Overview
Sacred Heart University was founded in 1963 as a coeducational, independent, comprehensive institution in the Catholic intellectual tradition. Graduate programs are offered through the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education and Health Professions, and University College. In recent years, the University has achieved phenomenal growth in its enrollment, faculty, and facilities. It is the second-largest Catholic university in New England.

There are approximately 6,100 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at Sacred Heart University. Graduate enrollment exceededs 1,800 full- and part-time students. Nearly 68 percent are women, and 11 percent represent minority groups. The graduate student body represents fifteen states from New England to the Pacific Northwest as well as thirteen countries.

The Location and Community
Established in 1639, Fairfield, Connecticut, is an attractive suburban community located 55 miles northeast of New York City. The community and surrounding area are considered one of the nation’s more dynamic business and economic regions and are home to numerous Fortune 500 companies. The main campus is located on 56 acres near major thoroughfares and recreational areas.

Programs of Study and Degree Requirements
Sacred Heart University offers graduate degrees in ten fields of study: the Master of Arts in Religious Studies; the Master of Arts in Teaching, which may lead to Connecticut public school teacher certification in elementary or secondary education; the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), with concentrations in accounting, finance, and management; the Master of Science in chemistry; the Master of Science degree in computer science and information technology; the Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.), with a patient-care services administration or family nurse practitioner concentration; the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy; the Master of Science in geriatric rehabilitation and wellness; and the Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.).

A dual M.B.A./M.S.N. degree is also offered. The Master of Science in chemistry program may be completed through a twenty-one-month part-time format. Post-master’s certificates are available in the educational administration and family nurse practitioner programs. Graduate certificates of study are available in accounting, computer and information technology, e-commerce, educational technology, finance, multimedia, and Web development. The Institute for Religious Education and Pastoral Studies at Sacred Heart University offers graduate courses in conjunction with the graduate education and graduate religious studies programs.

Each program is designed for students to maximize their potential through academic or internship experiences. Class sizes are generally small, allowing for frequent faculty-student contact. Many programs are available on a full-time or part-time basis. Courses are held locally throughout the calendar year in Fairfield, Stamford, and Lisbon, Connecticut. The University currently offers the only academically accredited M.B.A. program in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Facilities & Resources
The Ryan-Matura Library holds more than 263,000 volumes and maintains 2,100 periodical subscriptions. Additional materials are available through interlibrary loan with colleges and universities located throughout the area. A number of state-of-the-art chemistry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and computer science laboratories are available for student use. The University sponsors the Center for Christian-Jewish Understanding, an educational and research resource on current religious thought in Christianity and Judaism. A 4,500-square-foot physical therapy clinic is housed in the William H. Pitt Health and Recreation Center.

International Students
International applicants must have a minimum TOEFL score of 550 on the paper-based exam or 220 on the computer-based exam and are required to demonstrate the ability to finance their education for F-1 Visa eligibility.

Expenses and Aid
Tuition for most graduate students is charged on a per-credit-hour basis. Rates vary by program, but for the 2007-08 academic year ranged from $450 to $595 per credit. Tuition for the Master of Science in Physical Therapy program was approximately $29,000 for the academic year and for the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program, about $27,000.

Financial Aid:
A limited number of research and staff assistantships are available to graduate students. Off-campus internship opportunities that provide tuition waivers and/or stipends are available on a competitive basis through the Office of Career Development. Teaching internships, which provide partial tuition waivers toward the teacher certification or the Master of Arts in Teaching program, are available in area school districts. Financial aid in the form of GradEXCEL Loans, federal student loan programs, and deferred payment plans are available through the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

Housing/Living Expenses:
Most graduate students commute to campus. Rent for off-campus housing in neighboring communities ranges from $500 to $900 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.

How to Apply
A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university or its equivalent is required for admission. Other requirements vary for each program. All applicants must submit a completed application to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

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