Looking for more information about Saint Louis University's School for Professional Studies? Learn more about what programs we offer, which one is right for you, why online education is beneficial, the differences between online and traditional courses, and more.
General FAQs
SLU's School for Professional Studies offers online bachelor's, master’s and certificates. Explore our online programs.
Our courses feature the same high-quality curriculum, experienced faculty members and challenging environment as traditional classes at Saint Louis University, but are designed to be completed by adults who are maintaining part- or full-time employment.
With the convenience of totally online courses, you can earn your degree through a nationally-recognized academic institution in a format tailored to your lifestyle.
When you graduate from the School for Professional Studies, you earn a degree from Saint Louis University but at half the cost of a traditional degree. Our reduced tuition is competitively priced with other adult programs in the area. We even offer several scholarships exclusively for adults students. See current tuition and fees.
Yes. Saint Louis University's accredited adult degree programs are reviewed and evaluated by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The HLC has been the continual accrediting body of Saint Louis University since 1916. The accrediting body requires SLU to undergo any necessary improvements needed in its professional commitment to a mission of providing an exceptional education to students.
Benefits of an Online Education
Our online and accelerated degree programs offer classes specifically designed to benefit working adults. When you take an online class you can work toward your degree at a time and place that fits best with your schedule.
Classes are in a convenient eight-week term instead of a 16-week semester. With five eight-week terms throughout the year, you can start at a time that works for you.
While our programs are meant to accommodate the lifestyle of a nontraditional student, it is still a good idea to think about if the programs will work for you.
The best way to know if online programs are a good fit for your life is to ask yourself a few important questions before you begin, including:
- What is my purpose for going back to school?
- Am I looking for personal enrichment?
- Do I want to increase my earning power?
- Do I want to advance with my current job or change careers?
- Would I like to be more of a role model for my family?
- Can I commit the time and motivation to study on my own schedule?
- Am I comfortable enrolling in a completely online program?
Yes, you are still getting a degree from Saint Louis University, which is ranked among the best universities in Missouri and the United States. Our online courses offer the same quality curriculum and experienced instructors as our on-campus classes.
Yes. Our degree programs feature applicable knowledge and skills that you can bring into the workplace. In fact, 90 percent of SLU graduates are either working or in graduate school six months after graduating. Among those, 95 percent are working in their chosen field.
Scheduling Courses
You must complete a minimum of one SPS course each semester in order to maintain an active status. You can review our continuous progress policy for more information.
In the Classroom
For class-specific questions, your instructor should always be your first source of information. For broader questions, SLU offers tutoring, writing, library and technical support. If you can't find an answer to your question, you can contact your academic advisor or email sps2@slu.edu, and someone from the School for Professional Studies will contact you as quickly as possible.
Tests and assignments are administered through Canvas, our online learning system.