At University of Saint Joseph, students thrive in a supportive, inspiring environment that focuses on their ultimate success. USJ graduates are leaders in their careers and communities.
USJ at a Glance
The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) offers career-focused undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. Enhanced by the intellectual tradition and values of its founding Sisters of Mercy, the university allows students to thrive in a culture of achievement and collaboration.
As a private, liberal arts institution, USJ is nationally recognized for the quality of its academic programs. It consists of five schools and 25 undergraduate and graduate programs, along with pre-professional and certificate programs. USJ serves a diverse, intergenerational student body enrolled in: the undergraduate Women’s College; the Program for Adult Learners (serving women and men earning their bachelor’s degrees); and the coeducational Graduate and Professional Studies program.
Founded in 1932, USJ offers students opportunities to excel intellectually, socially, and ethically. They choose from a variety of rigorous academic programs and are mentored by faculty who help them fulfill their potential. Students often work alongside faculty on research, as well as participate in internships throughout the region— all of which leads to applicable skills, professional networking, and career success.
The core values of compassionate service, Catholic identity, and commitment to women through academic excellence are evident in the curriculum and daily life on campus. Students from a multitude of faith traditions are empowered for success. USJ is a diverse community of 987 undergraduate and 1,578 graduate students. It is a caring environment that encourages strong ethical values, personal integrity, and a sense of responsibility to the needs of society.
Location and Environment
The university is located on 90 acres in suburban West Hartford, four miles from Hartford, the capital city, and its thriving corporate, arts and entertainment districts — ideal for internships. West Hartford Center offers an array of coffee bars, boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment.
The campus has seven residence halls, two with apartment-style living. Approximately 75 percent of first-year students live on campus and have access to special services including a free weekend shuttle to off campus shops and restaurants. Amenities in each residence hall include spacious rooms, study/lounge space, internet access, cable television, and free laundry facilities.
Two laboratory schools are located on or adjacent to campus. The Gengras Center, a state approved, private special education school serves students with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities. The School for Young Children serves pre-school students with a science-based curriculum. Both serve as lab schools for teacher training.
Majors and Degrees Offered
USJ is known for its high-quality programs in the natural sciences, social sciences, and liberal arts. It has a strong academic reputation based on a combination of liberal arts and career-focused, professional majors. Its programs emphasize quality instruction, challenging course work, and close connections between students and faculty in the spirit of collaboration and mentorship. The university offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees, along with certificates. It has more than 25 academic majors and six pre-professional programs, plus accelerated bachelor’s- to-master’s degrees.
Bachelor degrees are offered in: accounting, art history, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, child study, English, family studies, history, international studies, management, mathematics, nursing, nutrition and dietetics, philosophy, psychology, public health, public policy and advocacy, religious studies, social work, Spanish, special education, and women’s studies. The Education program offers teaching certification in elementary education, secondary education, and special education.
Pre-professional programs are available in: pre-dental, pre-law, pre-medical, pre-pharmacy, pre-physical therapy and pre-veterinary programs.
Graduate programs include master and doctoral degrees. Masters are offered in: autism and applied behavior analysis (the only program in Connecticut), biochemistry, biology, chemistry, clinical mental health counseling, early childhood education/special education, education, management, marriage and family therapy, nursing, nutrition, school counseling, social work, special education, and teacher licensure — four of which are offered online (biology, biochemistry, chemistry, and nutrition). Graduate certificate programs are offered in applied behavior analysis, autism spectrum disorders, dietetic internship, emerging diseases, healthcare systems management, homeland security management, gerontology, and Latino community practice. Doctorates are available in: Pharmacy and Nursing Practice.
Research, clinical, and work placements are factored into all majors as important components of each student’s program. The university is known as a leader in the field of Autism and is home to the Institute for Autism and Behavioral Studies. It offers the only master’s degree program in Applied Behavior Analysis in of Connecticut. In 2015, USJ opened its Center for Applied Research and Education, an expansion to its Gengras Center School. This is a leading institute for special education that addresses the growing need for autism professionals.
Website and Contact information:
University of Saint Joseph Application: www.usj.edu/applynow
University of Saint Joseph Website: www.usj.edu
Office of Undergraduate Admissions:
860.231.5216