Clarion University’s more than 4,700 determined students are building a bright future through challenging academics and diverse interests, all while living in a charming, civic-minded town that completely embraces them.
Clarion offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business, education, health, science and the arts, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1, and nationally and internationally accredited programs. In fact, Clarion leads Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education with 28 national accreditations. A multitude of internship and study-abroad opportunities also exist and, guided by top-ranked faculty and programs, students often get hands-on experience in their chosen field and in research before they earn their degree.
Students embrace learning at Clarion’s scenic campus, which has evolved since its seminary beginnings in 1867, at the Clarion University – Venango campus located in Oil City and through Clarion Online, which offers excellence in education from anywhere in the world.
Speaking of Clarion Online, it is continually recognized as a leader in education with 2020 U.S. News & World Report ranking Clarion in the top 100: Best Online Bachelor's Programs, Best Online Nursing Graduate Programs, Best Online Master of Education Programs, and Best Online Business Programs.
In recent years Clarion has honed its focus on the development of professional programming that meets both student needs as well as the workforce demands in western Pennsylvania and beyond. On the cutting edge of such programming, Clarion has launched exciting, inventive programming and certificates.
One of Clarion’s most innovative new programs, the Respiratory Care 3-year bachelor’s program, quickly prepares students to be registered respiratory therapists and to serve as educator, researcher, clinical specialist and other roles throughout the health care delivery system. Advanced health systems are beginning to require that therapists who wish to work in specialty areas such as ICU, NICU, ED, PICU, and many others have a bachelor’s degree in respiratory care, as well as pass the registry at the RRT level. Clarion’s program is designed to close these gaps to help prepare tomorrow’s respiratory specialist, while doing so in one year less than traditional bachelor programs.
Clarion University’s Department of Special Education and Disability Policy Studies and The Competent Learner Model Center of Excellence announced new, online certificate programs in the Special Education Department. Certificates are available at the undergraduate (Assistant Applied Behavior Analyst and Competent Learner Model Certificate) and graduate (Applied Behavior Analyst and Competent Learner Model Certificate) levels.
Supporting the needs of children and families that feel the impact of autism and other behavioral challenges, the program will arm special education students with certifications along the path to completing their degree that will make them better equipped and highly effective educators. The ABA/CLM Advanced Competency Certificate Program has been approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) as a Verified Course Sequence (VCS).
Clarion’s College of Health and Human Services developed an opioid treatment specialist certificate, which is offered online. The first of its kind in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, Clarion faculty experts in addiction, rehabilitation, social work, psychology and nursing contributed to the design of the certificate, which addresses the specific challenges brought on by the opioid crisis. The 12-credit certificate requires no prerequisites and anyone may pursue the certificate, but it is particularly beneficial to professionals who want to strengthen their credentials and students who want to graduate with stronger job prospects.
In addition to more than 175 academic programs, Clarion University students enjoy enriching personal lives. With more than 160 student organizations, including academic, athletic, intramural, Greek, political, multicultural, service and special interest groups, students become unique individuals and grow their leadership skills. Through these academic and student life opportunities, Clarion students interact with other students from 42 states and 15 countries. These are just a few of the numbers that tell the story of life at Clarion University.
Upon graduation, students will join more than 58,236 alumni worldwide who have soared to success in their chosen fields. We are … Courageous. Confident. Clarion.