The current sophomore class at Providence University College is the Otterburne, MB institution’s largest since 2014, with 97 students making up a strong second-year cohort. Providence Theological Seminary, meanwhile, has more full-time students than last year, nearly a quarter of whom are pursuing degrees or certificates via distance education.
This encouraging data was revealed by the annual Registrar’s Report, which was made available in early October.
In addition to demonstrating an increase in first-year retention, the report also discloses an overall retention rate of 75 per cent—the second-highest such rate since 2012 and third-highest of the last decade. Also notable is the robust Doctor of Ministry cohort, with 19 students currently pursuing the highest level of education provided at Providence.
At undergraduate level, the Bachelor of Arts in Aviation program, which combines aviation training through Harv’s Air with the holistic education experience of Providence, continues to be a popular offering, with 21 students enrolled this semester. Social Science is thriving as well, with 27 students having made the discipline their major. Entering its fifth year on offer at Providence, Psychology has registered an impressive 30 students.
The Certificate of TESOL, which has long been a sought-after minor at Providence, remains the secondary discipline of choice, counting 25 students including it as part of their degrees.
Providence Theological Seminary, which houses most of the institution’s graduate studies, has grown since last semester in both net registrations and full-time students. Of particular note are the 56 students who will be studying through distance education in 2018-19.
The Master of Divinity degree, which is the accepted prerequisite for ordained ministry, continues to trend upward in registrations, showing 26 per cent growth over this time last year. Counselling and Counselling Psychology, finally, have established themselves as signature programs at Providence, with 90 students committed to providing Christian counselling in the lives of individuals, families and communities.
Geographically, 67 of the 165 students taking courses through Providence Theological Seminary are based in Manitoba, with considerable contingents representing the rest of Western Canada, Ontario, South America and Southeast Asia.
More than 20 per cent of Providence University College students hail from outside Canada, with 10 from the United States and 49 others coming from around the world to help comprise the vibrant Providence community.
Providence is thankful for each student who passes through the institution’s doors and gratefully acknowledges the continued blessings of God these last 93 years. We are committed to being identified among Canada’s foremost Christian universities as a learning community that transforms students into leaders of character, knowledge and faith, equipping them to serve Christ in a changing world.
