Francis Worldwide

School of Continuing Studies

Career-Focused, Flexible Programs for Adult Continuing Education Students

Gain the skills that you need to move your career forward in business, technology, education, healthcare, or social services fields with an online degree or certificate through Francis Worldwide School of Continuing Studies at Saint Francis University.

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.

Honoring Your Past Experience, Supporting Your Future Goals

Your success team knows that college holds different challenges for working adults. As an online adult education student at Saint Francis, you will have the personalized advising and support you need to be successful.

choose a career path that is in sync with your goals and values

navigate earning credit for work experience or past college courses

access the stellar student success services available to all students, on-site and online

Take the first step.

Request information about our online adult education programs and one of our dedicated enrollment counselors will connect with you.

Choose your online program.

Associate Degrees
Associate Degrees
- Business Administration
- Early Childhood Education
Bachelor’s Degrees
Bachelor’s Degrees
Master's Degrees
Business/Leadership
Education
- Education (MEd)
- Special Education (MSEd)
Healthcare
Education Certificate/Endorsement Programs

We offer a robust online portfolio of Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)-approved endorsement and certificate programs.

To view available programs visit:

Graduate Education Department Homepage
Doctorate
- Executive Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and Innovation
Skill-Builder Certificates
Explore certificate programs for those who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and now would like to learn focused skills in another area.
For more information call or email us:

1-800-457-6300

worldwide@francis.edu
Accelerated Programs

Our Staff

Staff members within the Francis Worldwide School of Continuing 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: worldwide@francis.edu
Call us: 1-800-457-6300

Dean of Francis Worldwide School of Continuing 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 Online Environment

In our online degrees and certificate programs, your instructors share their classroom knowledge and industry expertise in ways that are proven to work best for adult learners. The right technology, coupled with small class sizes, will allow you to build relationships with fellow students and have meaningful interactions with your instructors.

Francis Worldwide Faculty

Degree and certificate programs offered through the Francis Worldwide School of Continuing 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.

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.

Apply Now

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.

Schedule of Classes

Latest News

Headshots of Nadine Kerlin, Victoria Smothers, and Kamron Lewis, Inaugural Recipients of the Uplift Scholarship for Francis Worldwide Continuing Education students at Saint Francis University

Saint Francis Announces Inaugural Uplift Scholarship Recipients

University Communications & Marketing | 03/10/2023

The Uplift Annual Scholarship is open to students enrolled in an online associate or bachelor’s degree program through the Francis Worldwide School of Continuing Studies.

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.

text "Increasing your leadership ability begins with assessing yourself" over stack of leadership books

Explore your Uniqueness as a Leader in Ed.D. Course 2

Dr. Leah Spangler | 02/13/2023

Who are you? What do you value? How do you want people to see you? These are big questions. Increasing your leadership ability begins with assessing yourself.

Text: SFU's EDD: A Glimpse into the First Course over image of leadership books

Executive Doctorate Program: A Glimpse into the First Course

Dr. Patrick E. Crawford | 02/06/2023

What should you expect in the first course of SFU's first research-based doctoral program? Dr. Crawford gives you a look inside the course.

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.

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.

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.

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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