Loyola University New Orleans is a private non-profit Jesuit and Catholic university located in New Orleans, Louisiana. It welcomes students from all backgrounds and is committed to preparing them to lead meaningful lives by pursuing truth, virtue, and wisdom. The university focuses on a strong liberal arts and sciences foundation and offers professional studies in a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Faculty and staff members strive to educate students as a whole through instruction, creative activities, research, and service. Loyola University New Orleans offers approximately 61 undergraduate and 10 graduate programs. The U.S. News and World Report ranked Loyola University New Orleans number 7 in the Best Master’s University in the South in 2011. The U.S. News and World Report also ranked Loyola as one of the top 10 largest online graduate programs.
Loyola University New Orleans Online offers flexible programs to meet the needs of busy students. The curriculum of programs is designed and led by faculty members who are high qualified and possess significant experience. Online courses are similar to campus-based courses and students are required to work both independently and in small groups. Online courses generally consist of weekly assignments and students are often required to complete papers, projects, and take tests. Online courses are delivered asynchronously through the Blackboard course management system and students are able to access coursework anytime from anywhere with an Internet connection. Blackboard is easy to navigate and offers a variety of features including an assignment drop box, online grade book, and multimedia course presentations. Students are able to frequently communicate with instructors and fellow classmates through online discussion boards and email. An Online Orientation is offered for new students to help them navigate Blackboard and become familiar with the online courses. Online programs include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, Master of Pastoral Studies, Master of Religious Education, Master of Science in Nursing, Bridge to Leadership Education for Nurses at a Distance for registered nurses with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, and Doctor of Nursing Practice. Individual online courses are also offered. Loyola University Online provides reliable technical support that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Students also have access to the online bookstore, virtual library, and various student resources.
Loyola University New Orleans was founded in 1904 as Loyola College. It grew steadily in its early years and became a university in 1912. The institution first offered evening courses in 1919. Throughout its history, the university continuously expanded offering more programs and establishing new buildings. It first started offering distance education in 1983 through the Loyola Institute for Ministry Extension Program. It acquired Mercy Academy in 1993. The university officially changed its name to Loyola University New Orleans in 1996 to differentiate itself from other institutions with related names. The first completely online program was offered in 2004. Loyola University New Orleans is one of the 28 Jesuit institutions in the U.S. It enrolls approximately 5,000 students of all faiths.
Accreditation
The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Loyola University New Orleans to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
Schools of Education
College of Business: provides excellent education based on values that motivates and helps students become effective and socially responsible leaders in the business field.
College of Humanities and Natural Sciences: strives to contribute to the enhancement of knowledge through scholarly and creative educational activities.
College of Law: dedicated to educating students to become skilled advocates and compassion law professionals who are committed to ethical practice.
College of Music and Fine Arts: provides programs in music, dance, theatre, and visual arts that demonstrate the university’s dedicated and service to the fine and performing arts.
College of Social Sciences: committed to connecting academic excellence with social justice.
Scholarships Offered
Loyola University offers a variety of merit scholarships for first-year and transfer students such as the Ignatian Scholarship for Academic Excellence, Dean’s Scholarship for Academic Excellence, Loyola Scholarship for Academic Excellence, Theatre Arts Scholarship, Business Scholarship for Academic Excellence, Social Justice Scholarship, Music Scholarship, Visual Arts Scholarship, and Transfer Scholarship.
Financing Options
Loyola University participates in a variety of financial aid programs such as the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Work Study, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), National SMART Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal PLUS Loan, Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized Loan, Federal Direct Stafford Unsubsidized Loan, and alternative loans. Monthly payment plans are also available through The Tuition Plan from Sallie Mae and Tuition Management Systems, Inc.
Credit Earning Options
Loyola University grants transfer credits for courses completed at other accredited colleges and universities. Students are able to transfer up to 64 credit hours from two-year institutions and at least 25 percent of the required semester credit hours for a particular degree must be earned at Loyola. Students are required to submit official transcripts and other supporting information.