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Division of Professional Studies

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    • 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.
    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. 
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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

    Online Degree Paths

    Undergraduate Degrees (100% online)

    Accelerated Online Graduate Degree Paths 

    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 

    This hands-on training certificate program was developed to support the region's healthcare workforce needs. Classes will be held in SFU's new healthcare simulation lab at the Curry Innovation Center in Altoona, PA.

    PCT is offered as a cohort program for interested partnering organizations. To learn more, contact the program director: Dr. Don Walkovich, dwalkovich@francis.edu.

    Learn more about Workforce Development Initiatives at SFU

     

    Skill-Building Certificates 

    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 the knowledge and experience to qualify for entry-level jobs in a brewery.  Digital badging credential included. 

    Brewing Certificate

    Homebrewing Basics Micro-Credential  

    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.
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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 

    Julie Warnick Profile

     

     Dr. Julie Warnick

     Dean, Division of Professional Studies

     jwarnick@francis.edu

     814-472-2846

     

     

     

     

     

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     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

     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

     

     

     

    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
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    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.
    Saint Francis University Aviation Education Center Dedication

    Saint Francis University Dedicates New Aviation Education Center

    Marie Young, University Communications & Marketing | 08/30/2024
    Saint Francis University proudly celebrated the Blessing and Dedication of the Saint Francis University Aviation Education Center alongside the grand opening of its FAA-certified Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) program on August 29, 2024.
    Aviation Hanger

    Inside look at SFU's new AMT program

    University Communications & Marketing | 07/24/2024
    On August 26 we will welcome our first class of certificate students in the Aviation Maintenance Technician Program! The video below offers a sneak-peek tour inside our brand-new aviation hangar, where the future of aviation maintenance is taking flight.
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    U.S. News & World Report Ranks Saint Francis University Among Best Online Programs

    University Communications & Marketing | 02/07/2024
    Saint Francis University has been ranked No. 138 among the 2024 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs by U.S. News & World Report. This ranking marks a 107-slot improvement over the University’s 2023 ranking of 245. A total of 348 Universities were evaluated as part of the ranking process. SFU ranks #5 in Pennsylvania.
    Pavkovich Announcement

    SFU names inaugural director for new Aviation Maintenance Technician School

    Marie Young, University Communications & Marketing | 10/10/2023
    Saint Francis University has appointed Brianna Pavkovich of Rockwood, PA, the inaugural director of the university's newest workforce development initiative, the Aviation Maintenance Technician certificate program. As the new director, her first duties include guiding the program through the FAA approval process with the goal of beginning classes in Fall 2024. 
    Executive Doctorate 2023 Cohort

    Ed.D. program hosts second cohort residency

    Division of Professional Studies | 10/05/2023
    The Division of Professional Studies welcomed its second Executive Doctor of Education of Organizational Leadership & Innovation Cohort. The cohort, named Aggiornamento 2023, gathered in person on September 7th through September 10th 2023 for their first residency.
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