Sacred Heart University

Sacred Heart University, the second-largest Catholic university in the state, is committed to truth, justice, service, and intellectual support. Approximately 5,400 students attend each year. In addition to a 300-acre Fairfield campus, this private institution features an e-learning branch with seven online degrees. SHU's online degrees focus primarily on nursing practice, with options available at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Current RNs can enroll in a standard RN-to-BSN pathway or combine undergraduate and graduate studies into one RN-BSN-MSN pathway. Master's programs are also available in social work or strategic communication and public relations. Many of SHU's online degrees require in-person clinical practicum hours, but the asynchronous course material can be accessed online 24/7 from any location. Admission procedures and requirements -- including prerequisite education, licensure, minimum GPA, resume, and letters of recommendation -- vary by program selection. All online students pay the same tuition rates, regardless of residency.
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Admissions Breakdown
Acceptance Rate Insight
66% of students
were accepted during the 2020-2021 school year. Sometimes schools
with midrange acceptance rates have higher standards of entry but
are still accessible to many students who apply.
Retention Rate Insight
87% of full-time
students stayed to continue their studies the following academic
year. These students started in Fall 2019 and returned in Fall
2020.
Graduation Rate Insight
73% of students
graduated out of all full-time, first-time students who began their
studies in Fall 2014. Keep in mind many students who enroll are
not typically first-time students, as most are adult learners.
Therefore, the number of first-time students is traditionally low.
Application Considerations
Test scores: | Not required or recommended | High school transcript: | Required |
High school rank: | Recommended | Letter of recommendation: | Required |
High school GPA: | Required | Open admission: | No |
Completion of college prep program: | Recommended | Test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL): |
Transfer Credit Policy
Dual enrollment: Yes
Advance placement (AP) credits: Yes
Credit for qualified life experience*:
ⓘ
*This can include previous jobs, trainings, licenses/credentials,
or seminars. You may need to complete an exam or provide a
portfolio to earn credit.
Learning Environment
9k
Students enrolledOnline student enrollmentStudent to faculty ratio
68%
Online student enrollmentStudent to faculty ratio
14:1
Student to faculty ratio
Degrees Awarded by Program
Degrees given for the 2020-2021 academic year.
# | Programs | BA | MA | Doc |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Biological And Biomedical Sciences | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ |
2 | Business, Management, Marketing, And Related Support Services | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
3 | Communication, Journalism, And Related Programs | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ |
4 | Computer And Information Sciences And Support Services | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ |
5 | Education | ✕ | ✔ | ✕ |
6 | English Language And Literature/Letters | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
7 | Foreign Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
8 | Health Professions And Related Clinical Sciences | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
9 | Health Professions And Related Programs | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
10 | History | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
11 | History | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
12 | Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting And Related Protective Services | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ |
13 | Liberal Arts And Sciences, General Studies And Humanities | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
14 | Mathematics And Statistics | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ |
15 | Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
16 | Philosophy And Religious Studies | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
17 | Physical Sciences | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ |
18 | Psychology | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ |
19 | Public Administration And Social Service Professions | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ |
20 | Security And Protective Services | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ |
21 | Social Sciences | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
22 | Visual And Performing Arts | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ |