Welcome to the College of Professional and Liberal Studies at Saint Joseph’s University. Although our name is new, adult undergraduate education at Saint Joseph’s has a long history and storied tradition as our first courses were offered in 1915. Even though we have had several names over our nearly 100-year history—the Night School, the Evening College, the University College—adult undergraduate education at Saint Joseph’s has always focused on the professional educational needs of the adult student.
Consistent with our Jesuit roots and Ignatian goals of education, all PLS programs are built on a strong liberal arts foundation with an emphasis on ethics and social justice. While preparing adults students for contemporary professions that are available today, a degree from the PLS at Saint Joseph’s also prepares adult students for the professions of the future through a general curriculum that builds skills in communication, writing, quantitative abilities, globalization, and diversity.
At the PLS, we are very proud of our programs. More importantly, we are even more proud of our adult students who exemlify living out the magis by working hard to balance the pressures of their jobs and families as they complete their degrees.
Paul L. DeVito, Ph. D.
Vice Provost of Academic Affairs
Dean, College of Professional and Liberal Studies
Saint Joseph's University has a long, rich tradition of addressing the learning needs of adult students. The College of Professional and Liberal Studies, formerly known as University College, is an integral part of Saint Joseph's University that serves adult and part-time students who want to continue their studies through undergraduate degree programs, accelerated degree programs, the Bridge Program or off-campus programs. PLS students are an essential part of SJU, Philadelphia's Jesuit University, one of 28 Jesuit Colleges and Universities in the United States committed to the Ignatian ideals of a love of life-long learning and service to others.
Patricia Griffin '81 is now the Associate Dean of Saint Joseph's University's College of Professional and Liberal Studies. As a proud alum of Saint Joseph's, I am thrilled to provide leadership in this vibrant adult learning community. As the associate dean, my goals and objectives are grounded in the Ignatian educational ideal to 'meet" and embrace students within the context of their lives. I look forward to continuing the development of curriculum, services and programs that support the unique demands of the adult learners in Philadelphia and beyond.
Patricia M. Griffin, M.A.
Associate Dean, College of Professional and Liberal Studies