Saint Joseph's University began in 1851 as around 30 men gathered in the courtyard of Saint Joseph's Church, one block from Independence Hall. However, the roots of Saint Joseph University go as far back as 1741, when a Jesuit College was proposed and planned by Joseph Greaton, S.J., the first pastor of Old St. Joseph's. Dissension within the Philadelphia Catholic community as well as the suppression of the Jesuit faith kept Father Greaton's dream from becoming a reality for almost 100 years.
The first classes were held at the church until a larger site was found on Filbert Street in 1856. This location had to be abandoned and the school moved back to Old St. Joseph's due to financial difficulties in 1860. The Civil War diminished enrollment significantly and the school struggled to remain open both during and after the conflict. Enrollment began to grow after the end of the war and a new location was chosen between 17th and 18th Streets. Burchard Villiger, S.J., one of the original faculty members, became president in 1866 and the school moved to the new campus in 1889.
In 1927, a building campaign began to raise $1 million so that the school could purchase 23 acres in a residential area at the western edge of the city. The fund-raising campaign was highly successful and the school began construction in 1925. The new campus opened in 1927 and the school remains at that location today. An evening school was founded in 1943 and enrollment continued to grow, even as the country engaged in two World Wars. Women were admitted in 1970 and the school gained university status in 1978.
Today, there are more than 8,400 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs. The school boasts over 66,000 alumni and has an endowment of $210 million as well as a $224 million operating budget. U.S. News and World Report named the school eleventh among Best Colleges in the North in 2018 and fourth for Best Colleges for Veterans that same year. Forbes ranks the school as one of America's Top Colleges and Princeton Review named it one of the Best Colleges in 2018.
Saint Joseph's University Accreditation Details
Saint Joseph's University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Regional accreditation means that the school provides students with excellence in education, preparing them for careers in their chosen field of study. The Erivan K. Haub School of Business is also accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This indicates that the school represents high standards of achievement for business schools around the globe.
Saint Joseph's University Application Requirements
Students who have not earned college credit after high school graduation are considered freshmen. Applicants must complete either the Common Application or Saint Joseph's Application and pay the fee. Students must provide official high school transcripts, a letter of recommendation from a teacher or school counselor, and a personal essay. Students may also provide ACT or SAT scores although that is optional.
Students who have earned college credit after graduation are considered transfer students. Students must complete the Common Application or Saint Joseph's Application and pay the fee. Students must provide an official high school transcript that indicates their date of graduation, as well as official transcripts from all colleges and universities, attended. Students must also provide the Transfer Registrar's Report form as well as a course syllabi.
Each graduate program has its own requirements for admission. Students are asked to contact an admissions counselor before applying. Students must hold a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university before applying for graduate studies.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Annual tuition for full-time undergraduate students at Saint Joseph's University is $43,700 or $1,457 per credit hour. Graduate tuition varies depending on which program the student chooses to enter. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and work-study programs. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for financial assistance.
Online Degrees Available
Master of Science in Business Intelligence and Analytics
Saint Joseph's University offers a Business Intelligence and Analytics Master of Science degree that is available completely online. The program prepares students to be leaders in organizations through the use of organizational knowledge. Students gain an understanding of how business data can help grow the organization and how to use that data to develop opportunities, gain competitive advantage and identify effective strategies. The program is designed for students interested in using data to advance their company as well as their own careers. Students develop analytical skills that can be applied to many different industries. Graduates are equipped with advanced business credentials in the form of a SAS-endorsed certificate.
Executive Food Marketing MBA
The Master of Business Administration in Executive Food Marketing is the only degree of its kind in the country. The program follows the same 36-credit curriculum that is taught on campus but is offered in an online format. Students gain an understanding of:
- Category Management
- Competitive Analysis
- Consumer & Trade Promotions
- Food Marketing Strategy
- Food Policy
- Food Retailing
- Food Service
- International Marketing
- Market Segmentation
- New Product Planning
- Qualitative/Quantitative Research
- Supply Chain
Students may also choose to enroll in a hybrid program of both online and on-campus courses. Students who are enrolled online receive all course materials as well as a laptop configured and pre-loaded with software.
Master of Science in Strategic Human Resource Management
Saint Joseph's University offers an online Master of Science in Strategic Human Resource Management that supports industry professionals in their efforts to advance in a current career or move into a new career. Students become strategic partners in their organization with their understanding of the HR field. Students gain an understanding of organizational development that allows their company to better compete in their marketplace. The program is endorsed by the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM). Students gain an understanding of everything from human resources to operations as well as sales, marketing, finance, production, and customer service.
Saint Joseph's University has been providing outstanding education for over 160 years. Today, the St. Joseph's University online options allow working adults to achieve their higher education goals while also meeting family, work, and social obligations.