical classroom experiences and strong placement rates in local schools. Dual-degree options and MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching) pathways are available for those seeking advanced credentials.
Trade-offs: Teacher education requires significant in-classroom hours and state testing. Salaries in education tend to be lower than in some other fields, and the workload can be demanding during student teaching.
Best for: Aspiring teachers who feel called to serve in K-12 settings, especially those who value integrating faith with education and want a supportive, mentorship-driven program.
Psychology
Strengths: George Fox’s Psychology program is known for its research opportunities, small class sizes, and preparation for graduate study in counseling, social work, or clinical psychology. The faculty are active in research and clinical practice, and students can participate in practicums or research projects.
Trade-offs: A bachelor’s degree in psychology alone rarely leads directly to high-paying jobs; additional graduate study is usually required for clinical practice. The program is more theoretical at the undergraduate level, though hands-on opportunities exist.
Best for: Students interested in mental health, counseling, or human services who plan to pursue graduate study and want a faith-informed approach to psychology.
Other Notable Majors
- Biology: Strong for pre-med and pre-PT tracks, with excellent faculty support and lab facilities.
- Computer Science: Growing program with good internship links in tech-rich Portland area, though more limited upper-division electives than large universities.
- Social Work: Accredited by CSWE, with high placement rates in Oregon’s social services sector.
- Art & Design: Well-equipped studios and a focus on portfolio development, but more limited specialization than at major art schools.
How to Choose
Budget: George Fox is a private institution; tuition is higher than Oregon public universities, but financial aid is generous for many students. Some majors, like Nursing and Engineering, may have additional fees for labs or clinicals. Consider total cost of attendance, scholarships, and long-term earning potential.
Use Case: If you want a direct-to-career path with high demand, Nursing or Education are strong bets. For those interested in graduate school or research, Psychology and Biology are excellent foundations. Business and Engineering offer versatility and strong job prospects, especially if you pursue internships and certifications.
Common Trade-offs: Choosing a major with a heavy science or math focus (like Engineering or Nursing) means a more structured, demanding schedule. Humanities and social sciences may offer more flexibility but usually require further study for specialized careers. Faith integration is a hallmark of George Fox—an advantage if you want it, but something to weigh if you prefer a more secular curriculum.
Visit campus, talk to current students and professors, and compare syllabi. If you’re undecided, George Fox’s core curriculum and advising can help you explore before declaring a major.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is George Fox University accredited?
Yes, George Fox is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and key programs like Nursing, Engineering, and Social Work have professional accreditations. - How competitive is the Nursing program?
Admission is selective, requiring prerequisite courses, a strong GPA, and sometimes an interview. It’s best to apply early and maintain high grades in science courses. - Do most majors require a faith statement or religious courses?
All undergraduates take some Bible and theology courses, and Christian perspectives are woven throughout most majors, but you do not need to be Christian to attend. - Are internships required or available?
Many majors require or strongly encourage internships, and George Fox’s IDEA Center helps connect students to placements in business, healthcare, education, and tech fields. - Can I double major or add a minor?
Yes, double majoring and adding minors is common, especially in Business, Psychology, and the Humanities. Some programs (like Nursing) are more structured and less flexible. - What support is there for undecided students?
George Fox offers advising and exploratory courses for students who are undecided, helping them match interests and strengths to a major.
Bottom Line
Nursing is the top major at George Fox University for its career outcomes, hands-on training, and respected reputation. Engineering, Business Administration, Education, and Psychology are also strong choices, each with unique advantages depending on your goals. Consider accreditation, internship and job placement rates, and your preferred learning environment. Visit campus and talk to advisors to find the best fit for your interests and ambitions.
See the main George Fox University pros and cons.