Academic Departments & Career Development Recognized with Colleges of Distinction Honors

University Communications & Marketing | 08/24/2023

Business College of Distinction IconEducation College of Distinction IconEngineering College of Distinction IconNursing College of Distinction IconCareer Development College of Distinction Icon

Colleges of Distinction advocates for institutions that provide well-rounded and individualized undergraduate experiences. Among these exceptional schools, Saint Francis University stands out for its commitment to graduating students with strong critical thinking skills and adaptability in a rapidly evolving society.

Acknowledged as a College of Distinction, and Catholic College of Distinction, SFU has also received specialized recognition in the field(s) of Business, Education, Engineering, and Nursing. SFU received a special accolade for its outstanding Career Development initiatives for undergraduate students. This is an additional recognition from Colleges of Distinction.


Business - To earn this distinction, Shields School of Business at Saint Francis University demonstrated the following indicators of excellence:

  • Stability
  • Accreditation 
  • Multidisciplinarity
  • Practical Experience 
  • Collaborative Learning 
  • Business Ethics 
  • Dedicated Advising and Counseling
  • High-Impact Practices 
  • Industry Connections

Education - To earn this distinction, Saint Francis University's Education programs demonstrated the following markers of excellence:

  • Stability
  • Accreditation
  • Multidisciplinarity
  • Practical Experience
  • Non-Education Specialization
  • Dedicated Advising and Counseling
  • High-Impact Practices
  • Industry Connections

Engineering - To receive this recognition, Engineering at Saint Francis University demonstrated excellence in several key areas:

  • Stability
  • Accreditation
  • Practical Experience 
  • Multidisciplinarity
  • Collaborative Work
  • Soft Skills Development
  • Facilities Investment
  • Dedicated Advising and Counseling
  • High-Impact Practices
  • Industry Connections

Nursing - The Department of Nursing at Saint Francis University demonstrated excellence in the following areas:

  • Stability
  • Faculty Excellence
  • Accreditation
  • Practical Experience
  • High Mastery Rates
  • Liberal Arts Exposure
  • High-Impact Practices
  • Industry Connections

Career Development

In a precarious global economy, students are pursuing a college degree with the expectation that it will help launch a career they are passionate about. And while earning a bachelor’s degree is a great start, there are many other things colleges can provide their students with a significant advantage in the job market. SFU’s Career Development award from Colleges of Distinction confirms that its career services go above and beyond the norm, supporting students with comprehensive four-year plans, personalized advising, and more.


The Career Services Department includes: 

Integrated Career Exploration and Preparation

  • Introduction to the career services office during new student orientation and the first semester.
  • Collaboration with academic departments to integrate career resources into the classroom.
  • Guidance to help students navigate the services available at different stages of their academic journey.
  • Emphasis on career and major exploration across all fields of study.

Accessible Programs and Training

  • 24/7 online access to career services resources.
  • One-on-one counseling appointments for personalized assistance.
  • Services such as self-assessments, résumé and cover letter writing, interview preparation, and networking support.
  • Workshops and events to enhance job search skills and receive feedback.

Dedicated, Career-Centered Staff

  • Both career and personal assessments to help students gain self-awareness and explore their interests.
  • Employ dedicated staff members for employer relations and corporate partnerships.
  • Facilitate mentorship and internship programs to connect students with alumni and industry professionals.