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Academics

Division of Professional Studies

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 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 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

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. 

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 21 months and will prepare students to work as technicians in the aviation industry and beyond.

Anticipated Fall 2024,  in-person Johnstown

AMT Homepage


In Development

Patient Care Technician 

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


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.

AccountingBusinessComputer 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  

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.
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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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Ms. Sherri Link

Director of  Academic and Student Affairs

 slink@francis.edu

 814-472-3058

 

 

 

 

 

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 Ms. Gabrielle Cronin

 Associate Director of Operations

 gcronin@francis.edu

 814-472-2811

 

 

 

 

 

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 Heather Jones

 Online Academic Advisor

 hjones@francis.edu

 814-471-1146

 

 

 

 

 

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 Jordan Jorgenson

 Operations & Events Specialist

 jjorgenson@francis.edu

 814-471-1102

 

 

 

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 Brianna Pavkovich

 Director Aviation Maintenance Tech. Program

 bpavkovich@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 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

Next Session: May 13, 2024


There is still time to register for our upcoming classes. See a class you want to register to take? Connect with us to make sure space is still available.

 

 

We'd love to help you get started! 

professionalstudies@francis.edu   
1-800-457-6300 

Staff Directory

 

 

Blog

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.

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. 

EDD 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.

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.