Spotlight: Saint Joseph’s University

Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia is evolving to better serve its students, particularly following its merger with the University of the Sciences. The merger has enhanced its focus on health sciences, with the new University City Campus dedicated to healthcare programs like Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant studies, and Pharmacy. Applicants can apply for direct entry from high school through graduate levels. The campus will also offer a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, guaranteeing admission to graduate programs for undergraduates who maintain a solid GPA. Many natural science courses will still be available at the original campus, and enrollment is expected to rise to about 6,000 students due to the merger.

SJU remains committed to providing a well-rounded education in line with its Jesuit tradition.

SJU Fellowships & Majors

Saint Joseph’s University remains committed to providing a well-rounded education aligned with its Jesuit tradition. The College of Arts and Sciences offers a variety of majors, including popular programs in biology, psychology, and communications. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on post-graduate fellowships, with opportunities such as the Goldwater Scholarship, National Institute of Health (NIH) fellowships, the Fulbright Program, and the St. Andrews Scholarship. The School of Business provides traditional majors and specialized programs in business analytics, insurance, risk management, food marketing, pharmaceutical marketing, and sports marketing. Business majors and computer science students can take advantage of co-op programs, completing two semesters of work while maintaining a four-year graduation timeline by taking summer courses.

The university accepts precalculus as a prerequisite math for business and computer science majors and even accepts Algebra 2. There are expectations for higher high school math for PT and OT. However, they don’t admit by major anyway.

Many Saint Joseph’s University students pursue double majors or major-minor combinations, with 65% of students choosing this path. This showcases the flexibility and diversity of the curriculum and allows students to explore their interests across different fields. The curriculum also includes two required theology and philosophy courses, focusing on Faith and Reason in the Catholic tradition, and a course that promotes an intellectual approach to religious differences rather than doctrine. 

The Kinney Center supports & serves individuals and families affected by autism across the lifespan.

The Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support

Dr. Christine Mackey oversees accessibility services, ensuring faculty support for students with special needs. The Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support offers the Aspire program for students with ASD. It is expanding its offerings, including a new residential hall for those on the spectrum, which opened last fall. In addition, Kinney provides a research and service focus, training future professionals in working with students with ASD and providing direct services to members of the community with ASD. Kinney offers autism studies, which can be a valuable minor for education, business, or biology students.

Saint Joseph’s University Office of Student Success

Saint Joseph’s University strongly emphasizes student support and success. The Office of Student Success offers tutoring, supplemental instruction, and a coaching program on a first-come, first-served basis. The Rebound program is designed to help second-semester, first-year students who may have struggled during their first semester, ensuring that no student is left behind in their academic journey. 

SJU Scholarships

The university is committed to diversity and inclusion. Merit scholarships range from $10,000 to $28,000, and students with solid A grades earn top academic scholarships, with test scores considered but not required. 60% of applicants applied without test scores, reflecting the diverse applicant pool. Approximately 22-25% of the student body are students of color, and 2% are international students, half of whom are athletes. Just under 80% of students are Catholic. There is a Muslim prayer space and transportation to other religious services. The McNulty Scholars Program further demonstrates the university’s commitment, offering full and partial scholarships for women in STEM, providing research opportunities and the chance to join the program later as a fellow.

Check out Saint Joseph’s wide range of extracurricular activities. 

SJU Transportation & Renovations

The university’s facilities are also undergoing significant renovations, including the student recreation facility and the basketball arena. A new underpass under City Avenue makes it safer for students. Transportation options are convenient, with a SEPTA stop down the street and many students using Uber. The university also operates shuttles between campuses, making it easy for students to access all Saint Joseph’s offers. Students can explore nearby neighborhoods off-campus, known for their yoga studios, breweries, restaurants, and student housing.

Saint Joseph’s University has a lot to offer on campus and in the city of Philadelphia, and it is worth a look for high school students seeking a college with many academic and campus opportunities.

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