SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY
Fairfield, Connecticut
The University
Sacred Heart University, established in 1963, is a coeducational independent institution of higher learning in the Catholic intellectual tradition whose primary objective is to prepare men and women to live in and make their contributions to the human community. The University aims to assist in the development of people who are knowledgeable of self, rooted in faith, educated in mind, compassionate in heart, responsive to social and civic obligations, and able to respond to an ever-changing world. Sacred Heart University is committed to combining education for life with preparation for professional excellence.
A Strategic Plan provides a road map for the University as it strives to meet the needs of today's students. The plan calls for the construction of new facilities as well as the implementation of new academic, athletic, and social programs. Ten residence halls have opened in the last ten years. Three new residence halls will open in fall 2004. A $17-million health and recreation complex opened in 1997. In addition, the University was one of the first Catholic colleges to introduce a student mobile computing program, providing new students with a wireless Dell notebook computer.
The current undergraduate enrollment includes approximately 3,100 full-time students. Extracurricular activities include fraternities, sororities, student government, the student newspaper, the student yearbook, a student radio station, academic clubs in almost every area of study, the debate club, the International Club, La Hispanidad, theater, dance, and intramural sports programs. Sacred Heart University offers men's and women's competition in NCAA Division I baseball, basketball, bowling, crew, cross-country, equestrian, fencing, field hockey, football, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field (indoor and outdoor), volleyball, and wrestling.
Sacred Heart University is committed to providing students with extensive services to complement their education. The University Learning Center offers tutoring and assistance.
In addition to its bachelor's degree programs, the University offers nine graduate degree programs: Master of Arts in Religious Studies (M.A.R.S.), Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.), Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.), Master of Science (M.S.) in chemistry, Master of Science in computer science and information technology, Master of Science in occupational therapy, the Master of Science in geriatric rehabilitation and wellness, and the Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.).
Location
Ideally located in Fairfield County in southwestern Connecticut, Sacred Heart University is 1 hour northeast of New York City, 2 hours southwest of Boston, and 1 hour southwest of Hartford. More than half of the 56-acre campus is surrounded by a thirty-six-hole golf course.
Opportunities for internships and co-op programs are extensive due to the number of corporate headquarters located throughout Fairfield County. Sacred Heart University's neighbors include the world headquarters for General Electric as well as the Discovery Museum of Science and Industry.
Majors and Degrees
Sacred Heart University offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. Programs of study in education and allied health include athletic training, education (elementary and secondary certification), exercise science, nursing, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. In the arts and sciences, the following areas of study are available: art, biology, chemistry, communications/media studies, communications technology, computer science, criminal justice, English, environmental science, French (minor only), history, Italian (minor only), information technology, mathematics, music (minor only), philosophy, political science, psychology, religious studies, social work, sociology, Spanish, and women's studies (minor only). In business, the University offers accounting, business administration, economics, finance, and sport management.
Preprofessional programs are available in dentistry, law, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, podiatry, and veterinary medicine.
Special programs include cooperative education, educational certification programs in elementary and secondary education, English as a second language, the Honors Program, internships, legislative internships, and study abroad.
Academic Programs
A strong liberal arts core forms the basis for all curricula. Academic course work is divided into four collegesthe College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education and Health Professions, and the University College. The academic year consists of two 15-week semesters. Both day and evening courses are available.
Candidates for the bachelor's degree must complete at least 120 credits, with a minimum of 30 credits taken at the University. The baccalaureate curriculum is made up of five components: the required core (18 credits), the elective core (3032 credits), the B.A./B.S. requirements (68 credits), the major field (3058 credits), and electives (436 credits).
Off-Campus Programs
Through the Internship Program, students combine employment in business, industry, government, or social service agencies with classroom work and receive academic credit for learning derived from the work experience. Cooperative education opportunities are also offered within various departments, such as accounting, communications/media studies, criminal justice, political science, psychology, social work, and sociology. Through a summer internship program, students may be employed in an area related to their major and their career goals. The Career Development Office places 93 percent of University students in a full-time job or graduate school.
Academic Facilities
The University's library contains more than 164,000 volumes, 716 periodical titles, and 110,000 nonprint items. It also provides on-line database searching services. The Art Department includes studios for painting, design, drawing, and illustration. Science facilities include four biology labs, a climate-controlled greenhouse, a microbiology preparation lab, six chemistry labs, and a neuroscience lab. The modern foreign language laboratory is state-of-the-art. The campus also houses an 850-seat theater, an art gallery, and a professional radio station (National Public Radio).
Sacred Heart University is in the eighth year of its Student Mobile Computing Program. Full-time students receive two Dell computers during their four years as an undergraduate student. The campus has been transformed into a fully networked environment. Sacred Heart University is one of the first higher educational institutions in the country to deploy a wireless computer network. Sacred Heart University believes that computer literacy is a necessary component of that preparation. Therefore, the University is committed to a system in which students can use their laptop in class, in the library, and in their residence hall.
Costs
Costs for 200405 were $20,220 for full-time undergraduate tuition (includes laptop computer and fees), and $8910 for room and board. The cost of books is estimated to be $600 per year.
Financial Aid
Sacred Heart University maintains a strong commitment to provide higher education to as many students as possible by making available scholarships, grants, loans, and part-time employment. Financial aid packages are developed by combining Sacred Heart University's own resources with a variety of federal and state financial aid programs. Eighty-five percent of all students receive some form of financial assistance.
Any undergraduate or graduate student who is enrolled in the University on at least a part-time basis (6 credit hours per semester) is eligible for consideration. Emphasis is placed on students who are enrolled in a full-time degree program; part-time awards are limited. Applicants for aid must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS PROFILE to the College Scholarship Service on or before February 15.
The University offers several sources of financial aid, including academic scholarships, Connecticut Stafford Loans, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants. A Family Allowance is available when 2 or more members of the same family attend the University. Deferred-payment plans and endowed scholarships are also awarded. Employment within the University is awarded under the terms of the Federal Work-Study Program. The Office of Career Development maintains a list of part-time jobs in the local area. Further information can be obtained from the Dean of University Student Financial Assistance.
Faculty
The student-faculty ratio is 12:1. There are 392 faculty members, 162 of whom are full-time. Eighty-two percent have terminal degrees in their field, and 44 percent have tenure. Many faculty members are involved in research, writing, or production, yet their primary focus is on teaching. Close communication between students and faculty members is encouraged. All students are assigned a faculty adviser within their major field and a Student Life Mentor.
Student Government
Students play a major role in planning and decision making. Student Government representatives and class officers are concerned with improving the University and working for the needs of their classmates. In addition to sponsoring many functions, the Student Government serves as a liaison between the administration/staff and the student body.
Admission Requirements
Sacred Heart University is small enough to work with each student individually throughout the admissions process. The University is committed to enrolling a diverse, highly qualified, and well-motivated student body. Candidates for admission must demonstrate their ability to perform academically and contribute significantly to the life of the University. High school seniors should submit an official high school transcript, SAT I or ACT scores, one letter of recommendation, an essay, and a completed application. Transfer students should submit an official transcript from all previously attended colleges, a high school transcript, two letters of recommendation, an essay, and a completed application.
Application and Information
Full-time students may enroll in either the fall or the spring semester. All applicants must submit a completed application, all necessary credentials, and an application fee of $50. Applications for the Early Decision Program must be received by October 1 for an October 15 notification date or December 1 for a December 15 notification date. Applications for Priority Admissions must be received by February 1 for an April 1 notification date. All other applications are considered on a rolling admission basis; candidates are notified of the admission decision as soon as all credentials have been received and reviewed.
Inquiries or application materials should be sent to:
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