University of Scranton

Recognized as one of America's Best Colleges by US News and World Report, University of Scranton offers two ONLINE Master's degrees in Education, providing teachers and administrators with the knowledge to become more effective in and out of the classroom.

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The University of Scranton is a private, co-educational Jesuit university, located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in the northeast region of the state. The school was founded in 1888 by Most Rev. William O'Hara, the first Bishop of Scranton, as St. Thomas College. It was elevated to a university in 1938, taking the name the University of Scranton. The institution was operated by the Diocese, and later the Christian Brothers, from 1888 to 1942. In 1942, Bishop William Hafey invited the Society of Jesus to take charge of the university. Today, the University of Scranton is one of 28 member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. Around 25 Jesuits are normally in residence at Scranton.

Q & A: University of Scranton

The University is composed of four colleges: The College of Arts and Sciences, The Kania School of Management, The Panuska College of Professional Studies, and The College of Graduate and Continuing Education (a recent merger of the Graduate School and The Dexter Hanley College).

Areas of Academic Study

The University grants undergraduate degrees (Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science) in 57 majors. Students may also utilize many pre-professional concentrations, such as pre-medical, pre-law, and pre-dental. The university also has an Honors Program, and the SJLA (Special Jesuit Liberal Arts) Program in which select students complete courses in moral philosophy, ethics, theology, and the humanities in addition to their normal courseload.

The University also grants graduate degrees (Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Health Administration, Master of Physical Therapy) in 24 fields, among them Accounting, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Computing Sciences, Counseling and Human Services, Elementary and Special Education, Health Administration, Human Resources, History, Nursing, Software Engineering, and Theology. The University also offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Curriculum

The university offers a comprehensive liberal arts program. Students are required to take the core courses in public speaking, computer literacy and composition. Students are also required to take two theology courses, two philosophy courses, as well as an elective in one of these two areas. Filling out the general education requirements are 6 credits in science courses, 6 credits in writing intensive courses, 6 credits in cultural diversity courses, 3 credits in a math course, 12 credits in humanities courses and 3 credits in physical education.

National Recognition

The university has been recognized in several national publications; for over 10 years it has been ranked in the top 10 in U.S. News and World Report's rankings of Best Master's Universites North. It has also received praise Kaplan's Publishing, Forbes Magazine, and the Princeton Review. In addition's the school's acceptance rates for medical and law schools are well above the national averages. Over 100 of its students have been granted prestigious Fulbright Fellowships for graduate study abroad and Truman Scholarships, recognizing excellent leadership qualities.

The University of Scranton has been featured on the USNews.com's America's Best Colleges 2007 list. In the 2004 edition, The University of Scranton ranked sixth among "Universities - Master's" in the north. Also in the edition, Scranton was included among "Key Criteria in Judging School" having a graduation rate that was among the highest in the north. U.S. News has included the university in its rankings since the magazine first introduced them 20 years ago in 1983.

Student Housing

The university has 13 traditional residences, housing mostly for freshmen. Francis E. Redington Hall and John R. Gavigan Hall provide housing for upperclassmen students. The university owns over 20 additional houses and apartment buildings in the areas surrounding the campus, offering over 30 housing options for students, including Mulberry Plaza and Madison Square, two townhouse-style complexes featuring air conditioning, full kitchens, living areas and bedrooms.

The Future of The University of Scranton

The University announced plans in early 2006 to construct a new $30 million Campus Center to replace the Gunster Center, which is slated to be demolished for green space upon the new building's completion in fall 2007. The new 4 story, 118,000 square foot Campus Center would house two cafeterias, the University book store, administrative offices, a 260 seat theater, and a 7,000 sq. foot ballroom, as well as a number of other facilities.