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Academics

Division of Professional Studies

Continuing Studies & Workforce Development 

Career-Focused, Flexible Programs Designed for All Learners

Move your career forward or find a new path in business, technology, education, healthcare, social services and other key fields with an online degree or skill-building certificate through the Division of Professional Studies at Saint Francis University.

 

Our mission is to empower learners through innovative educational experiences rooted in Franciscan values that inspire transformation.
In our online courses and in-person workforce trainings, you will find:
  • Faculty who bring real-world expertise into the classroom.
  • In-demand skilled technical programs that fill a workforce need.
  • Transfer-friendly online certificates and degrees that fit your schedule.
  • Affordable programs with scholarship opportunities.
 
Why Saint Francis?

Experience Impact-Driven Online Programs

Values-driven professionals who want to make a difference are always in demand.

Whether you study on campus, off campus, or pursue your degree 100% online, the Saint Francis University promise is the same for every student.  We will help you to “become that someone” who makes an impact in your chosen field. We offer a free review of your transcript(s) for earned credits from an accredited college or university.

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Honoring Your Past Experience, Supporting Your Future Goals

Your success team knows that college holds different challenges for everyone. As an online or workforce development student at Saint Francis, you will have the personalized advising and support you need to be successful. 

Now offering Credit for Prior Learning/Work Experience!

 

Our Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), offered year-round, lets you earn credit for the real-world experience you've already gained - saving you time and money as you move forward in your degree. 

Online Degree Paths

Undergraduate Degrees (100% online)

Accelerated Online Graduate Degree Paths 

  • Students can earn an MBA  with one additional year of study through the following online bachelor's degrees: Accounting, Computer Systems Management, and Management.
  • Students can earn an MHRM  with one additional year of study through the following online bachelor's degree: Management

Online Skill-Building Credit Certificates 

These 18-credit programs (100% online) help you build practical, career-ready knowledge in fields like business, healthcare, and technology—on your own time and budget. All are stackable into SFU associate and bachelor's degree programs.

Workforce Development Training

Aviation Specialization/Pilot's Training

This training provided in coordination with Nulton Aviation Services,  catapults a student with no past flight experience to the edge of commercial aviation. Students may earn a pilot's license while completing a college degree online or on-campus,  or opt for the flight school-only path.  Laddering potential: Credits from the specialization can be counted toward the Associate of Applied Science in Specialized Studies which can then be laddered into a bachelor's degree.

Flight Training in Johnstown
Pilot License Training Homepage

Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Certificate

This new hands-on technical training certificate program is designed to be completed in less than 21 months and will prepare students to work as technicians in the aviation industry and beyond.  Laddering potential: Only four additional online courses are needed to earn your Associate of Applied Science in Specialized Studies and from there you can progress to a B.S. in Organizational Leadership.

In-person: Johnstown

AMT Homepage

Patient Care Technician 

Discover a career where compassion meets skill. Saint Francis University's Patient Care Technician (PCT) Program gives high school students a head start in healthcare with training aligned to today's needs. This hands-on training is held in SFU's new healthcare simulation lab at the Curry Innovation Center in Altoona, PA.

PCT can also be offered as a cohort program for interested partnering organizations.

PCT Homepage

Applications are always open.
No application fee!

Applications for most online programs are accepted on a rolling basis with opportunities to start any time of the year. In fact, we have two starts per semester, typically the beginning of the semester and mid-semester.
FWW banner

Our Staff

Staff members within the Division of Professional Studies are experienced in working with adult students like you. We are available to answer your questions and guide you through our extensive portfolio of program offerings to help you find the right path to meet your goals. 

 

Connect with us!

Email:   professionalstudies@francis.edu   
Call us: 1-800-457-6300 

Julie Warnick Profile

Dr. Julie Warnick

Dean, Division of Professional Studies

jwarnick@francis.edu

814-472-2846

Sherri Link Profile Image

Ms. Sherri Link

Director of Academic and Student Affairs

slink@francis.edu

814-472-3058

Leslie Himes Profile Image

Ms. Leslie Himes

College in High School / Workforce Development

lhimes@francis.edu

814-472-3495

Heather Jones Profile Image

Heather Jones

Student Success Coach

hjones@francis.edu

814-471-1146

Bri Pavkovich Profile Image

Brianna Pavkovich

Director, Aviation Maintenance Tech. Program

bpavkovich@francis.edu

Shawniece Patterson Profile Image

Shawniece Patterson

Enrollment Advisor

spatterson@francis.edu

Angela Petro Profile Image

Ms. Angelina Petro

Dean's Administrative Assistant / Office Manager

axp400@francis.edu

814-472-3247

Our Faculty

Degree and certificate programs offered through the Division of Professional Studies are taught by an advantageous mix of accomplished SFU faculty and industry experts who are passionate about teaching online and workforce develpment  learners. 

In our online courses, you will find faculty who:
  • bring real-world expertise into the classroom.
  • tailor their online or on ground courses to best deliver the subject matter.
  • are trained in effective online teaching styles and technology tools.
  • are specialized and experienced in their technical workforce areas.

Application Process

  • Completed application:  online application  (No application fee!)
  • Official transcripts for all post-secondary study (If no prior college courses, then a copy of your high school transcripts or GED required)
  • Visiting Students  (non-SFU students taking individual courses) complete the  Non Degree Application​​​​​​

View the Saint Francis University Statement of Nondiscrimination

Attention Prospective Online Students Residing Outside of Pennsylvania

 

According to higher education regulations, Saint Francis University and its online/distance education courses and programs must be authorized in certain states prior to offering those courses or programs to students residing in those states. Prospective students residing outside of Pennsylvania should consult the University’s State Authorization web page to determine their eligibility for admission to our online programs or enrollment in an online course.

 

Important Note: If you are considering an academic program that leads to a professional license or certification in your state, it is highly recommended that you first seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency in your home state before beginning the academic program located outside your state.

Questions may be directed to (814) 472-3199. 

Student Complaint Resolution 

Student Identity Verification for Online Learning 


Saint Francis University does not charge a fee for student identity verification for online learning. Any required travel to campus for student identity verification for online learning would be indicated prior to and during the registration process through publications such as course syllabi, the University's website, or the course catalog.

Blog
Group Photo of Nursing Cohort

Saint Francis Nursing Holds White Coat Ceremony

Mitchell Jubas | 09/01/2025
Saint Francis University’s White Coat Ceremony marks students’ entry into clinical training, uniting academic rigor with compassion and service in the healthcare field.
PCT progran graduates at celebration and in lab

Inaugural Class Completes Patient Care Technician Program

Marie Young, University Communications & Marketing | 08/25/2025
On Monday, August 11, 2025, the Division of Professional Studies (DPS) at Saint Francis University hosted a special recognition and program completion ceremony at SFU’s Curry Innovation Center in Altoona to honor nine students who successfully completed the new Patient Care Technician (PCT) program.
Aviation Open House Blog Thumbnail

Saint Francis University to Host Aviation Education Center Open House Saturday, June 28, 2025

University Communications & Marketing | 05/09/2025
Saint Francis University will host a public Aviation Open House at its new Aviation Education Center, offering prospective students, families, and members of the community an up-close look at one of the region’s most innovative career training programs. The event, which will take place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, will be held at the Saint Francis University Aviation Education Center, located at 220 Innovation Drive, Johnstown, PA 15904.
Fiaunna Bertha Saint Francis University Success Story Profile

Success Profile: Fiaunna Bertha

Marie Young, University Communications Manager | 05/02/2025
Fiaunna Bertha, a 40-year-old mother of two and traveling surgical technologist from Philadelphia, is set to graduate this May with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Healthcare Studies from Saint Francis University. Driven to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant (PA), she has embarked on a challenging educational journey that started online and eventually brought her to attend classes in Loretto to meet her lofty goals.
Belltower Logo with photo behind

SFU and GACTC enter new articulation agreement

Marie Young, University Communications & Marketing | 09/11/2024
Saint Francis University and the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center (GACTC) recently implemented a new articulation agreement that will allow GACTC high school and postsecondary students to move seamlessly several of the center's programs into the online Associate of Applied Science in Specialized Studies offered through Saint Francis University's Division of Professional Studies.
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