Mercer University

What is the history of Mercer University?

Mercer University is a private university founded in 1833 in Penfield, Georgia, as a Baptist institution. It moved to Macon in 1871, where its main undergraduate campus remains. Its history helps explain both its Baptist heritage and its present-day mix of liberal arts and professional education.

Mercer expanded well beyond its original curriculum. Its law school dates to the 19th century; later additions include a school of medicine, an engineering school, and programs in nursing and other health professions. The university also developed a substantial presence in Atlanta. Applicants should therefore distinguish the historic Macon campus from Mercer's other teaching locations: the program they choose determines where much of their coursework will take place.

What are the faculties and departments at Mercer University?

Mercer offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional study across liberal arts, business, education, engineering, health care, and other fields. Its academic organization includes the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Engineering, Tift College of Education, Townsend School of Music, and College of Professional Advancement.

Professional and graduate schools include the School of Medicine, School of Law, McAfee School of Theology, College of Pharmacy, Georgia Baptist College of Nursing, and College of Health Professions. Representative undergraduate choices include biology, psychology, communication, business, education, engineering, and music. Nursing, pharmacy, medicine, law, and allied health programs have distinct degree paths and admission processes.

Not every Mercer program is based in Macon or follows the same calendar. Applicants comparing majors should check the current academic catalog for the degree's campus, required courses, clinical or field placements, and any separate admission to the major.

What is the location of Mercer University?

Mercer's main campus is in Macon, Georgia, an urban setting in central Georgia. The university also teaches students in Atlanta and at other Georgia locations, particularly in professional and health-related programs; "attending Mercer" does not always mean attending classes in Macon.

Macon offers access to local employers, health care organizations, and community placements, while travel between Mercer locations can be significant. Middle Georgia Regional Airport serves the area, but students arranging longer-distance flights may also consider Atlanta's airport. A car may be useful for some placements or off-campus commitments; Mercer permits first-year students to register or park a car on campus. Students should assess transportation based on their specific campus and program rather than assume that services are interchangeable across locations.

What is the mission and vision of Mercer University?

Mercer describes its mission in terms of preparing students for lives of learning, leadership, and service. Its stated educational approach connects academic study with ethical questions, professional preparation, research, and engagement with communities.

The university has Baptist roots and maintains a religious heritage, while offering programs across secular and faith-related disciplines. McAfee School of Theology is one expression of that heritage; participation in theology study or a religious student group is not a general undergraduate requirement. Prospective students can evaluate how Mercer's stated emphasis on service appears in the particular curriculum, placements, and activities available to them, rather than treating a mission statement as a measured outcome.