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Academics

Division of Professional Studies

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    • Continuing Studies & Workforce Development 

    Career-Focused, Flexible Programs Designed for Adults

    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.
    In our online courses and workforce trainings, you will find:
    • Faculty who bring real-world expertise into the classroom.
    • In-demand programs that fill a workforce need.
    • Transfer-friendly online degrees that fit your schedule. 
     
    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 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 working adults. As an online student at Saint Francis, you will have the personalized advising and support you need to be successful. 
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    choose a career path that is in sync with your goals and values

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    navigate earning credit for work experience or past college courses

    Forbes Advisor 2023

    One of 10 Best Online Colleges  in PA

    Professional Studies: Online Degrees

     

    Online Undergraduate Degrees

    Accelerated Online Graduate Degree Paths 

    Online Doctorate

    Other Offerings

    View shorter online and in-person programs here.

    Applications are always open.

     

    Applications for most online adult education 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.

     

     

    Skill Building Certificates & Workforce Development

    Animal-Assisted Health & Education (online)

    Partner with animals in the mission to improve human health and performance.

    Animal-Assisted Health & Education Specialist

    Aviation Specialization/Pilot's Training

    Students may earn a pilot's license while completing a college degree online or on-campus,  or opt for the flight school-only path.

    Aviation Specialization (Pilot License Training)

    Business Skills Certificates (online)

    Valuable to those beginning careers or to those changing career directions.

    Accounting,  Business, Computer Systems Management  & Management

    Home Brewing  Micro-Credential & Brewing Certificate (Online)

     Tier 1 (the micro-credential) is designed for learners who seek an introduction or guidance to homebrewing. Tier 2 (the certificate) provides learners with knowledge and experience to qualify for entry level jobs in a brewery.  Digital badging credential included. 

    Catalog 23/24: 

    Brewing Certificate

    Homebrewing Basics Micro-Credential  

     

    New Programs: Under Development

    About Workforce Development Initiatives at SFU

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    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 

    Dean of the Division of Professional Studies

     

    Dr. Tricia McFadden


    Dr. Tricia McFadden
    TMcfadden@francis.edu
    814-471-1163

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Sherri Link Profile Image

     

     Ms. Sherri Link

    Director of  Academic and Student Affairs

     slink@francis.edu

     814-472-3058

     

     

     

     

     

    Gabi Cronin Profile Image

     

     Ms. Gabrielle Cronin

     Associate Director of Operations

     gcronin@francis.edu

     814-472-2811

     

     

     

     

     

    Heather Jones Profile Image

     

     Heather Jones

     Online Academic Advisor

     hjones@francis.edu

     814-471-1146

     

     

     

     

     

    Cassandra Perry Profile Image

     

     Ms. Cassandra Perry

     Online Academic Advisor

     cperry@francis.edu

     814-472-2707

     

     

     

     

    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 adult learners. 

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

    Application Process

    • Completed application:  online application  
    • 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.

    Schedule of Classes

     

    View the upcoming fall, spring, and winter schedules.

     

    Latest News

    A Student's Perspective: Scholar-Practitioner and Learning Teams

    Scholar-Practitioner and Learning Teams within the Ed.D Program

    Joe Coray, ’83 | 02/23/2023
    Coray shares his perspective on the value of joining the Ed.D cohort of established professionals who desire to keep learning, going deeper and broader into leadership, ethics, and innovation as it applies to their respective fields and areas of interest.
    Rankings Image

    Ranked 79th in Best Online Bachelor's in Business Programs

    University Communications & Marketing | 01/30/2023
    Saint Francis University has been named one of the top 100 universities to pursue an online bachelor’s degree in business. According to U.S. News and World Report, the university ranks 79th in its list of "Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs."
    Ph.D. vs Ed.D: Which doctoral path is right for me?

    Doctoral Degrees: Ph.D. vs. Ed.D.

    Dr. Tricia McFadden, Francis Worldwide School of Continuing Studies | 01/18/2023
    Many who are interested in a doctoral degree ask the question which degree is the path for me. This post walks readers through the differences between Ph.D and Ed.D programs.
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    SFU receives Top 10 Military Friendly School ranking

    02/16/2020
    For the tenth year, Saint Francis University has been named a “Military Friendly School” by VIQTORY. This year, the university earned the organization’s "Top 10 School" Award, which is the highest award a school can earn.
    Mike Amenti

    Diving In With Mike Amenti

    03/22/2019
    Mike Amenti originally enrolled at Saint Francis University in 2007 as a Communications major, but like many first year students, he was very uncertain with what he wanted to do in life at that point. He took a wide variety of business, health and even scuba courses.
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    Military to Executive: Tami Clark Proves it's Never Too Late to Get Your Degree 2018

    06/22/2018
    For Tami Clark, Saint Francis was the last stepping stone on a long journey. After serving overseas with the Army in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, she returned home in 2004 and started a family. While Tami’s education remained on the back-burner for the next several years, her desire to earn her degree was never far from her mind.
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