School of Arts and Letters

About School of Arts and Letters

The School of Arts and Letters serves as a primary academic division within Saint Francis University, located in Loretto, Pennsylvania, United States. As an integral part of the university, the school operates under the institutional accreditation held by Saint Francis University, which is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Founded as part of the broader mission of the Franciscan friars who established the university in 1847, the school focuses on the delivery of liberal arts education, emphasizing critical thinking, communication, and historical inquiry as foundational elements of the undergraduate experience.

The academic structure of the School of Arts and Letters encompasses various departments including English, History, Political Science, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Fine Arts. Students may pursue Bachelor of Arts degrees across these disciplines, which are designed to provide both breadth in general education requirements and depth within a chosen major. The curriculum typically integrates traditional humanities coursework with interdisciplinary studies, reflecting the university’s commitment to the Franciscan tradition of service and academic exploration. These programs are intended to prepare students for diverse career paths in education, law, public service, journalism, and non-profit administration.

Campus facilities supporting the School of Arts and Letters are integrated into the broader Saint Francis University infrastructure in Loretto. Students have access to the university's library resources, which house academic databases, physical archives, and research collections relevant to the humanities. Classroom spaces, writing centers, and specialized laboratories for media or fine arts are distributed throughout the campus buildings. The university maintains an environment where faculty offices are accessible to students, facilitating regular academic advising and research mentorship, which are standard practices within the school’s pedagogical approach.

The school emphasizes several academic strengths, most notably its focus on writing-intensive instruction and the development of analytical skills. By maintaining small class sizes, the faculty is able to provide feedback on student research and creative projects. The programs often feature a combination of core curriculum requirements—designed to ensure a well-rounded education—and elective opportunities that allow students to tailor their studies to specific interests. This structure supports the university's mission of graduating individuals who possess the technical competency and ethical framework necessary for professional engagement and community participation.

Beyond classroom instruction, the School of Arts and Letters facilitates experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, research assistantships, and study abroad programs. These activities are designed to connect theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom with practical applications in professional environments. Students are encouraged to participate in regional conferences and departmental clubs, which serve as platforms for academic networking and the presentation of scholarly work. These co-curricular activities are managed in alignment with the university’s broader educational goals, ensuring that student engagement remains tied to the core values of the institution.

As a unit of Saint Francis University, the School of Arts and Letters follows the institutional policies regarding admissions, academic integrity, and degree conferral. The school works in conjunction with the university’s registrar and student services offices to ensure that all academic programs meet the requirements for graduation and professional licensure where applicable. The faculty members within the school hold advanced degrees in their respective fields and are tasked with both teaching and contributing to the body of knowledge through scholarly research and creative activity. This dual focus supports the school’s role in sustaining the academic rigor of the university.

The School of Arts and Letters remains a central component of the educational landscape at Saint Francis University, reflecting the institution's long-term commitment to the liberal arts. By providing a curriculum grounded in the humanities, the school continues to contribute to the university’s objective of fostering intellectual growth. Prospective students, faculty, and researchers interested in the specific course offerings or current departmental initiatives are directed to the official Saint Francis University academic catalog and website, which provide the most current information regarding degree requirements, faculty profiles, and institutional updates.