Table of Content

1. About Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, Connecticut
2. Sacred Heart University Rankings and Reputation
3. Sacred Heart University Top Courses 
4. Available Intakes for Application
5. Eligibility Criteria for International Student
6. Sacred Heart University Cost of Study
7. Scholarships for International Students
8. Sacred Heart University Internships
9. Student Life & Support
10. Placement and Career Assistance 
11. FAQs

About Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, Connecticut

Sacred Heart University is a testament to a stimulating education and community engagement. Founded by the most reverent Walter W. Curtis in 1963, SHU has grown into a vibrant university renowned for its focus on Catholic intellectual tradition and commitment to preparing students for a rewarding career. 

SHU complements its leadership focus with a robust research environment spanning all departments. The university's dedicated STEM & Research Community provides resources and fosters collaboration for those pursuing careers in IT, Engineering or Research. Its repository serves as a comprehensive archive of intellectual output, showcasing faculty research alongside student theses and dissertations. 

SHU has six colleges, the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology, College of Health Professions, Isabelle Farrington College of Education, College of Nursing, College of Communication, Media & Arts and College of Arts & Sciences. 

Furthermore, SHU’s New England Campus in Fairfield, Connecticut is situated in one of the most economically vibrant regions in the US. Located between New York City and Boston, it offers a perfect place to study, live, and work.

This is just an overview to answer Why study in USA - Sacred Heart University? Time to take a step ahead and learn about the University’s accomplishments in the national and international ranking systems.

Sacred Heart University Rankings and Reputation

Here’s a brief of SHU’s rankings and reputation to give you a well-rounded view of this leading US University.

• Ranked #209 among the Best National Universities for 2024 as per US News & World Report
• One of the Top Undergraduate Business Schools in US for 2024 as per Poets&Quants
• Listed in the Best 389 Colleges in USA for 2024 and Best Business Schools 2023 by Princeton Review
• Ranked between #401-500 in US College Rankings 2022 by Times Higher Education
• Recognized in various categories, including Catholic, Business, Education, Nursing, Connecticut, and Military Support for 2023-24 by Colleges of Distinction

Having examined SHU's position in national rankings and its overall reputation, we can now focus on the programs where this excellence is most concentrated.
 

Sacred Heart University Top Courses 

Whether you are considering a Bachelors or Masters in USA, Sacred Heart University offers umpteen options to explore. 

The University offers nearly 90 programs for Bachelors, Masters, Ph D and Certifications across its six colleges.  Let us dive into the top choices to help you find the perfect fit!

 Popular Masters Courses at SHU

Popular Bachelors Courses at SHU

Intrigued by a particular field? SHU offers several intakes throughout the year for its most sought-after programs. 
 

Available Intakes for Application

Sacred Heart University offers three academic intakes: Fall, Spring and Summer. Some courses are available only during the fall intake, some during the fall and spring, and some in all the three. 

Once you have identified a program of interest, you should check the university website for details on intake periods and application deadlines for that specific course. You’ll also have to check the eligibility criteria so here we make the search a little easier for you. 
 

Sacred Heart University Eligibility Criteria for International Students

Here is an overview of the key eligibility requirements at SHU for your reference before you begin the application process:

For Masters

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited School with an overall GPA of 3.0
• Overall Education of 15 Years (3 years Bachelors is Acceptable)
• Academic Transcripts
• English Language Proficiency Scores:
• PTE Overall 62
• TOEFL iBT Overall between 80-85
• IELTS Overall between 6.0-7.0
• Duolingo Score between 105-115
• Standardized Test Requirements: GRE or GMAT Scores are Optional
   

For Bachelors

• Minimum GPA of 2.5 - 2.75 in Previous Academic Qualification
• General Application Documents (9th-12th Std. Marksheet, Resume, Passport)
• English Language Proficiency Scores:
• PTE Overall 62
• TOEFL iBT 80
• IELTS Overall 6.5
• Duolingo Overall 110
• Standardized Test Requirements: SAT or ACT Scores are Optional

Turning our focus to the next section where we will now understand the cost of studying to help you with your financial planning.
 

Sacred Heart University Cost of Study

Given below are the tuition fees associated with studying at Sacred Heart University:

• For Masters: Annual Fees ranges from $16,650 to $38,850 depending on the Course.
• For Bachelors: Annual Fee is $50,084 for all course options.

Now, choosing between on-campus and off-campus housing at SHU comes down to more than just your personal preferences. 

Living on campus will cost up to $12,700 annually for housing. Food costs will go up to $19,140 per year. However, this housing option is a perfect choice for first-year students as it helps gain familiarity with the campus area.

Off-campus living offers a potential cost savings of $14,300 annually, covering both housing and food. However, remember this is just an estimate. Your actual expenses could vary depending on your lifestyle and living choices.

Having checked the study expenses, let us explore the scholarships offered by the University that you may be eligible to apply for.
 

Sacred Heart University Scholarships for International Students

When you apply to Sacred Heart University as a new student for Undergrads, you are automatically considered for academic scholarships without submitting a separate application. The Scholarship Review Committee evaluates these based on your high school transcript and class rank.

These competitive merit-based scholarships range from $6,000 to $21,000 annually. They can be renewed for up to four years (or eight semesters) of full-time Bachelor's Degree study, provided you maintain the required cumulative GPA. 

The scholarship programs include:

• President's Excellence Award
• Trustee Scholarship
• College Scholarship
• Conley Award

If you are a transfer student, you may also explore the following options:

• Phi Theta Kappa
• Transfer Achievement Award
• Community College Scholarship

In addition to these scholarships, there are Activity-Based, Need-Based, or Endowed Scholarships as well.

You may also check out the ‘Outside Scholarship’ opportunities posted regularly for masters students by the Office of Student Financial Assistance on the university website.

Well now it’s time to take a glance at the internships offered by SHU. 
 

Sacred Heart University Internships

You gain valuable workplace experience at SHU through internships on campus or in other industries. Real-world internships help you integrate classroom study with professional experiences. As a sophomore, you are required to complete a comprehensive course in the available areas of subjects that introduce you to the fundamentals of planning your job search strategies. 

One of the university's renowned School of Computer Science & Engineering maintains a strong network in industries, providing you with numerous opportunities for a successful career. You will be offered on-campus internships in the Factory (SHU's Computer Support Center) and the Network Operations Center.

The following companies mostly hire students from the Computer Science & Engineering department:

• GE
• Microsoft
• IBM
• JP Morgan
• Mercedes Benz Credit
• Morgan Stanley
• People's Bank
• NBC Sports
• Sikorsky Aircraft
• Motor Vehicle Network
• 1st Premier Mortgage Company

Apart from this, SHU also provides internship support for other departments as well, which you can find on its official website.

The university also offers Graduate Research Assistantships (RAs) for various programs. These positions provide valuable firsthand experience working alongside faculty on research projects. 

Let us now explore the various support systems and resources available for students at SHU.
 

Student Life & Support

Sacred Heart University provides a vibrant and engaging experience that helps you seamlessly blend with others. Given below are some of its key aspects:

• The campus community is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and supportive environment where students from diverse backgrounds come together to learn and grow. 
• It represents a tight-knit community, fostering relationships between students, faculty and staff.
• The University offers numerous on-campus housing options, from standard dormitories to apartments.
• At SHU, you can access numerous extracurricular activities such as Student Clubs & Organizations, Community Service Projects, Intramural Sports, and Cultural Events that will enrich your experience and help develop leadership skills.
• The University competes in NCAA Division I athletics, allowing you to participate in Varsity Sports Teams or support your mates as fans. 
• The Department of Public Safety maintains a safe and secure environment for the student community.

Your journey at SHU does not stop here. The support system accompanies career and job assistance, helping you succeed from day one to career launch.
 

Placement and Career Assistance 

At SHU, students benefit from the university tie-ups with Fortune 500 corporations and world-class hospitals. Remarkably, over 99% of SHU graduates are either employed or engaged in further studies. Not just that, according to SmartAsset, the University boasts a top 10 ranking for graduate starting salaries in Connecticut! 

• Career Support

Sacred Heart University's Center for Career & Professional Development offers a variety of resources to help you land your dream job. They even have specialized ‘Career Communities’ that focus on specific industries, giving you a centralized hub for exploring careers, building your resume, and networking in your field.

Once you graduate, you will receive extensive career support to help you find your dream job. Over 99% of SHU graduates are either employed or engaged in further studies. 

Some of the big companies that recently hired SHU Graduates include:

• Google
• Walt Disney
• Michael Kors
• AIG
• Amazon
• NBA
• Deloitte
• Ralph Lauren
• KPMG
• ESPN
• Microsoft
• Panasonic
• Bank of America
• NBC

When looking for Internships or Job opportunities after completing your studies, you can explore the University’s job search site Handshake. It gives access to over 3.5 million career prospects. You may also take advantage of the entrepreneur’s incubator and co-working space at West Campus provided by SHU in partnership with iHub. Job opportunities for graduates are not only available in Fairfield but also in nearby cities such as New York City, Philadelphia and Boston. 

Speaking in a nutshell, like other renowned and leading universities in USA, Sacred Heart University (SHU) also offers a compelling proposition for aspiring scholars and innovators. With a vibrant campus community & strong industry connection, it equips you with the skills and experience to succeed in your chosen field. 

If you are worried about how to get an admit here, consider reaching out to KC Overseas Education. Our US country experts will not only ensure admission but also guide you enough to get the US Student Visa. 

We’ll be thrilled to be your support in your pursuit of studying at Sacred Heart University, USA!
 

FAQs

1. What departments or programs at SHU have the best reputations? 

Even though every department at SHU has its relevance, the following departments stand out due to their extraordinary approach towards academic excellence:

• Jack Welse College of Business and Technology
• College of Health Professions
• Davis & Henley College of Nursing
   

2. What are the popular subject areas? 

Find below some of the most popular subjects taught at Sacred Heart University: 

• Business Analytics, Business Administration
• Marketing, Accounting
• Health Administration, Healthcare Informatics
• Nursing, Mental Health Counselor
• Finance, Cybersecurity, Human Resource Management
   

4. Is a GRE score required to study at Sacred Heart University? 

GRE is not a mandatory requirement for studying Master’s at Sacred Heart University.
 

5. What is the acceptance rate at SHU? 

As per the US News & Report 2024, the acceptance rate at Sacred Heart University is around 65.70%.
 

6. What kind of practical hands-on experiences can the students have off-campus? 

Students can get practical experience through internships, clinical placements, fieldwork and research. They can also take advantage of service learning, professional conferences and workshops, industry partnerships, entrepreneurship initiatives, creative arts and performance.
 

7. Are there any on-campus employment opportunities? 

Yes, Sacred Heart University offers on-campus employment opportunities for students. While specific openings are not directly listed on the university website, the Center for Career and Professional Development provides resources to help you find them. They have a dedicated handshake portal where on-campus positions are likely to be listed.

Aug 31, 2024

This news was announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in January 2022. These fields are introduced to enhance the contributions of non-immigrant students and support the growth of the economy and innovation of the US. If you are planning to study in the US then this article will be of great help to you as we will be mentioning the list of new courses, and the benefits of this policy change for international students. 

22 New Fields in STEM 

Here’s the list of the 22 new fields of study introduced to expand the STEM professional opportunities in the US. Students planning to study in USA can now opt for their desired STEM related course:

1.  Bioenergy
2.  General Forestry 
3.  Forest Resources Production and Management 
4.  Cloud Computing 
5.  Anthrozoology 
6.  Climate Science
7.  Earth Systems Science
8.  Economics and Computer Science 
9.  Environmental Geosciences 
10.  Geobiology 
11.  Geography And Environmental Studies 
12.  Mathematical Economics 
13.  Mathematics and Atmospheric and Oceanic Science
14.  Financial Analytics 
15.  Industrial and Organizational Psychology 
16.  Data Analytics 
17.  Social Sciences 
18.  Human-Centred Technology Design 
19.  Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods 
20.  General Data Science 
21.  General Data Analytics 
22.  Business Analytics and Data Visualisation 

You can check for your most desired STEM combination now choosing one from the above list or those that were available earlier in the US universities.

How will these changes benefit students? 

Non-immigrant students wanting to pursue education USA can now avail many benefits from this policy change. The major benefits of this new policy are mentioned below. 

36 Months to Work in your Field of Study

• F-1 students pursuing bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees in certain STEM subjects are eligible to work in the United States for up to 36 months under the STEM OPT program. o 
• The addition of 22 new disciplines of study will ensure a broader range of degree options in competitive STEM fields for international students looking for higher studies in the United States. 

USCIS Policy Manual Guidance

• DHS is also updating and innovating better policy manual guidelines from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 
• USCIS is amending guidelines to explain how some STEM graduates and entrepreneurs might qualify for an advanced degree professional non-citizen or a non-citizen of exceptional ability under the national interest waiver for employment-based immigrant visa classification. 
• The amended guidelines specify how to use the programme, making it easier for noncitizens with required abilities, such as STEM graduates and entrepreneurs, to begin the process of obtaining lawful permanent resident status in the US. 

It is essential for students to be aware of these changes as these new changes improve the opportunities for international students aiming to pursue higher education and work in the US. 

To gain further in-depth guidelines related to this new development you can consult KC’s US Education experts who will not just give relevant information but guide and assist you with the entire process in any of the 200 US universities that we are collaborated with or in universities of your choice. 

KC Overseas Education has been in the study abroad sector for the last 23 years. With a multinational presence across India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, we are well within the reach of students across South Asia. We provide assistance to students who aim to pursue higher education abroad, from application to admission, test preparation to education loan and visa processing. 

Select the best STEM combination that resonates with your Career aspirations & apply for the same in your desired US universities through KC.

Nov 01, 2021

1. What are the remote testing options for TOEFL iBT and GRE General Test?
2. What is the criteria and Requirements to avail the online test at home?
3. What are the steps to be followed to meet the requirements

Taking a step ahead in the same direction, ETS, the world's largest educational testing and assessment organization has also come up with solutions for those who aren’t able to take the TOEFL iBT® test or he GRE® General Test at a test center due to public health concerns. 

This article will focus mainly not only on how to prepare for TOEFL iBT ®and GRE® General Tests from home but also on how you can take these Tests from Home. 

TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition Test and GRE General Test at Home Option

ETS is temporarily offering the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition Test and GRE General Test at home option providing a great relief to all the students who are worried about the present lockdown scenario. The best part is that the test is identical in content, format and on-screen experience to the TOEFL iBT and GRE General Test taken at a test centre. You can take the test on your own computer at home and it will be monitored by a human proctor online through ProctorU®. 

Criteria & Requirements to avail the Online Tests at Home

 The TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test and the GRE General Test at home is available to those who meet the following criteria: 

• Both the tests are offered in your country and location 

• As of April 2, 2020, the tests are available everywhere where the TOEFL iBT or the computer-delivered GRE General Test are available or offered, except for Mainland China and Iran. 

Technical Essentials: 

• Installation of the ETS Test Browser and the ProctorU Systems Check in the computer 

• A room that provides an acceptable environment for the test 

Steps to be followed to meet the requirements and proper registration for the test: 

Step 1: Equipment and Environment Checklist 

Be sure that your computer and testing room meet all the requirements enlisted on the ETS website before you register for the tests

Step 2: Start Your Registration with ETS

 Follow the steps mentioned in the ETS Website 

Step 3: Complete Your Registration with ProctorU® 

Even if you have a ProctorU account from another test, you will need to have a new account for the TOEFL iBT® Special Home Edition test or the GRE® General Test. 

Follow the guidelines given on the ETS website for this step and complete your registration with ProctorU®. 

Step 4: The Testing Experience 

Detailed guidelines have been given on the ETS Website regarding the Video and Online Monitoring, the Test Environment Reminders, Checking In and points to be kept in mind during the test. Go through all the guidelines carefully before you start taking the test. 

Step 5: After the Test 

Most post-test procedures for TOEFL iBT® Special Home Edition test and the GRE® General Test taken at home are the same as for tests taken at a test center. Check the ETS Website for details given for the duration in which you’ll receive the test scores in your ETS account, or the details required for retesting if essential. 

You can check the below mentioned urls for the details given on the ETS Website:

https://www.ets.org/s/cv/toefl/at-home/ 

https://www.ets.org/s/cv/gre/at-home/ 

KC Overseas Education is running Online Coaching Batches for TOEFL iBT, GRE, GMAT and IELTS. Those interested can check and enroll for the upcoming batches of TOEFL or GRE Online Classes. Experienced faculty, well compiled study material, mock tests and a lot more to make you proficient with the content and the test taking strategies. Very soon we are going to launch the Online Coaching batch for DET- Duolingo English Test as well. Do check out our further articles to get an overview on Duolingo English Test. By taking up the TOEFL iBT & GRE Online Coaching with us you can easily prepare to crack these tests and come out with flying colours. 

Stay home, stay safe and stay connected virtually. 

Study online and take the online tests at home. 

Maintain social distancing and utilise the time to the best.

Oct 01, 2021

Applicants need to appear for Standardized Test like GRE or GMAT for Master’s degrees. GRE scores are required to apply for a wide variety of graduate school programs, but GMAT scores are required only to apply to business schools. 

Acceptable Scores of Standardized Tests: 

• GRE: 300+ 
• GMAT: 500+ 

Apart from the Standardized Test Scores, universities also check for English Proficiency Test scores like TOEFL, IELTS or PTE. Any of these English Proficiency Test Scores are acceptable by most of the US universities.

Acceptable English Proficiency Test Scores: 

• TOEFL: 79 
• IELTS: 6.5 overall band 
• PTE: 56 

Other Essential Factors for Admission 

Student’s involvement in extracurricular activities and research projects also play a crucial role in getting an admit. Documents such as Resume, Letters of Recommendation & Statement of Purpose are also very vital and must be drafted very effectively. Exceptions 

• 15 (12+3) years of education are also acceptable in some of the Universities if the Institution in India is NAAC “A” Accredited (National Assessment & Accreditation Council) 
• 3 years of Bachelor’s degree is acceptable for admissions into Masters for Computer Science, MBA & Public Health courses & in other programs through Pathway with few universities. 
• Admissions without GRE/GMAT scores are possible with several universities. 
• Students with less TOEFL/IELTS scores can get admission through Pathway or English as second language program. 

High-Ranked US Universities accepting 3-year Bachelor’s Degrees*

• Suffolk University (Boston) 
• The Graduate School at UMBC 
• Oregon State University 
• New Jersey’s Science & Technology University 
• University of New Haven (Connecticut) 
• University of Arizona 
• Kent State University 
• University of Alabama at Birmingham 
• University of Colorado Denver 
• University of North Texas, Denton 

* Limited to few programs 

Top Universities in USA for MS 

Let’s check out a few Top Universities in USA for MS. 

• Stanford University 
• Carnegie Mellon University 
• University of California Berkeley 
• University of Washington, Seattle 
• New York University 
• University of Texas Austin 
• Yale University 
• University of Chicago 
• University of Minnesota, Twin Cities 

Top Universities in USA for MBA 

Here’s a list of Top Universities in USA for MBA. 

• Stanford Graduate School of Business, Stanford University 
• The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania 
• Kellogg School of Management | Northwestern University 
• The University of Chicago Booth School of Business 
• MIT Sloan School of Management 
• Harvard Business School 
• Haas School of Business, University of California Berkeley 
• Columbia Business School - Columbia University 
• Yale School of Management, Yale University 
• NYU Stern School of Business 

Cost of Education 

By now we know the eligibility criteria and the top universities in USA for the various master’s degrees. Now let us also checkout the cost of pursuing a Master's degree in US. The fee for masters can range from $15000 to $30,000 per year based on the type of institution and the duration of the course. International students with excellent academic percentage and high standardized test scores can apply for scholarships for international students in US, get financial aids and also check for institutional grants, which will help them to lower their cost of education in US. 

Financial Aid 

Students can check for Tuition Fee Waiver in the form of Assistantships. 

• Research Assistantship 
• Teaching Assistantship 
• Graduate Assistantship 

They can also check for Part Time On Campus Jobs or Off Campus Employment through 

• Curriculum Practical Training (CPT) 
• Optional Practical Training (OPT) 

NOTE: There are certain options that offer work study programs, and some Universities allow students to work full time even when the sessions are on. Classes are held in the evening or at the weekends so that students can work full time during the day. 

To know more about the admission process, the right time to start the preparation and for assistance with application processes you can consult KC’s US Education Experts virtually or in person. 

We have 60+ offices across India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Vietnam and we are one of the best Overseas Education Consultants in South Asia so you can be rest assured about the information being given to you. Check out for our next article to gain info about Work Rights for Master’s Degree aspirants in USA.

Mar 19, 2021

This news was announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in January 2022. These fields are introduced to enhance the contributions of non-immigrant students and support the growth of the economy and innovation of the US. If you are planning to study in the US then this article will be of great help to you as we will be mentioning the list of new courses, and the benefits of this policy change for international students. 

22 New Fields in STEM 

Here’s the list of the 22 new fields of study introduced to expand the STEM professional opportunities in the US. Students planning to study in USA can now opt for their desired STEM related course:

1.  Bioenergy
2.  General Forestry 
3.  Forest Resources Production and Management 
4.  Cloud Computing 
5.  Anthrozoology 
6.  Climate Science
7.  Earth Systems Science
8.  Economics and Computer Science 
9.  Environmental Geosciences 
10.  Geobiology 
11.  Geography And Environmental Studies 
12.  Mathematical Economics 
13.  Mathematics and Atmospheric and Oceanic Science
14.  Financial Analytics 
15.  Industrial and Organizational Psychology 
16.  Data Analytics 
17.  Social Sciences 
18.  Human-Centred Technology Design 
19.  Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods 
20.  General Data Science 
21.  General Data Analytics 
22.  Business Analytics and Data Visualisation 

You can check for your most desired STEM combination now choosing one from the above list or those that were available earlier in the US universities.

How will these changes benefit students? 

Non-immigrant students wanting to pursue education USA can now avail many benefits from this policy change. The major benefits of this new policy are mentioned below. 

36 Months to Work in your Field of Study

• F-1 students pursuing bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees in certain STEM subjects are eligible to work in the United States for up to 36 months under the STEM OPT program. o 
• The addition of 22 new disciplines of study will ensure a broader range of degree options in competitive STEM fields for international students looking for higher studies in the United States. 

USCIS Policy Manual Guidance

• DHS is also updating and innovating better policy manual guidelines from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 
• USCIS is amending guidelines to explain how some STEM graduates and entrepreneurs might qualify for an advanced degree professional non-citizen or a non-citizen of exceptional ability under the national interest waiver for employment-based immigrant visa classification. 
• The amended guidelines specify how to use the programme, making it easier for noncitizens with required abilities, such as STEM graduates and entrepreneurs, to begin the process of obtaining lawful permanent resident status in the US. 

It is essential for students to be aware of these changes as these new changes improve the opportunities for international students aiming to pursue higher education and work in the US. 

To gain further in-depth guidelines related to this new development you can consult KC’s US Education experts who will not just give relevant information but guide and assist you with the entire process in any of the 200 US universities that we are collaborated with or in universities of your choice. 

KC Overseas Education has been in the study abroad sector for the last 23 years. With a multinational presence across India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, we are well within the reach of students across South Asia. We provide assistance to students who aim to pursue higher education abroad, from application to admission, test preparation to education loan and visa processing. 

Select the best STEM combination that resonates with your Career aspirations & apply for the same in your desired US universities through KC.

Nov 14, 2018