Sacred Heart University Logo Sacred Heart University


Sacred Heart University (SHU) has specific language requirements for international students, especially those whose first language is not English. Here are the general language requirements:

1. English Proficiency Requirements

International students whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. Accepted methods to meet this requirement include:

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

  • Minimum Score Requirements:
    • iBT TOEFL: A minimum score of 79.
    • TOEFL Paper-based Test: A minimum score of 550.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

  • Minimum Score Requirements: A minimum score of 6.0 (overall band score).

Duolingo English Test

  • Minimum Score Requirements: A score of 105 or higher.

PTE (Pearson Test of English)

  • Minimum Score Requirements: A minimum score of 53.

Cambridge English Qualifications

  • Minimum Score Requirements: B2 First (FCE) or higher.

Other accepted tests:

  • SHU may also accept other equivalent English proficiency tests on a case-by-case basis. It's best to contact the university’s admissions office for confirmation.

2. Waivers for English Proficiency

In some cases, international students may be eligible for a waiver of the English proficiency test requirement if they meet certain criteria, such as:

  • Completing a secondary school or postsecondary education in an English-speaking country.
  • Having a degree from an institution where English is the medium of instruction.

Sacred Heart University (SHU) in Fairfield, Connecticut, offers a broad range of specialized programs across various disciplines. Here are some of the notable course specialties at SHU:

1. Business and Management

  • Jack Welch College of Business & Technology:
    • Business Administration (with concentrations in management, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship)
    • Finance (including Corporate Finance and Investment Management)
    • Marketing (with Digital Marketing and Social Media specializations)
    • Management (focusing on leadership and organizational behavior)
    • International Business
    • Cybersecurity and Information Technology (includes IT management and network security)
    • MBA Programs (with specialized tracks such as Executive MBA, Online MBA, and Dual MBA/Master's programs)

2. Health Professions

  • College of Health Professions:
    • Nursing (RN to BSN, MSN, Doctor of Nursing Practice)
    • Physician Assistant Studies (Master's program with an emphasis on clinical experience)
    • Physical Therapy (Doctor of Physical Therapy program)
    • Occupational Therapy (Master's program)
    • Healthcare Administration (preparing leaders for healthcare settings)
    • Public Health (including health policy, epidemiology, and global health studies)

3. Education

  • College of Education, Nursing, and Health Professions:
    • Teacher Education (with various certifications for early childhood, elementary, and secondary education)
    • Special Education (focused on teaching students with disabilities)
    • Educational Leadership (Master’s programs for administrators and leaders)
    • Counseling (including school counseling and clinical mental health counseling)

4. Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

  • College of Arts and Sciences:
    • Psychology (with concentrations in clinical, counseling, and forensic psychology)
    • Criminal Justice and Homeland Security (including studies in law enforcement and emergency management)
    • Sociology and Social Work (focusing on community engagement and social justice)
    • Communication and Media Studies (including public relations, journalism, and digital media)
    • English (literature, creative writing, and professional writing)
    • History (with global, U.S., and European history specializations)
    • Philosophy (offering courses on ethics, logic, and philosophical traditions)

5. Science and Technology

  • College of Arts and Sciences:
    • Biology (including environmental science, molecular biology, and pre-med tracks)
    • Chemistry (with opportunities for research and applied chemistry fields)
    • Physics (focused on applied physics, astronomy, and technology)
    • Computer Science (with specializations in software development and data analytics)
    • Mathematics (including applied mathematics and statistics)

6. Engineering

  • College of Engineering:
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Biomedical Engineering
    • Computer Engineering (with an emphasis on systems design and cybersecurity)
    • Engineering Management

7. Performing Arts and Music

  • The Isabelle Farrington College of Education:
    • Music (Bachelor's in Music with performance, music education, and music therapy tracks)
    • Theater Arts (focused on performance, production, and technical theater)
    • Dance (training in ballet, modern dance, and choreography)

8. Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

  • Global Studies and International Relations:
    • International Relations (with a focus on diplomacy, policy, and global economics)
    • Global Affairs (including courses on international development and environmental sustainability)
    • Language Studies (Spanish, French, and Italian)

9. Graduate Programs

  • SHU offers specialized graduate programs in a variety of disciplines, including:
    • Master of Science (MS) and Master of Arts (MA) programs in fields like business, health sciences, nursing, and education.
    • Doctoral Programs (e.g., Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and Clinical Psychology).

10. Online and Accelerated Programs

  • Sacred Heart University offers flexible online courses and accelerated programs in a range of fields, including business administration (MBA), nursing (RN to BSN), and more.

Why Sacred Heart is Notable:

  • Focus on Interdisciplinary Education: SHU emphasizes blending various fields of study, such as business with technology or health with policy, providing students with a well-rounded, adaptable skill set.
  • Strong Clinical and Internship Programs: Especially in health professions, SHU offers hands-on learning opportunities in real-world settings, helping students gain practical experience.
  • Commitment to Social Responsibility: SHU is known for integrating service learning, ethics, and community engagement into its curriculum, particularly in fields like social work, education, and public health.

Sacred Heart University (SHU) has a range of distinguished faculty members, though there are no universally recognized "top professors" akin to Nobel laureates or globally renowned scholars. However, SHU's faculty is highly regarded in their respective fields, particularly in health sciences, business, and education. Here are a few notable professors and areas of excellence:

1. Dr. Karen O’Rourke - Nursing

  • Role: Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Nursing Programs.
  • Expertise: Dr. O'Rourke is known for her work in nursing education and clinical practice. She focuses on healthcare policy and nurse leadership, particularly in her roles related to graduate-level nursing programs.

2. Dr. Anthony J. P. McDonald - Marketing and Business

  • Role: Associate Professor of Marketing.
  • Expertise: Dr. McDonald has expertise in consumer behavior, brand management, and digital marketing. His research contributes significantly to SHU’s business programs and the study of marketing trends in the modern economy.

3. Dr. Michael J. Kerch - Finance

  • Role: Professor of Finance.
  • Expertise: Dr. Kerch is an expert in financial markets, investment management, and corporate finance. He plays a key role in the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology, where he is known for his contributions to the field of financial analysis.

4. Dr. Sandeep G. Goyal - Cybersecurity

  • Role: Associate Professor in the College of Business.
  • Expertise: Dr. Goyal is a respected figure in the field of cybersecurity and information technology, with significant research and practical experience in cyber risk management and network security.

5. Dr. David L. Lefkowitz - Psychology

  • Role: Professor of Psychology.
  • Expertise: Dr. Lefkowitz has contributed to SHU’s reputation for clinical psychology and mental health education. His focus is on human development, particularly in relation to behavioral health and counseling.

6. Dr. Joanna L. Williams - Health Professions

  • Role: Professor of Health Sciences.
  • Expertise: Dr. Williams is known for her work in public health, focusing on health policy, global health, and healthcare systems. She’s involved in health professions education and has helped shape SHU’s comprehensive approach to community health.

7. Dr. Phillip J. K. Roberts - Political Science and International Relations

  • Role: Professor of Political Science.
  • Expertise: Dr. Roberts is recognized for his expertise in international relations, global diplomacy, and political theory. His work enhances SHU’s academic programs in global studies and political science.

Sacred Heart University (SHU) does not have any Nobel Prize laureates among its faculty or alumni. However, the university is known for its focus on high-quality education, leadership development, and community service, with strong programs in healthcare, business, and other fields.

While SHU may not have Nobel Prize winners, it is still recognized for producing graduates who go on to make meaningful contributions in their fields, particularly in health professions, business, education, and social work.

Established in 1963, the Sacred Heart University is a non-profit private higher  education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of Fairfield (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Connecticut. This institution also has a branch campus in Dingle and Luxembourg. Officially accredited by the New England Commission of Higher  Education, Sacred Heart University (SHU) is a medium-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 9,000-9,999 students) coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Sacred Heart University (SHU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study table below for further details. This 61-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 60-69% making this US higher education organization a moderately selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. SHU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Sacred Heart University (SHU) is renowned for several key aspects that contribute to its fame:

1. Strong Programs in Health Professions

  • Nursing: Sacred Heart is widely recognized for its nursing programs, including its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs. SHU's nursing school is consistently ranked among the best in the nation.
  • Physician Assistant Studies: The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program is highly regarded for preparing students to work in one of the fastest-growing healthcare fields.
  • Physical Therapy: The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at SHU is known for producing highly qualified professionals in the field.

2. Jack Welch College of Business & Technology

  • Named after Jack Welch, former CEO of General Electric, this business school has gained recognition for its MBA programs and focus on leadership and entrepreneurship. It is especially notable for its Executive MBA program, which caters to mid-career professionals looking to advance in leadership roles.

3. Commitment to Ethical Leadership and Social Responsibility

  • Sacred Heart University emphasizes values-based education, encouraging students to integrate social responsibility into their academic pursuits. The university's Catholic and Jesuit values guide its programs in education, business, and health professions, with a focus on ethical decision-making and community engagement.

4. Interdisciplinary Approach

  • SHU fosters an interdisciplinary approach to learning, especially in fields such as business, healthcare, and social sciences, where students are encouraged to merge knowledge across multiple fields of study. This prepares graduates to work in complex, dynamic environments.

5. Diverse Academic Offerings

  • SHU is known for offering a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including highly regarded offerings in the arts, business, education, nursing, physical therapy, and engineering. Their flexible online programs also attract students seeking non-traditional learning formats.

6. Commitment to Research and Innovation

  • The university has invested in research in fields such as healthcare, engineering, business, and technology. SHU faculty and students contribute to research in areas like healthcare policy, sustainability, and cybersecurity.

7. Athletics and Campus Life

  • SHU's athletic programs are also a point of pride. The university competes in NCAA Division I sports, and its athletic teams, especially in basketball, have gained regional recognition.
  • SHU is known for its vibrant campus life and a wide range of extracurricular activities, including arts performances, student organizations, and community service initiatives.

8. Strategic Location

  • Sacred Heart is located in Fairfield, Connecticut, a town known for its proximity to major metropolitan areas like New York City and New Haven, providing students with access to internships, job opportunities, and cultural events.

9. Growing Reputation in Global Affairs and International Relations

  • SHU has also developed a strong reputation in global studies and international relations, offering specialized programs in diplomacy, global economics, and international development.

10. Notable Alumni

  • SHU has produced several notable alumni in various fields, including healthcare, business, and education. Alumni often contribute to the university’s reputation by excelling in leadership roles and philanthropic efforts.