Berry College

Berry College challenges students to embrace a firsthand education that combines strong academic programs, opportunities for community service and participation in the world’s premier on-campus work experience program. This mission, expressed as ‘Head, Heart and Hands’ by college founder Martha Berry, remains just as relevant today as it was when the institution was founded in 1902. In addition to its unique mission, Berry is distinguished by the world’s largest contiguous campus, which covers more than 26,000 acres of meadows, woodlands, hills and watersheds in Northwest Georgia. This amazing environment provides endless opportunities for study and research, relevant work experience, recreation and exploration, and nurturing one’s spirit. Increasingly recognized as one of America’s leading liberal arts colleges, Berry offers programs in the sciences, humanities, arts and social sciences as well as the professional areas of business and teacher education. All areas of study are characterized by high academic expectations and extraordinary mentoring relationships between faculty and students. For example, science students collaborate with faculty on sophisticated research projects in first-rate laboratory facilities; in field projects involving the wildlife and forests of Berry’s ecosystem; and in the equine, dairy and beef cattle facilities on campus. As a result, opportunities for animal science and environmental science students to gain meaningful, firsthand experience are among the best in the nation. Students in the humanities and social sciences also flourish, working closely with faculty to complete major projects while distinguishing themselves nationally though participation in Berry’s highly accomplished forensics, Model United Nations and college bowl programs. Ample opportunities for applied learning experiences also extend to business and education students and students in the arts. Thanks to the blend of conceptual and practical learning that Berry offers, students seeking to continue their education in graduate or professional school regularly gain entrance to top programs nationwide. Regardless of major, all students are encouraged to enhance their education through participation in the work experience program, and more than 90 percent take advantage of the opportunity. All students are eligible for a paid position on campus every semester, regardless of family income. First-year work opportunities often involve service to the campus community. Upper-level positions offer increased levels of responsibility involving supervision, project management and technical expertise. Opportunities are remarkably varied and include more than 300 positions in research laboratories, information technology, business offices, facilities and land resources, the equine and dairy centers, residence and campus life leadership, recreation and fitness, campus communications, public relations and marketing, and outdoor adventure. In addition, Berry offers a vibrant program of campus activities and intramural sports, many of which are student initiated and managed. A new initiative, Student-Run Enterprises, takes the student work experience to a new level by providing participants from various majors with the opportunity to work together in support of a specific product or service. The college also supports and encourages student entrepreneurship and community service. From the first semester, students are asked to consider what it means to live a worthy life, one that makes a difference, through a structured planning process and an ongoing schedule of campus speakers, concerts and events. An independent, coeducational college of more than 2,000 students, Berry is grounded on Christian values and a Christian perspective. Our belief is that a college education should involve the whole person, and we invite students from all backgrounds to enjoy the benefits of an educational experience that is both comprehensive and purposeful.