St. Francis College

St. Francis College

In 1859, the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn founded the St. Francis Academy, the first private school in the borough. Their goal was to provide an excellent education to the boys of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn. The academy began modestly, comprised of a single building with just 30 students and 6 Brothers. Over the years, it grew steadily in both size and stature until 1884, when the trustees received permission from the New York State Legislature to “establish a literary college in the City of Brooklyn under the title of St. Francis College (SFC), with the same powers to confer diplomas and literary honors possessed by the universities and colleges of New York State.”

The foundation that was laid by the school’s visionary founders and those who shepherded its development remains the bedrock upon which SFC still stands. Today, the school has close to 2800 students and more than 350 full-time and part-time professors, all of whom remain committed to the same Franciscan tradition of service and development of the whole person upon which the school was founded.

Graduate Programs

While SFC’s undergraduate classes boast an impressive 15:1 student-faculty ratio, the level of personalized instruction is even greater in its outstanding master’s degree programs. This affords graduate students an enhanced graduate-level educational experience in the following subjects.

MS in Accounting

The two-year Master of Science degree in Accounting is designed for anyone looking for a mid-career change or just looking to increase understanding of business practices from an accountant's perspective. The program offers a mix of accounting theory and reporting, taxation, managerial accounting, ethics, systems, and auditing. Check out the MS in Accounting program.

MFA in Creative Writing

The only low-residency program in NYC allows candidates to pursue their degree without uprooting or giving up their day job. Aspiring writers can pursue genre tracks in Fiction, Poetry or Dramatic Screenwriting/Playwriting. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive contact and editorial feedback.

MS in Management

Tailored to meet the needs of working professionals and recent graduates, this flexible part-time program places strong focus on business strategy, decision-making, leadership and change management.

MA in Psychology

In preparation for further advanced study or careers in human services, students will build a strong foundation in assessment and intervention; professional and ethical procedures; experimental design; diversity and cognitive neuroscience. Graduates who complete the program are automatically accepted in Alfred University’s Certificate of Advanced Study in Mental Health Counseling Program.

Renowned speakers

SFC’s Thomas L. Volpe Lecture Series brings to campus world renowned experts in a variety of fields, providing insight and inspiration to the school’s student body. Over the years, guest speakers have included Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor, astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson, noted authors Sir Salman Rushdie and E.L. Doctorow, Former President of Poland Lech Walesa and journalist Andrea Mitchell.

An intellectual home situated in Brooklyn Heights

Situated in Brooklyn Heights, one of New York City’s most verdant and culturally vibrant neighborhoods, SFC provides its students with a stimulating atmosphere both inside and outside the classroom. Only a short distance from the school’s Remsen Street location are such impressive attractions as the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Historical Society, Brooklyn Library, Brooklyn Museum, Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Park and Rubin Museum of Arts, many of which are free to enrolled students. A block away on Montague Street, students can relax and socialize in a diverse array of restaurants, cafes and boutiques. For those who wish to broaden their horizons even further, Manhattan is only a short subway ride away.

Few other schools can offer the opportunity to learn at a global crossroads while at the same time providing a strong sense of community life. St. Francis College is truly a place to belong on both a local and an international level.

Student life

SFC is comprised of five interconnected buildings around which campus life is centered: the Administration Building, the Generoso Pope Athletic Center, the Science and Technology Building, the Student Services Building and the schools latest addition, the Frank and Mary Macchiarola Academic Center.

Off-campus residence halls offer SFC’s diverse student body invaluable opportunities to interact and get to know one another in a safe and comfortable environment. Located just a five-minute walk away from campus in the former Hotel St. George, the halls have fully furnished single, double and triple rooms, all of which come with private bathrooms, high-speed internet, refrigerators and flat screen televisions. Communal areas include kitchens, lounges and a state-of-the-art fitness center. To further promote student interaction and enrichment, SFC has more than 35 clubs and organizations that span a wide range of academic, cultural and special interest areas.

An affordable world-class education

With the cost of college continuing to rise, it may sometimes seem to be increasingly out of reach. SFC, however, has made every effort to ensure that its students receive a world-class educational experience at an affordable price. The school’s dedication to providing affordable education is in keeping with its Franciscan ideals. It’s no wonder, then, that SFC has been ranked in Money magazine’s “Best value for your money.” It is also recognized by US News and World Report as one of the top regional colleges in the North and ranked on the Forbes.com “America’s Top Colleges” list.  The College is also ranked #3 with “Highest Social Mobility” by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

SFC students belong to the future

In addition to providing a robust and supportive environment to students while they are pursuing their educations, SFC strives to prepare them for successful futures after they graduate. To this end, the Career Center offers a variety of strategies and resources to assist with identifying and pursuing meaningful professional paths. The school also has a far-reaching and highly active Alumni Association that strives to further guidance and networking among its graduates.

Schedule a visit today

As impressive as it may sound in writing, the best way to see what SFC is all about is to visit. The school offers campus tours Monday-Friday, and all it takes to schedule one is to call 718.489.5200 or email admissions@sfc.edu.  Come experience for yourself the exciting things that are happening at St. Francis College.