As one of the largest Catholic universities in New England and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the nation (Chronicle of Higher Education), Sacred Heart University (SHU) has a history of putting students first. Here students have the opportunity to dive into their passions, learn from dedicated faculty with real-world experience and explore the world at its picturesque campuses in Fairfield, Conn., and Dingle, Ireland, and pursue more than 60 other study-abroad opportunities.
Academic Excellence
With 90+ undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs, SHU challenges and encourages students to be innovative. More than 10,000 students study in a range of disciplines across the University's colleges: College of Arts & Sciences; College of Health Professions; Dr. Susan L. Davis, RN, & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing; the AACSB-accredited Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; and the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development. In all programs, SHU is recognized for academic excellence and cutting-edge technology.
The University's commitment to experiential learning incorporates concrete, real-life study for students in all majors, including research, internships, clinical placements, independent study, service learning and work study. Drawing on strong institutional partnerships with the rich resources in New England and New York City, students enjoy career-building internships with employers like NBC, Yale New Haven Hospital and the New England Patriots and meaningful research opportunities with the chance to publish and present their work with faculty. These opportunities help pave the way for a strong professional network and impressive résumé for graduating seniors to pursue full-time jobs and graduate study.
Top Technology
Whether it’s taking classes at West Campus, the former global headquarters of General Electric and home to the IDEA Lab, AI lab and Verizon iHub, or the Center for Healthcare Education with its acute care simulation center, audiology and outpatient suites and expanded human anatomy lab, students learn with industry-standard tools in state-of-the-art facilities. In addition, a cybersecurity lab, TV studios and editing suites and more allow a smooth transition from college to career.
Athletics & The Arts
The University boasts a well-respected athletics program with more than 1,500 athletes who compete in 33 Division I varsity sports and 35 competitive club sports teams. SHU recently christened its world-class hockey arena, and major renovations to its 2,000-seat multipurpose Pitt Center in the heart of campus began in spring 2024 as the school moves into the competitive Mid-Atlantic Athletics Conference.
SHU’s strong performing arts opportunities include a theater arts program Princeton Review ranked among the top 25 in the nation; internationally touring choral and band & orchestra programs with various ensembles, including marching and pep bands; and a dance program with a variety of ensembles that has won awards at the World Dance Movement international competition. SHU recently opened a new performing arts wing in its Academic Center with dedicated spaces for solo and group rehearsal, practice rooms with pianos, a black box theatre, dance space with specialized flooring and machinery needed for sets, props and costumes.
Community Service
The SHU community is dedicated to giving back and making a positive impact locally and globally. Through the Office of Community Engagement, students get involved in a number of ways, logging more than 115,000 hours of community engagement each year. In addition to local volunteer opportunities, service trips are available during winter and spring breaks, while service-learning programs meaningfully integrate academics and service.
Campus Life
SHU’s campus has a lively atmosphere with more than 90 percent of first-year students living on campus and many school spirit, cultural and social events offered throughout the year. New residence halls are spacious, dining halls have a plethora of food options and students stay healthy and active at the Valentine Health & Recreation Center.
Experiential learning opportunities are complemented by a rich student life community, offering more than 100 student organizations, including fraternity and sorority life, leadership programs, a TV station and newspaper, academic clubs and multicultural organizations.