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.
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.
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.
choose a career path that is in sync with your goals and values
navigate earning credit for work experience or past college courses
One of 10 Best Online Colleges in PA
Online Degree Paths
Undergraduate Degrees (100% online)
Accelerated Online Graduate Degree Paths
Accounting to MBA - 24/25
Computer Systems Management to MBA - 24/25
Management to MBA - 24/25
Management to MHRM - 24/25
Organizational Leadership to MBA - 24/25
Online Skill-Building Certificates
Accounting Fundamentals Certificate (online)
This 18-credit career-focused certificate prepares students to begin careers in accounting, banking, or finance or advance in their current career track. It is offered as a stand-alone credential or is stackable into the online BS in Accounting.
24-25 Catalog
Business Administration Certificate (online)
This 18-credit certificate is designed for students with little or no business experience. It is offered as a stand-alone credential or is stackable into the online AS in Business Administration or into one of the online business bachelor’s degrees.
24-25 Catalog
Healthcare Management Certificate (online)
This 18-credit career-focused certificate covers macro-level healthcare policy challenges and issues, best contemporary management and marketing practices in the field, and special ethical and legal issues facing healthcare managers.
24-25 Catalog
Human Resource Management Certificate (online)
This 18-credit career-focused certificate can be a stand-alone credential or easily be stacked into the BS in Management or Organizational Leadership and is a pathway to the online MHRM program.
24-25 Catalog
Information Technology Management Certificate (online)
This 18-credit certificate prepares students to analyze, design, develop, implement, integrate, manage, and maintain information systems and information technology. This program also educates students about the basics of cybersecurity.
24-25 Catalog
Management and Leadership Certificate (online)
This 18-credit cetificate program emphasizes management principles, leadership styles, ethical leadership, human resource management, and decision-making. It is offered as a stand-alone credential or is stackable into the online BS in Management or online BS in Organizational Leadership.
24-25 Catalog
Micro-Credential in Homebrewing/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
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
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.
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.
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
Dr. Julie Warnick
Dean, Division of Professional Studies
814-472-2846
Ms. Sherri Link
Director of Academic and Student Affairs
814-472-3058
Ms. Leslie Himes
College in High School/Workforce Development
814-472-3495
Heather Jones
Student Success Coach
814-471-1146
Brianna Pavkovich
Director Aviation Maintenance Tech. Program
Shawniece Patterson
Enrollment Advisor
Ms. Alicia Turcios Rodriguez
Dean's Administrative Assistant/Office Manager
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.