Saint Joseph’s University

 Three SJU Degrees for Behavior Analysis Careers

Saint Joseph’s University is also featured in our ranking of the Top 20 Online Applied Behavior Analysis Bachelor’s Degree and BCaBA Coursework Programs.

Since Fall 2009, the School of Health Studies & Education has granted a 120-credit B.S. in Autism Behavioral Studies led by Dr. Joseph McCleery for Saint Joseph’s University Hawks to earn BCaBA certification after Philadelphia courses like Child Development, hands-on Kinney Center practicum, and Summer Scholars Program research. Online on Blackboard, the M.S.Ed. in Special Education builds a 39-credit, ABAI-aligned curriculum headed by Dr. Samuel Slike with an Applied Behavior Analysis or Autism Spectrum Disorders Concentration and 140 fieldwork hours for BCBA certification prep. Chaired by Dr. Kim Logio, the M.S. in Criminal Justice uniquely admits online cohorts of 20 into 36-credit, 18-month tracks for Behavior Analysis or Behavior Management with intensive 600-level courses like Juvenile Delinquency. There’s also a 24-credit Post-Master’s Certificate in Behavior Analysis available entirely online.

About Saint Joseph’s University

Saint Joseph’s University originated on September 15, 1851, when the “Apostle of Philadelphia” Rev. Felix-Joseph Barbelin founded Saint Joseph’s College for all-male Jesuit education. For five years, the Society of Jesus held classes at the Old Saint Joseph’s Church on Willing’s Alley. In 1856, it acquired the first formal classroom building on Juniper Street. In 1861, Saint Joseph’s graduated future Supreme Court Justice Joseph McKenna. In 1927, architect John McShain was hired to build Barbelin Hall on its new permanent Gothic-style campus. By 1970, Saint Joseph’s College had begun admitting women for equal opportunity. In 1976, the Saint Joseph’s University name was chosen as graduate programs grew. In 1982, SJU joined the NCAA Division I Atlantic 10 Conference. In 2008, SJU purchased the Episcopal Academy to erect Merion Hall. On September 27, 2015, Pope Francis visited Saint Joseph’s University on his North America trip.

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Endowed for $305 million, Saint Joseph’s University now employs 449 faculty teaching 4,783 undergrad and 2,579 post-grad Hawks from 50 nations online, at its 83-building Western Philly headquarters, or on the Overbrook Campus with 90+ clubs like Active Minds for 88 percent retention. In 2018, SJU won a Leadership Excellence and Development Outstanding Program Award. In 2019, Saint Joseph’s received a Beta Gamma Sigma Gold Chapter Award. Saint Joseph’s University accepted the 2001 Sporting News Mascot of the Year Award too. The U.S. News & World Report ranked SJU 28th for criminal justice and 105th for education programs online. On Niche, SJU boasts America’s 250th top teaching degrees, 266th best student life, and 330th best psychology courses. Forbes named Saint Joseph’s University the 120th best private institution. The New York Times placed SJU 179th for social mobility.

Saint Joseph’s University Accreditation Details

On July 2, 2018, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) approved the satisfactory Fifth-Year Interim Report from Saint Joseph’s University to extend the Level V accreditation status through the next 2023-24 evaluation under President Mark C. Reed, EdD, who earned the Fairfield Distinguished Faculty Administrator Award. Located 3.8 miles south via Wynnefield Avenue on Philadelphia’s Market Street, this superb six-state Northeast Region accreditor is authorized by the U.S. Education Department to review SJU’s 52 baccalaureate, 26 master’s, one doctoral, and 17 certificate programs. Further, Saint Joseph’s has a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

Saint Joseph’s University Application Requirements

Admission to Saint Joseph’s University is classified as “moderately difficult” by Peterson’s because 6,749 of the 8,843 Fall 2018 applicants were triumphant for only 76 percent acceptance. First-year Hawks seeking the B.S. in Autism Behavioral Studies must finish a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Four years of English and three years of math are prerequisites. The Class of 2022 presented an average secondary GPA of 3.52. The middle 50th percentile had ACT scores of 23-28. Mid-range admitted SAT scores were 1110-1290. The Honors Program mandates a minimum 3.5 GPA. Competitive transfers usually hold 18+ regionally accredited credits graded C or better for GPAs above 3.0. International students might need at least 79 TOEFL iBT, 6.5 IELTS, or 500 SAT Reading scores. The Graduate School requires a four-year bachelor’s completion at a 2.8 or better GPA. Note the M.S. in Criminal Justice: Behavior Analysis Concentration has a 3.0 GPA minimum. Online M.S.Ed. in Special Education cohorts must have earned Pennsylvania K-12 Level 1 certifications.

Saint Joseph’s University has freshman deadlines of November 1st for Early Decision I, January 15th for Early Decision II, and February 1st for Regular Decision. Transfer priority dates are July 1st for Fall and November 1st for Spring starts. The Graduate School has rolling admission until July 15th, November 15th, and March 15th. International post-grads must apply before June 15th or October 15th. Accordingly, complete the SJU or Common Application online for $50 ($35 if alums). Forward official transcripts to 5600 City Avenue in Philadelphia, PA 19131. Send testing scores via SAT/TOEFL code 2801 or ACT code 3684. Attach other materials, such as the transfer registrar’s report, credential evaluation, uploaded resume, essay, teacher certificate, and 1-3 recommendations. Contact (610) 660-1300 or admit@sju.edu with questions.

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Tuition and Financial Aid

For 2019-20, Saint Joseph’s University is charging full-time B.S. in Autism Behavioral Studies majors $23,175 each semester or $46,350 annually. Overload credits beyond 17 cost $1,544 apiece. Undergrads cover the $200 activity fee and $100 technology support fee each year. The ASPIRE Program has a $6,000 fee. Residing at the Philadelphia campus’ dorms like LaFarge Hall adds $9,102 to $11,686 for yearly rent. Traditional meal plans for Campion Food Court are $5,416 extra. SJU budgets $856 for books and $1,324 for miscellaneous. Annual bachelor’s attendance equals about $61,994 on-site or $48,364 at home. The M.S. in Criminal Justice is priced $887 per credit. Online M.S.Ed. in Special Education cohorts spend $780 per credit.

According to the NCES College Navigator, the Office o Financial Aid in Barbelin Hall Room 121 helps 98 percent of incoming full-time SJU Hawks enroll with tuition assistance averaging $25,030 each for $26.28 million combined. University funds include the Ignatian College Connection Scholarship, Father George Ruggieri Memorial Scholarship, Daniel Curran Sr. Memorial Scholarship, Lenfest Scholarship, Maguire Scholarship, Villiger Debate Scholarship, Cristo Rey Scholarship, Eagles Fly for Leukemia Scholarship, Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, Jesuit Preparatory School Scholarship, Corpus Christi Scholarship, Athletic Scholarship, and Air Force ROTC Scholarship. The Kinney Scholars Program pays B.S. in Autism Behavioral Studies majors with GPAs above 2.5 for 2,000 hours of client service. The John McNulty Scholars Program has a January 15th deadline for freshmen meeting the 1360 SAT or 29 ACT minimum. Federal resources, such as the Pell Grant or Direct Unsubsidized Loan, require FAFSA applications coded 003367. Pennsylvanians also utilize the PHEAA State Grant, Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program, Chafee Grant, Hope Through Learning Award, and others.

Learn more about Saint Joseph’s University at the School of Health Studies & Education website.