Sacred Heart University: A Comprehensive Guide to Diploma Programs
Sacred Heart University offers a diverse range of diploma programs designed to meet the evolving needs of students and professionals. With a commitment to academic excellence and innovation, Sacred Heart provides accessible and career-focused education across various disciplines. The university's online degree programs offer flexibility for students seeking to advance their education while maintaining their professional momentum.
Bachelor's Degree Programs
Criminal Justice (BS)
The Criminal Justice Bachelor of Science (BS) program is designed for students seeking a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system. The Part-Time Online Degree Completion option allows students to complete their major coursework in two years or less, utilizing convenient eight-week AHEAD terms.
General Studies (BA/BS)
The General Studies Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) program offers a flexible curriculum for students with diverse academic interests. The Part-Time Online Degree Completion option enables students to earn their degree in two years or less through online courses with eight-week AHEAD terms.
Health Science (BS)
The Health Science Bachelor of Science (BS) program provides a solid foundation in core topics related to health professions. The Part-Time Online Degree Completion option allows students to complete their major coursework in two years or less, preparing them for graduate study if desired.
Psychology (BS)
The Psychology Bachelor of Science (BS) program explores the complexities of human behavior and mental processes. The Part-Time Online Degree Completion option allows students to earn their degree in two years or less through online courses with convenient eight-week AHEAD terms.
Read also: A Comprehensive Look at SHU Scholarships
Strategic Communication, Public Relations, and Advertising (BA)
The Strategic Communication, Public Relations, and Advertising Bachelor of Arts (BA) program equips students with the skills to excel in the dynamic fields of communication and marketing. The Part-Time Online Degree Completion option allows students to complete their major online in two years with unique eight-week AHEAD terms.
Nursing (RN-BSN)
The RN-BSN program is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their education and career opportunities. It develops the knowledge required for today’s nursing roles while enhancing the personal touch needed to provide exceptional patient care. An Accelerated RN-BSN option is available.
Master's Degree Programs
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA)
The Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is built upon CACREP standards and prepares mental health counselors to make a difference in the global community.
Health Administration (MHA)
The Master of Health Administration (MHA) program is designed to equip students with the practical skills to improve organizational efficiencies and patient care within their community, enabling them to lead and transform the healthcare industry.
Healthcare Informatics (MS)
The Master of Science (MS) in Healthcare Informatics program focuses on the economic, cultural, and technological aspects of healthcare IT, enabling students to use technology to streamline patient care and improve health outcomes.
Read also: A Guide to SHU Admissions
Higher Education & Student Affairs (MA)
The Master of Arts (MA) in Higher Education & Student Affairs program provides students with the knowledge and leadership skills to shape the college experience. This fully online program leads to a fast-paced, exciting career.
Public Administration (MPA)
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program prepares students to become innovative leaders and serve their communities effectively.
Nursing (MSN)
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program explores health care policy and ethics, principles of health care research, and the underlying theories of contemporary nursing. Sacred Heart University offers several specializations within the MSN program:
- Clinical Nurse Leader: This specialization prepares nurses to advocate for superior patient care and lead a team of integrated health care professionals.
- Family Nurse Practitioner: This specialization equips nurses to conduct physical examinations, diagnose and treat common illnesses, and help patients take action to improve or maintain their personal well-being.
- Nursing Education: This specialization complements clinical experience with teaching skills, enabling nurses to design curricula, evaluate students, and step into the role of instructor.
- Nursing Management & Executive Leadership: This specialization focuses on managing budgets, creating and implementing administrative processes, and ensuring procedures meet professional and ethical standards.
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: This specialization is designed for RNs with a BSN and two years of experience who are interested in advancing as psychiatric nurses. The online MSN program at Sacred Heart provides the necessary education and training.
Nursing (RN-MSN)
The RN-MSN program allows students to gain access to top-tier nursing positions by earning both their BSN and MSN. The program focuses on providing exceptional patient care, or branching out into education, research, consulting, management and more.
School Counseling (MA)
The Master of Arts (MA) in School Counseling program provides the degree and field experiences necessary to become an ethical data-driven school counselor and pursue licensure/certification.
Read also: SHU Tuition and Fees
Social Work (MSW)
The Master of Social Work (MSW) program equips students with a deeper understanding of modern social work theory and practice models, all from a perspective of truth and justice, to aid vulnerable populations.
Doctoral Degree Programs
Education (Ed.D.)
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership program prepares individuals to become highly effective, holistic educational leaders with an emphasis on social and emotional learning, trauma-sensitive classrooms, and moral leadership.
Certificate Programs
Nursing Home Healthcare Management for RNs
This certificate program meets the State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health (DPH) requirements for nurses in management positions in home health agencies.
Nursing Education Graduate Certificate
This certificate program prepares individuals to teach patients, families, student nurses, staff nurses, and other healthcare providers.
Nursing Management & Executive Leadership Graduate Certificate
This certificate program prepares nurses to become nurse leaders in a hospital, medical center, or other healthcare setting.
Play Therapy, Certificate of Advanced Study
The Play Therapy Certificate of Advanced Study teaches professionals to work with children and adolescents in a culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate, neuro- and attachment-informed manner.
Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
This certificate program prepares nurses for certification as a family nurse practitioner from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
Post-Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
This certificate program provides nurses with the advanced clinical skills to address the mental and emotional needs of patients across their lifespan.
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