Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2021

Temple University was founded in 1884 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Russell Conwell – a philanthropist, lawyer, writer and Baptist minister. The school started because Pastor Conwell started tutoring working class citizens in the evening. Today, Temple is top-ranked doctoral research university drawing over 40,000 students to pursue over 400 degrees and certificates.

Temple uses Blackboard, WebEx, and digital library services to expand student learning opportunities with conferencing, video lectures, 24/7 access to materials and flexibility. Some of the degrees that are offered online are:

• Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting, business management, legal studies or marketing
• Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (DOT)
• Clinical Doctorate of Athletic Training (DAT)
• Doctorate in Physical Therapy (Transitional DPT)
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Public Health (MPH) in Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Master of Social Work (MSW)

Temple University’s Fox School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The online MBA program is one of the top online business programs in the United States. In addition to their online programs, Temple is one of the top colleges in the nation according to Financial Times and U.S.  News & World Report.

West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCUPA) was founded in 1871 in West Chester, Pennsylvania as a school to train teachers (normal school). In 1913, it became the first normal school to be owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Today, WCUPA is an accredited research university that is one of 14 universities that make up the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

The West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers a wide variety of degrees and certifications online. Most of these degrees are graduate-level degrees, or career-based certificates Students will have access to the materials 24/7 using the school platforms for class learning and research resources or support.

• Certificate in Universal Design for Learning and Assistive Technologies
• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Doctor of Public Administration
• Education Technology Certificate
• Graduate Certificate in Adapted Physical Education
• Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems
• Graduate Certificate in Gerontology
• Graduate Health Care Management Certificate
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education
• Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• Master of Science (M.S.) in Human Resource Management:
• Master of Science in Community Nutrition
• Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification in Special Education

West Chester University has an impressive international study program. It doesn’t matter if you are based on campus or studying online. You will be encouraged to consider participating in studying abroad to expand your horizons and your future resume experience.

Eastern University was founded in 1952 in St. Davids, Pennsylvania, by American Baptist Churches USA. Today, Eastern’s 114-acre campus remains located near Philadelphia and tied to its Baptist roots serving over 3,616 students annually.

Eastern University offers bachelor, master, doctoral and certificate online programs. Students use the Blackboard system to complete coursework and keep connected with the university. Some of the degrees do have residency requirements due to the nature of the material covered.

• Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts -Early Childhood Education
• BA in Organizational Leadership
• BA in Youth Ministry Leadership
• BS in Business Administration
• BS in Nursing (RN to BSN completion)
• MA in International Development
• MA in Organizational Leadership
• MDiv in Divinity
• MEd in Multicultural Education
• MEd in School Health Services
• MS in Nonprofit Management
• Ph.D. in Marriage & Family Therapy

Eastern University has been ranked one of the Best Online Bachelor Programs by the U.S. News & World Report. It has also been praised by other institutions, like Esperanza College, and several others have used their undergraduate program as a model for their own online programs.

Misericordia University was founded in 1924 in Dallas, Pennsylvania, by the Venerable Catherine McAuley, a Roman Catholic Religious Sisters of Mercy nun. It began as a female only school – but it became co-ed during the 1970s. The school name is a Spanish word that roughly translates as the “Heart of Mercy.” Today, the university supports over 3,100 students towards graduation.

Misericordia University uses the Jenzabar EX educational system for student coursework, multimedia needs, and connecting with peers. Students also have access to the 24/7 library. Online classes are offered in 7 or 15-week formats that can be started at any time. While the degree completion time varies from student to student – the university has a 72% graduation rate within 5 years.

• Addictions Counseling Certificate
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Government, Law and National Security
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Applied Behavioral Sciences
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business Administration
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate
• Patient Navigation Certificate
• Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) Administration certificate

Misericordia University maintains small classes (12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio) and students are encouraged to participate in the Guaranteed Placement Program. This means that the student will have a job or enrolled in graduate school within 6 months of graduation. If this does not occur, Misericordia University is required to uphold their end of the bargain.

Saint Francis University was founded in 1847 in Loretto, Pennsylvania, by six Franciscan teaching brothers from Mountbellew, Ireland with the aid of Bishop Michael O’Connor, the first Bishop of Pittsburgh. Today, Saint Francis is still operated by the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular of the Catholic Church and is the oldest Franciscan University in the United States supporting over 23,000 students complete their educational pursuits.

Saint Francis University offers three online master's programs and two online bachelor's degree-completion programs. Saint Francis used the Blackboard Technology to manage the courses that include discussion forums, on-demand lectures, streaming video and group collaboration. The online classes are small. Students are strongly encouraged to interact with peers and their instructor. Here is a sample of the online degrees:

• Bachelors of Science in Health Studies
• Bachelors of Science in Behavioral Science
• Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM)
• Master of Health Science (MHSC)
• Master of Medical Science (MMS)

Saint Francis University also has a campus in Ambialet, France in the Midi-Pyrenees. Even if you are an online student, you could take a class or two in France. Don’t worry if you don’t know French. The classes sponsored by Saint Francis are taught completely in English.

The Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1889 in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, as a normal school – a place to train teachers. In 1926, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania purchased the school.  Today, it is a 660-acre public research university located north of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania supporting over 8,500 students pursuing online or on campus degrees.

The Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania uses the Desire2Learn course management system. This system houses the course materials and communications. Students have access to their advisors and library research needs on their own schedule. The following is a sample of the available degrees:

• Bachelors of Science in Nursing (RN To BSN)
• Master of Science in Parks & Resource Management
• Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
• Master of Education in Elementary Education/Early Childhood K-8 Math / Science
• Master of Education in Special Education – All Online Programs
• Master of Science in Environmental Education

The Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is known for two programs: the BS in Business Administration and the BS in Nursing (RN to BSN completion). Even if you do not live in Pennsylvania, you can still achieve a degree from Slippery Rock for less money that living on campus. Many consider this possibility a great buy.

Elizabethtown College was founded in 1899 in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, by the Church of the Brethren. Today, the College supports the educational endeavors of over 2,000 students both online and on campus through 19 academic departments and 53 majors.

Elizabethtown College offers 13 online programs including a fully online program in business through its School of Continuing and Professional Studies. This makes for a great connection with working professionals needing extra flexibility. In addition to the online coursework, students have access to the online job board, library and student support areas. The following is a sample of the available courses:

• Associate of Science in Accounting
• Associate of Science in Business Administration
• Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
• Associate of Science in Information Systems
• Associate of Arts in Corporate Communications
• Associate of Science in Human Services
• Bachelor of Science in Accounting
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Science in Information Systems
• Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications
• Bachelor of Science in Human Services
• Bachelor of Science in Human Services – Behavioral & Addictions Counseling

The college is located 20 miles outside of Harrisburg. However, that doesn’t stop the students from having strong connections with heads of industry. The Hershey Chocolate Company is to the north of the college. The relationship between the two has raised Elizabethtown College’s reputation and has improved the Hershey Company’s workforce.

Arcadia University was founded in 1853 in Glenside, Pennsylvania – a city located 12 miles north of Philadelphia. Today, Arcadia serves over 2,400 students within on-site and online courses. It is somewhat difficult to get into Arcadia – they only enrolled 610 freshmen out of 8883 applications.

Arcadia University maintains small class sizes. The average class size is 16 students with a student-faculty ratio of 13-to-1. Residential students can take online classes to compensate their course load, but they must follow the guidelines for residential students. Distance education students might have residency requirements to complete their degree. Here is a sampling of the programs available:

• Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
• Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
• Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
• Master of Education in Instructional Technology
• Master of Education in Special Education
• Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy

Arcadia University offers over 130 study abroad options for short and long-term study. It is ranked #1 for student participation by Open Doors. While the students are overseas, they must register for at least 12 credit hours at the international location. However, they can take between 2-4 credits from Arcadia while they are overseas.

La Salle University was founded in 1863 in Philadelphia, PA by the Brothers of the Christian Schools. The school is named after La Salle, the patron saint of teachers. Today, the 133-acre campus supports the academic pursuits of 6,500 students annually. La Salle University’s focus is on encouraging students to engage in civic engagement, cultivate their leadership capabilities, pursue continuous learning activities and dedicate themselves to serve the common good.

La Salle University offers the following programs either 100% online or with some residency requirements. Students have regular access to the same resources as their on-campus counterparts.

• Graduate Programs:
  • Analytics
  • Computer Information Science
  • Cybersecurity
  • Economic Crime Forensics
  • Human Capital Development
  • Information Technology Leadership
  • Instructional Technology Management
  • Nonprofit Leadership
• Graduate Certificate Programs:
  • Cybersecurity
  • Fraud and Forensic Accounting
  • Human Capital Development
  • Instructional Technology Management
• Undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate Programs:
  • Organizational Leadership Program
  • Pre-Speech Language Pathology Program
  • RN to BSN

La Salle has been regularly recognized by U.S. News and World Report, the Economist, Money Magazine, Brookings Institute and Forbes for excellence and value. It has a great return on investment for the student population.

Gannon University was founded in 1925 in Erie, Pennsylvania, by Archbishop John Mark Gannon to be a private, Catholic educational institution. Today, students who enter the Gannon online degree programs complete within 18 to 24 months through flexible scheduling.

Gannon built their own learning management system that provides students with access to course materials, technical support, the library and assigned advisors. The following are the four degrees that are offered:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• Master of Science in Criminalistics
• Master of Education Curriculum and Instruction
• English as a Second Language Program Specialist Graduate Certificate
• Principal PreK-12 Graduate Certificate
• Reading and Reading Specialist Master of Education in Reading / Graduate Certificate
• Superintendent Letter of Eligibility Graduate Certificate
• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Occupational Therapy Doctorate
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

Gannon University is regularly applauded for their affordable prices, quality education and return on the investment. U.S. News & World Report calls Gannon an “America's Best Colleges" and "Best Value School" for the past few years.

Philadelphia University (PhilaU) was founded in 1884 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as a textile school that expanded beyond the trades into higher education. Today, the campus is just minutes away from Center City Philadelphia.

Philadelphia University uses the Nexus Learning Method approach to coursework – all coursework contains active, collaborative, relevant to real-world situations and incorporates liberal arts elements. Courses are offered in 8-week formats 6 times throughout the year. It is possible for someone to complete a bachelor degree within two to three years. Today, they offer 9 distance learning programs through Blackboard learning management system:

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting
• Bachelor of Science in Health and Services
• Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management
• Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management
• Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement Leadership
• Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership
• Bachelor of Science in Professional Communications and Emerging Media
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Science in Disaster Medicine and Management
• Master of Science in Midwifery Completion
• Master of Science in Sustainable Design

Philadelphia University proves their success with the Nexus Learning approach on an annual basis. Over 95% of PhilaU graduates are either gainfully employed or enrolled in graduate programs within 6 months.

Geneva College was founded in 1848 in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania by the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA). The college is named after Geneva, Switzerland, the center of the Reformed Faith movement. The online program is based out of their adult education department. According to Geneva, students could be able to complete their bachelor degree as quickly as 16 months depending on the student’s educational background.

Geneva College offers accelerated online degree programs. Between the condensed classes, transfer credits and credit for prior learning, a student could finish a degree within 16 months. Geneva uses Blackboard software to deliver coursework and communication with faculty. Students also have access to all other students services at Geneva.

• Bachelor of Professional Studies in Aging Services
• Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Services
• Bachelor of Science in Human Resources
• Bachelor of Science in Management
• Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership

Geneva College is ranked the “Best Value School” as well as a “Top Regional College” by U.S. News & World Report. It is also It is recognized to be in the top 50 for their online HR program and one of the affordable small colleges for an HR degree.

DeSales University was founded in 1965 in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, by the Catholic order of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. The university is named after St. Francis de Sales, patron saint of writers, journalists and the deaf. Today, this private Catholic university has over 2,000 students.

DeSales University uses the ACCESS platform for students to access their course information. Students can self-enroll into the 6-week or 8-week courses through the WebAdvisor interface. Other courses can be pursued through the Blackboard software. Here is a sample of some of the degrees offered by DeSales online:

• Criminal Justice (AA)
• Accounting (BA)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BA)
• Criminal Justice (BA)
• Finance (BA)
• HR Management (BA)
• Nursing (RN to BSN completion) (BA)
• Psychology (BA)
• Theology (BA)
• Master of Business Administration Criminal Justice (Online)
• Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (Online)
• Master of Education in Technology in Education
• Doctor of Nursing Practice in Clinical Leadership

DeSales University is one of the best online colleges in Pennsylvania. They are also one of the top 100 graduate programs in the region. These programs are designed to meet academic standards but provide a personalized education grounded in faith, career preparedness and grad school preparation.

Marywood University was founded in 1915 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, by the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It is located on a 140-acre campus and serves over 3,000 students annually.

Marywood University’s primary focus is on the on-campus students. However, they do offer a few online programs for the working adults and recent graduates:

• Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a concentration in criminal justice, general public administration, health services administration, homeland security and disaster management, non-profit management, or social work.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in management information systems, finance, and investment, or management.
• Master's for Practicing Physician Assistants
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) endorsement through the Reap College of Education and Human Development

Marywood University mission is to educate students to “live responsibility in an interdependent world.” Student teams commit to community service either serving local nonprofits or as part of a semester break event.

Drexel University was founded in 1891 in northwest Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Anthony Joseph Drexel. Drexel was the first president of what is now known as the Association for Public Art and the founder of what is known as J. P. Morgan & Co. Today, Drexel University is a private research university that supports over 26,000 students through 3 locations in Philadelphia, a satellite location in Sacramento, California and distance learning.

Since 1996, Drexel University has been offering unparalleled learning experiences to online students. Their courses are offered on the quarter schedule utilizing online learning platforms, 24/7 support services and access to current research.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (R.N. To B.S.N.)
• Master of Science in Nursing in Innovation & Intra/Entrepreneurship in Advanced Nursing Practice
• Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Leadership in Health Systems Management
• Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Education & Faculty Role
• Master of Science in Nursing Bridge Program RN to MSN
• Master of Science in Nursing Clinical Nurse Leader
• Master of Science in Nursing in Clinical Trials Research
• Physician Assistant Post-Professional
• Doctor of Health Science in Rehabilitation Sciences (DHSC)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Drexel University is known to host over 30 centers and institutes that continually push the envelope in Information Science, Public Health, and Entrepreneurship. U.S. News & World Report ranks Drexel as 96th for US universities, #14 for Most Innovative Schools, and 10th for their Library and Information Studies program.

The Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania (BU) was founded in 1839 in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, as the area normal school to train teachers. The 366-acre campus is located 150 miles from Philadelphia, and New York City and serves over 10,000 students. BU is accredited by AACSB, NCATE, ABET, as well as area accreditations.

The Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania has primarily focused on creating non-credit programming for their online courses. However, they do offer four degrees online:

• Bachelor of Applied Science in Technical Leadership
• Master of Instructional Technology
• Master of Nursing
• Master of School Based Speech Language Pathology

U.S. News and World Report ranks BU as #104 for Best Regional Universities. Washington Monthly says it is 125th Best Bang for the Buck in the Northeast and Money Magazine calls it 169th for education quality, affordability, and success.

Duquesne University was founded in 1878 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, by Father Joseph Strub, C.S. Sp. and the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. It is Pennsylvania’s first Catholic university. The university is named after Ange Duquesne de Menneville the French governor of New France and the first person to bring Catholic observances to Pittsburgh area. Today, Duquesne supported the educational careers of 10,000 students and over 75,000 alumni.

Duquesne University’s online learning experience uses a combination of Blackboard and Moodle. This allows students to access live and recorded video, technical support and library services.

• Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership
• Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication
• Master of Science in Leadership
• Master of Arts in Corporate Communication

Duquesne University is rated by the U.S. News & World Report for their Bachelor programs and their online Graduate Nursing programs. They have several distinguished alumni including two Roman Catholic Bishops and two Roman Catholic Cardinals.

The Millersville University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1855 in Millersville, Pennsylvania as a normal school to train teachers. The main campus has 250 acres in Lancaster County, and over 50% of the grounds are maintained organically.

The Millersville University of Pennsylvania offers their programs through the Brightspace by Desire2Learn online learning management system. Students have access to lectures, videos, discussion boards and more through the portal. The library and technical support are also available to them on their schedule.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
• Business Certificate in Marketing
• Graduate Certificate - Gifted Education
• Graduate Certificate – Nurse Educator
• Letter of Completion - Coaching Education (PIAA)
• Master of Education in Assessment, Curriculum, and Teaching (Online Teaching)
• Master of Education in Assessment, Curriculum, and Testing (STEM)
• Master of Education in Special Education
• Master of Science in Emergency Management
• Teacher Certification - Online Instruction Endorsement
• Teacher Certification - STEM Teaching Endorsement

The Millersville University of Pennsylvania has the best online Master’s degree in Emergency Management according to Bestcolleges.com. Affordable Colleges Online named it #3 for the most affordable online schools in Pennsylvania.

The Millersville University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1855 in Millersville, Pennsylvania as a normal school to train teachers. The main campus has 250 acres in Lancaster County, and over 50% of the grounds are maintained organically.

The Millersville University of Pennsylvania offers their programs through the Brightspace by Desire2Learn online learning management system. Students have access to lectures, videos, discussion boards and more through the portal. The library and technical support are also available to them on their schedule.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
• Business Certificate in Marketing
• Graduate Certificate - Gifted Education
• Graduate Certificate – Nurse Educator
• Letter of Completion - Coaching Education (PIAA)
• Master of Education in Assessment, Curriculum, and Teaching (Online Teaching)
• Master of Education in Assessment, Curriculum, and Testing (STEM)
• Master of Education in Special Education
• Master of Science in Emergency Management
• Teacher Certification - Online Instruction Endorsement
• Teacher Certification - STEM Teaching Endorsement

The Millersville University of Pennsylvania has the best online Master’s degree in Emergency Management according to Bestcolleges.com. Affordable Colleges Online named it #3 for the most affordable online schools in Pennsylvania.

Seton Hill University was founded in 1883 in Greensburg, Pennsylvania by Mother Aloysia Lowe and the Sisters of Charity. The university is named after Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton, the founder of the Sisters of Charity and 1st American-born Saint. Today, Seton Hill has over 200 acres and is located 35 miles east of Pittsburg, PA.

Seton Hill University has a rolling admissions program for their online programs. They offer six 8-week courses each year. There are also 6 start dates throughout the calendar year. Current degrees and certificates include:

• Master of Arts in Special Education
• Master of Arts in Special Education – Early Intervention
• Master of Arts in Special Education / Pre K-8 Or 7-12 Teacher Certification
• Data Analytics Certificate
• Software Application Development Certificate

Seton Hill is a 4-time Apple Distinguished School with a nationally recognized Career Services Center. While they move forward into the future with Big Data programs, they also are acutely aware of the past with the National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education on campus and the present with the Center for Family Therapy and the Wukich Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunities.

Cabrini College was founded in 1957 in Radnor, Pennsylvania, by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSC). Cabrini is the only higher education institution founded by the order. Today, the 112-acre campus is located 2-hours from New York City and 2.5-hours from Washington, D.C.  Cabrini supports the academic pursuits of 2,200 students.

Cabrini College offers several online courses throughout the year. However, most of their programs require either a hybrid or a residency. Here is a sample of the degrees offered:

• Masters in Education in Curriculum with a focus on instruction and assessment
• Certificate in PreK-12 Administrative Principal.
• Bachelor of Arts in Leadership

Cabrini College’s focus is to develop graduates that are advocates of societal change, engaged with the community and focused on leadership development. This is why they are one of the first institutions in the United States to require community service hours as a graduation requirement for all undergraduates.

Cedar Crest College is a private women’s college founded in 1867 in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Today, Cedar Crest offers courses online, accelerated weekend courses and physically onsite.

Cedar Crest College offers over 1,000 online courses through their School of Adult and Graduate Education. Students can access their coursework and information through Cedar Cress Online platform. While they say that they have a large selection of online courses, they do not specify any of these programs can be completed 100% online. Some of the degrees that have online courses available are:

• Accounting (B.S.)Art (B.A.)
• Art Therapy (B.A.)
• Art Therapy (M.A.A.T.)
• Business Administration with a focus in Health Care Management (B.S.), Human Resources Management (B.S.), Management (B.S.), or Marketing (B.S.)
• Criminal Justice (B.S.)
• Early Childhood Education (B.S.)
• Forensic Science (M.S.)
• Master of Business Education (MBA)
• Master of Education (M.Ed.)
• Nursing (M.S.N.)
• Nursing (Rn to BSN)
• Nutrition (B.S.)
• Pan-European MFA in Creative Writing
• Secondary Education (B.S.)

Cedar Crest College does allow men to attend day and evening courses. However, the college still focuses on the success of its women. The U.S. News & World Report says that this college is a “Best Value School,” “Best College for Veterans” and one of the “Top Regional Colleges” in the North.

Gwynedd Mercy University was founded in 1948 in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania, by the Sisters of Mercy. Gwynedd Mercy is one of 16 Sisters of Mercy higher education organizations in the United States. Today, the 160-acre campus is 25 miles from downtown Philadelphia serving over 2,600 students.

Gwynedd Mercy University offers their online programs through the GMercyU School of Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS). Some of their offerings include:

• Associate of Science in Business Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (completion program)
  • Organizational Management Concentration
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Completion)
  • Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN – for students with a bachelor’s degree in another field who want to become a nurse)
• Master of Business Administration
  • Health Care Administration Concentration
  • Strategic Management and Leadership Concentration
• Master of Science in Education
  • Master Teacher Concentration
  • Special Education Concentration
• Master of Science in Educational Administration
• Post-Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Gwynedd Mercy University is considered a “Best Value School” in Pennsylvania, a top 4-year university, one of the top business schools that has one of the top MBA programs. The college puts forth the best educational pursuit to ensure students are ready for life after graduation.

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania (Ship) was founded in 1871 in Shippensburg as the local state normal school to train teachers. Since then the school has become a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education that serves over 7,000 students annually. Today, it is located 40 miles southwest of Harrisburg in the Cumberland Valley.

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Professional, Continuing and Distance Education offers several online degrees and certificates. The online course load is the same as if you were sitting in a physical classroom. The difference is that these are accelerated, 8-week courses. Students are encouraged to take only one at a time. Programs include:

• MBA
• Master of Arts in Teaching STEM Education
• Early Childhood Director Certificate
• Literacy Graduate Certificate

The Wall Street Journal lists Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania in the Top 20 schools for improving student critical thinking skills. The MBA programs rank #97 for the online program and #130 for the part-time program by the U.S. News and World Report. The Grove College of Business is AACDB accredited, and it was the first school put into the database.

Point Park University was founded in 1960 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Today, the university offers more than 100 undergraduate, master and doctoral programs to over 4,000 students. It is the only University in downtown Pittsburgh.

Point Park University offers several of its programs in an accelerated 8-week course schedule. The faculty at Point Part have real-world experience, so you are going to have hands-on instruction with a direct approach to learning the material in your major.

• Adult Learning & Training (MA)
• Business Management (BS)
• Communication Technology (MA)
• Criminal Justice (BS)
• Curriculum & Instruction (MA)
• Educational Administration (MA)
• Information Technology (BS)
• Intelligence & Global Security (MA)
• Mass Communication (BA)
• Organizational Leadership (BA)
• Public Administration (BS)
• Public Relations & Advertising (BA)

Point Park University is known for its Academic Village initiative surrounding the main campus. The goal is to create the area to be a multi-block live and learn hub that redefines the learning environment. This means that they have connected with the Pittsburgh Playhouse converting it into their performing arts center updated local areas and increased incentives for small businesses to join in the project.

Waynesburg University was founded in 1849 in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The university is named after Revolutionary War hero, General “Mad” Anthony Wayne. Today, the university supports over 2,500 students studying one of 70 academic majors on its 30-acre main campus and three adult centers in the surrounding area.

Waynesburg University maintains a strong community with its students. The classes both online and on-campus average about 18 students. The student-faculty ratio is 12 to 1. While there are several courses that are offered online, there are two Master-level degrees that are completely online:

• MBA
• Masters of Education Degree in Instructional Technology

Waynesburg University is its own series of firsts: They are one of the first colleges that offered degrees to women. They had the first televised football game in the United States. Today, they continue their traditions alive by opening opportunities for students to go on international or domestic mission service trips to Africa, Ireland, etc.

Delaware Valley University (DelVal) was founded in 1896 in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, by Rabbi Joseph Krauskopf. Today, over 2,000 students study either on the 550-acre property (30 miles north of Philadelphia) or via distance learning.

Delaware Valley University uses the Experience360 Program (E360) as an experiential learning component of the curriculum. Faculty use E360 to have students apply classroom learning to real-world scenarios. Based on the information on the website, they offer online classes every semester. DelVal offers a flexible and student-focused MBA program with no minimum credit per term requirements and the option to take classes online, in-person or both.

Delaware Valley University has been named "Best College in the Northeast" by the Princeton Review, "30 Great Small Colleges for a Counseling Degree" by Best Psychology Degrees, and "Best Online MBA Programs" by GoGrad.org.

Mercyhurst University was founded in 1926 by the Mother Borgia Egan and the Sisters of Mercy in Erie, Pennsylvania. The name Mercyhurst is a combination of words. First, “Mercy” is part of the Sisters of Mercy name; and “Hurst” is from the wooded area on the hill that was chosen to be home. Today, it is home to over 3,000 students that continually seize the day.  The 75-acre campus is 100 miles from Cleveland, OH, Buffalo and New York City.

Mercyhurst University several different formats for their online programs. Some of the classes are 8-weeks, 10.5 week or 16-weeks long depending on the program. Below are a sample of the available programs:

• Master of Science in Secondary Education
• Master of Science in Applied Intelligence
• Graduate Certificate in Applied Intelligence

Mercyhurst University is #41 Best Regional Universities in the North, #5 of 32 Pennsylvanian universities, and #32 out of 50 for Best Colleges for Veterans in the North. Money Magazine states that the university is also one of the most affordable private universities in the nation.