Briar Cliff University
Sioux City, United States • Founded 1930
Overview
Established in 1930, the Briar Cliff University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Sioux City (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Iowa.
Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Briar Cliff University (BCU) is a very small-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Briar Cliff University (BCU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
The acceptance rate range is 100% making this US higher education organization a non-selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
BCU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Need to mail, call, or visit Briar Cliff University? Address, phone, and digital contact options below. Religious and cultural accommodation queries route through specific student services.
Academic Details
Briar Cliff University's academic structure, enrolment numbers, and accreditation context are gathered below. Together they describe how the institution operates beyond the surface-level overview.
Academic Structures
Briar Cliff University's organisational chart for teaching: faculties, schools, institutes, and constituent units. Research-intensive universities often add institutes or centres alongside teaching faculties.
Unit 18 items
- Department of Art
- Department of Biology
- Department of Business
- Department of Chemistry
- Department of Computer Science
- Department of Digital Media
- Department of Education
- Department of History
- Department of Kinesiology and Human Performance
- Department of Mathematics
- Department of Modern Languages
- Department of Music
- Department of Nursing
- Department of Physical Therapy*
- Department of Psychology
- Department of Social Work
- Department of Sociology and Criminology
- Department of Theology and Philosophy
Programs Offered
The programmes available at Briar Cliff University are organised by level. Most institutions cluster intake decisions by faculty, so application timelines often run in waves through the year.
Bachelor's Degree
44 programmes
Browse 44 programmes at Briar Cliff University for undergraduate entry. Each combines core theory with the credits needed to progress toward honours or a master's.
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Health Sciences
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Criminology Social & Cultural Studies
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
International Business International Business
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
History History
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Journalism Journalism
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Computer Software and Media Applications Digital Media & Game Development
Education, General Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Chemistry Chemistry
Psychology, General Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Social Work Social Work
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
8 programmes
Briar Cliff University provides 8 programmes at master's level for graduates who want to specialise further or strengthen their standing for doctoral applications.
Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities Health Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Education, General Education & Teaching
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Biological Sciences
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
2 programmes
At the highest level, Briar Cliff University runs 2 programmes. These doctoral programmes are built around a sustained research project rather than taught coursework.
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
2 programmes
At the highest level, Briar Cliff University runs 2 programmes. These doctoral programmes are built around a sustained research project rather than taught coursework.
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
2 programmes
Briar Cliff University offers 2 programmes as shorter-cycle and preparatory qualifications, a flexible tier for skills-focused learners or those bridging into undergraduate study.
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Briar Cliff University
Five steps that capture how most applications to Briar Cliff University flow, from research through submission to follow-up correspondence.
- 1 Identify the right programme
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Briar Cliff University offers 58 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Check entry requirements
Each programme at Briar Cliff University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Prepare your application documents
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Submit via the institution
Apply directly via Briar Cliff University's online portal at www.briarcliff.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Get in touch with admissions
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (712) 279 5321. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Briar Cliff University
The questions below summarise Briar Cliff University's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.
In what year was Briar Cliff University established?
Briar Cliff University was founded in 1930 (approximately 96 years ago).
Where is Briar Cliff University located?
Briar Cliff University is located in Sioux City, United States.
Is Briar Cliff University public or private?
It is a private higher-education institution.
What is the student enrolment at Briar Cliff University?
Student enrolment at Briar Cliff University is around 1,000-1,999.
What is Briar Cliff University's religious tradition?
Yes, Briar Cliff University is affiliated with Christian-Catholic.
How is Briar Cliff University organised academically?
The institution comprises 18 academic units.
Is Briar Cliff University officially recognised?
Yes, Briar Cliff University is recognised by Higher Learning Commission.
What is Briar Cliff University's official website?
Briar Cliff University's official website is www.briarcliff.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Top universities in the United States differ from flagship status: top is rankings-defined; flagship is often historically defined. The lists may overlap but are not identical.
Members of Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU)
Membership in Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) signals a shared commitment to academic quality and cross-institutional exchange. These other members of the same network sit alongside Briar Cliff University in that ecosystem, and may offer mobility benefits or programme partnerships.
Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic
Below: universities affiliated with Christian-Catholic alongside Briar Cliff University, useful for faith-aware shortlisting. Faith-aware shortlists tend to weight community fit alongside programme content and academic prestige.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Below are universities sharing regional libraries and consortia with Briar Cliff University. Library reciprocity and shared databases can extend research access beyond what any single institution offers alone.
Where Else to Study Nursing
Other universities in the United States that teach Nursing appear below — useful for comparing programme depth against Briar Cliff University. Programme structures differ even within the same country, so detailed comparison is worth the effort.
Universities Often Compared with Briar Cliff University
Comparable institutions to Briar Cliff University — by academic scale and standing — are gathered below. Same-tier shortlists give you flexibility on admissions outcomes without compromising on institutional level.
