Saint Peter's College - Overview
A Small Jesuit College Close to New York City
Founded in 1872 in Jersey City, New Jersey, Saint Peter's College continues its legacy of providing high-quality liberal arts education in an intimate, personalized setting today. Saint Peter's College is one of only 28 Jesuit higher education institutions in the nation, and the only one in New Jersey.
The university's Catholic history emphasizes academic rigor, leadership, and service. The school's student population is largely diverse; the approximately 3,000 students at Saint Peter's College come from all across the United States, from more than 60 countries in the world, and are comprised of a variety of faiths.
The College of Arts and Sciences/School of Business Administration at Saint Peter's College offers 38 bachelor's degrees and numerous associate degrees in the liberal arts and business fields. All classes are taught by full-time faculty members. Saint Peter's also offers undergraduate programs for adult and non-traditional students, as well as pre-professional programs in conjunction with various other institutions.
College of Arts and Sciences
Saint Peter's College of Arts and Sciences awards B.A. and B.S. degrees in a broad spectrum of fields. Students can choose from a myriad of degree offerings. Some of the most popular majors at St. Peter's are Asian studies, biotechnology, criminal justice, computer science, mathematics, Latin American and Latino studies, urban studies, nursing, and graphic arts. Students can also pursue degrees in more traditional liberal arts areas, such as visual arts, theology, fine arts, communication, philosophy, and classical languages, among others.
The College of Arts and Sciences also offer minors in a variety of fields (from Africana studies to music to journalism), double majors, and composite majors. Composite majors are a unique way for students to personalize their education; students design their own curriculum to match their educational and professional interests in conjunction with a staff adviser. Students who choose to create a composite major will be awarded a B.A. in Professional Studies upon graduation.
School of Business Administration
For students who wish to pursue a career in business and commerce, the School of Business Administration offers 4 Bachelor of Science degree programs in business: accountancy, business management, marketing management, and international business and trade. Students can also earn minors in accountancy, business law, and finance.
Additionally, the department also offers certificate programs in international business, business management, marketing management, and general business for students who already have a bachelor's degree in another field. In order to make the most of their studies, all business students are encouraged to participate in internships which are offered through the department for course credit.
Pre-professional Programs
Saint Peter's College works in conjunction with the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rutgers University, Seton Hall University, and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey to offer degrees in a variety of technology, medical, and other professional fields.
Among the pre-professional programs, students can participate in a 4-year B.S. in Cytotechnology program, a 7-year combined B.S./D.M.D. dentistry program, a 4-year B.S. in Medical Technology program, a 6-year combined B.S./J.D. law program, and a 6-year combined B.S./M.S.P.A. physician assistant program. Other pre-professional programs include combined and joint degrees in physical therapy, pharmacy, occupational therapy, medicine, and engineering.
Associate Degree Programs
Saint Peter's College offers associate degree programs in business, humanities, and public policy. Associate degrees normally take 2 years to complete; students can choose to earn an A.S. in Business Management, A.A. in Humanities, A.S. in Social Sciences, or A.S. in Urban Studies -- Public Policy. Many of the courses in the associate degree programs offer flexible course times so that students may work and attend classes at the same time.
First Year Experience Program
In order to help students successfully transition into academic life, all new and first year students are required to participate in the First Year Experience program. A mandatory 3-day orientation takes place over the summer in which students meet other students, faculty, and staff members, participate in introductory lectures, and become acquainted with the Saint Peter's College campus. Additionally, all freshman students must enroll in a First Year Seminar course of their choice. These courses are designed to instruct students in study habits and writing and speaking skills in addition to course curriculum.
Students may choose to participate in the Freshman Common Reading Program, an extracurricular program that is designed to engage students both academically and socially through reading activities. Students can also take advantage of the school's S.T.E.P. U.P. program, which offers workshops on various topics throughout the year, from study abroad to conflict management to test-taking skills.
Sports and Athletics
Saint Peter's College participates in 19 NCAA Division I men's and women's sports. Sports at Saint Peter's include baseball, basketball, bowling, track, soccer, golf, and tennis, among others. The Victor R. Yatinelli Recreation and Life Center is where most teams meet to practice, and is also the home of Saint Peter's intramural sports programs, fitness center, weight room, and swimming, racquetball, and squash facilities.
In the Midst of the Metropolis
The main Saint Peter's College campus is located in the heart of Jersey City. Aside from the flourishing urban environment of Jersey City's downtown restaurants, cafes, and businesses, students also have access to all of New York City's cultural attractions -- midtown Manhattan can be accessed via bus, subway, or taxi.