The College of Arts and Sciences inspires in students a love of learning, a global way of thinking and a desire to make meaningful contributions to the world. Grounded in the liberal arts with an emphasis on ethics and self-discovery, Jesuit education gives you the flexibility, resolve and self-awareness — plus the practical skills — to lead by example in a fast-changing world.
As a graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences, you will be ready to engage the world around you and work with a sense of purpose. Through a combination of rigorous academics, experiential learning and guidance from dedicated faculty, you’ll be prepared with the skills, knowledge and confidence for success in a complex, fast-changing world.
The College of Arts and Sciences at Saint Joseph's University offers undergraduate majors and minors, certificates and graduate degrees (including stackable options), and degree completion for adult learners. We encourage you to explore your interests by making it easy to combine courses across schools, choose a double major or enroll in a dual-degree or 4+1 bachelor’s/master’s combined degree program.
The College of Arts and Sciences is introducing a new model for our Computer Science M.S. that’s unique, flexible and allows you to earn credentials faster. Composed of industry-relevant five-course certificates, this 30-credit program allows you to customize to your professional goals. You’ll start with a software development certificate and choose from specializations like artificial intelligence, web & database technologies or cybersecurity. Plus, it’s 100% online.
Our faculty are dedicated to the development of our students as they prepare for a future that’s ever-changing on a path that is uniquely theirs. Through classroom instruction and mentorship, faculty in all programs encourage exploration, reflection and critical thinking.
The world outside the classroom provides rich and challenging opportunities for experiential learning. Our students actively engage with the world and learn by doing through faculty-mentored independent research, community-based projects, service learning, internships and co-ops with non-profit and corporate partners, and study abroad.
Semester- and summer-long internships in Washington, D.C. allow students to gain valuable career experience while remaining full-time students. Recent placements include the State Department, Federal Trade Commission, Peace Corps, private law firms, think tanks and congressional offices.
In 2020, three Summer Scholars researched projects that shed light on issues facing communities in Philadelphia — from food insecurity to education.
Students travel to San José, Costa Rica to examine the issue of healthcare for all people from a public health and ethical perspective by visiting public and private health care hospitals, clinics and centers.
From providing a training ground for students to leading conversations in industry, Saint Joseph's Centers and Institutes are hubs of learning on campus. See a few examples here.
The institute facilitates ongoing dialogue with a single goal: learn from and enrich one another. Through shared study of texts, rituals, events and places, Christians and Jews work together for social justice, human rights and reconciliation.
Learn alongside faculty and fellows as you contribute to game-changing research projects. Drawing on its ties to hospitals and health centers, the institute also sponsors lectures, publishes an international journal and provides health screenings for Philadelphia’s immigrant community.
What are the sources of injustice in our world? How can we work for justice? Through academic courses, public forums and experiential field seminars, the institute promotes critical thought around faith and justice issues.
While being a student at SJU, I was encouraged to take the biomedical knowledge that I learned in the classroom and apply them to help others around me. The solid foundation in the natural sciences, as well as the underlying Jesuit principles taught through my humanities courses guided me toward my love for the medical field."
The education at St. Joe’s, both as an undergrad and a graduate student, imparted to me the value of caring for the whole person. I knew that my peers and my professors were showing up for me in and out of the classroom."
My classes provided me with the inspiration and language to pursue the post-grad service that will hopefully provide me with further opportunities to achieve my goal of serving marginalized communities. Campus Ministry opportunities also gave me the practice and community to begin those same goals while in school."
