
Texas Wesleyan University is a private university in Fort Worth with roots in the Methodist tradition. It opened in 1890 as Polytechnic College, a name tied to the neighborhood surrounding its campus.
The institution later became Texas Woman's College and then Texas Wesleyan College. It adopted the Texas Wesleyan University name in 1989, reflecting an academic portfolio extending beyond undergraduate study. Another significant change came in 2013, when its law school became part of Texas A&M University; applicants interested in law should not assume Texas Wesleyan still operates that school. Today, its history is visible in both its Methodist affiliation and its continued presence in east Fort Worth.
Texas Wesleyan organizes its academic offerings across arts and sciences, business, education, and health-related fields. Prospective students can explore undergraduate subjects such as biology, psychology, computer science, business, criminal justice, music, and theater, alongside graduate and professional programs.
The School of Arts and Sciences covers a broad range of humanities, sciences, and performing arts. The School of Business Administration offers business-related study, while the School of Education serves students preparing for education careers. Health-related graduate offerings include nurse anesthesia. Program availability and admission requirements differ by degree: a university admission decision does not necessarily constitute admission to a selective major, clinical placement, or graduate program. Applicants comparing programs should check the current catalog for the credential awarded, course sequence, and any separate accreditation or licensure requirements.
Texas Wesleyan's main campus is in east Fort Worth, Texas, in the Polytechnic Heights area. Its urban setting places students within the Dallas-Fort Worth region rather than in an isolated college town.
That location can broaden access to employers, clinical or teaching placements, and community activities, but travel time depends heavily on where a student lives and whether they have a car. About 70% of students commute, so parking, class schedules, and transportation costs deserve attention when comparing attendance options. First-year students are permitted to register or park a car on campus. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport serves the wider region, although it is not adjacent to campus.
Texas Wesleyan describes its educational purpose in terms of developing students' intellectual abilities and their capacity to participate in a wider community. Its stated priorities emphasize teaching, critical thinking, and preparation for professional and civic life.
The university is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. That connection is part of its institutional identity, but students should distinguish an affiliation from the academic or religious requirements of a particular program. Mission and vision statements describe what the institution aims to do; they are not evidence that every student will have the same experience or outcome. Applicants can assess how those aims appear in the curriculum, advising arrangements, and opportunities available in their intended major.
Name of the institution
Texas Wesleyan UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999Religious affiliation
Protestant (United Methodist Church)School type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1890Texas Wesleyan University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practiceData last updated on November 5, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.