The College of St. Scholastica is a private non-profit Catholic Benedictine college based out of Duluth, Minnesota. The Benedictine Values of community, respect, hospitality, stewardship, and love of learning guide the college and its mission is to provide intellectual and moral preparation for students to live responsibly and pursue meaningful careers. The academic programs are presented in a challenging and supportive learning environment that promotes learning and enables students to find their place in the world. The U.S. News and World Report consistently recognizes the College of St. Scholastica and it was ranked in the top tier of the regional universities in the Midwest region of the 2009 “America’s Best Colleges” publication.
The College of St. Scholastica offers flexible and convenient online programs that use interactive tools. The programs are designed to provide the same education as campus-based programs and enable students to gain the same knowledge and abilities. Experienced faculty teaches the courses and majority of coursework in completed entirely online with some programs requiring a one-week intensive campus session. The undergraduate online programs include management, health information management, and registered nurse to Bachelor of Science and the graduate online programs include a Master of Education, health information management, information technology leadership, educational media and technology, and transitional doctor of physical therapy. A variety of online certificates are also available. Online programs are delivered through the Blackboard Learning System and students have access to an online library, the bookstore, financial aid, and business office.
A group of Benedictine Sisters founded the College of St. Scholastica in 1912 as an institution for young women. The college became a four-year institution in 1924. In 1934, the medical record librarian program started and it was the first bachelor degree program of its kind in the country. In 1969, the college became a co-educational institution. In 1999, the accelerated degree evening program started. Today, the College of St. Scholastica educates nearly 4,000 students.
Accreditation
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association accredits the College of St. Scholastica.
Schools of Education
School of Arts and Letters: center for liberal learning and offers a variety of courses in art, languages, communication, history, music, philosophy, literature, theatre, and theology as well as interdisciplinary programs.
School of Business and Technology: combines liberal arts and experiential learning to help students become global leaders with strong professional skills. Offers a variety of programs in accounting, economics, marketing, computer science, finance, management, and organizational behavior.
School of Education: its programs promote high academic standards, technical know-how, mutual partnerships, and a diverse learner outlook. Offers various education programs including elementary education, middle/secondary education, library media, Spanish education, and vocal and classroom music.
School of Health Sciences: recognized as an excellent educator of health science professionals. Offers programs through 6 departments: athletic training, exercise physiology, health informatics and information management, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and social work.
School of Nursing: houses one of the largest nursing programs in Minnesota and it strives to meet the healthcare needs of the region. Offers a variety of nursing programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree levels.
School of Sciences: with the School of Arts and Letters, it provides the general education courses for all undergraduate programs at the College. Offers programs in biology, chemistry, physical science, psychology, sociology, and mathematics.
Scholarships Offered
The College of St. Scholastica offers a variety of scholarships including the Benedictine Scholarships, Meslow First Generation Scholarship, American Indian Graduate Center Scholarship, Public Safety Officer’s Survivor Grant, U.S. Navy Scholarships, Rehab Care Tuition Assistance Program, American Association of Colleges of Nursing Scholarship, U.S. Army Health Professions Scholarship, Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, Albert Gonska Achievement Award, Online Bachelor Degree Scholarship, Online Master Degree Scholarship, and Mike Augustin Scholarship.
Financing Options
The College of St. Scholastica participates in various financial aid programs such as the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Perkins Loan, Minnesota Post-Secondary Child Care Grant, Minnesota State Grant, St. Scholastica Grant, Federal Work Study, Federal Nursing Loan, Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized Loan, and Federal Direct Stafford Unsubsidized Loan. The college also offers a monthly payment plan and employer reimbursement plan.
Credit Earning Options
The College of St. Scholastica grants transfer credits for previous coursework completed at another accredited college or university. Transfer students must be in good academic standing at previous institutions and all courses must have earned a grade of a C or better. The college participates in the Advanced Placement Program and grants credit for a score of a 3,4, or 5 on examinations. International students may also receive credit for an international baccalaureate. The Prior Learning Assessment program at the College of St. Scholastica awards credits for non-academic learning experiences such as workplace training and experience, military training and service, non-college courses, volunteer and community activity, and travel, residency, or teaching in foreign countries. Students participating in the program must submit supporting documents such as portfolios, case study assignments, licenses, certifications, and performance observations.