Military-Friendly

Saint Leo University offers academic degree programs specifically tailored for military students. The university also provides financial aid counselors who can assist students with the sometimes confusing Post 9/11 GI Bill process.

Veteran Benefits

Veterans also can benefit from online degree programs. With full-time careers and family obligations, veterans may find it difficult to take advantage of their education benefits in a traditional classroom setting; but thanks to Saint Leo University’s Center for Online Learning, they can enroll in college without sacrificing any part of their busy lives.

Blended Learning Models

Saint Leo University maintains education centers on or near military bases in seven states.  That makes it convenient for students who prefer a classroom learning experience, or courses that “blend” online and classroom learning.  Associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs are offered.  Military students can pursue their academic goals––from start to finish––at a prestigious university that has been educating students since 1889.

If you are a member of the U.S. military who is thinking about pursuing a college degree, why not consider enrolling in Saint Leo University’s military-friendly online degree programs today.

Five reasons to get an online degree at Saint Leo University:

1. The U.S. Department of Education conducted a 2009 study that indicated online education is on par to the quality of campus-based education. As such, an online degree is just as rewarding of an experience as a campus-based degree program.
2. Online degree programs are ideal for military students who are currently deployed or who may be deployed in the near future; businessmen and women who travel often; and students “on the go,” such as working adults, single parents, and stay-at-home moms.
3. Saint Leo University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, one of the nation’s six regional accrediting agencies. This means Saint Leo University is an ideal choice for a school, whether an online-based or campus-based program.
4. Saint Leo University’s Center for Online Learning courses are developed and taught by the university’s own faculty, so its students can be confident that they are being taught by academic professionals.
5. Saint Leo University’s Center for Online Learning offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs, so that students can pursue both their undergraduate and graduate degree goals with one university.

BA in Psychology

One of the most popular undergraduate majors at Saint Leo University’s main campus and Continuing Education Centers (as well as at colleges in general) can now be earned online. Saint Leo’s full-time psychology faculty members have completed the big job of taking the 13 most essential courses (required courses and most popular electives) they teach in traditional classrooms and creating online versions. At Saint Leo, that’s not simply a matter of posting a list of readings to a chat room. The professors work with instructional designers to decide how best to present lessons in an online platform. In this major, the online courses use tools including brief video clips, some animation, and different ways of creating interactions between the student and teacher, such as interview assignments. Students will see three different psychology courses offered online during Fall 1 semester.

Students on this track would earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, which people apply to a wide variety of fields including marketing, human services, communications, and other vocations. Some people are attracted to the BA in psychology because they need a bachelor’s degree in the field of their choosing to advance at work, and correctly think the psychology courses will help them better understand family dynamics while helping them in the workplace.

Students will learn about both the civilian and the military aspects of logistics management. In addition to courses on purchasing management, transportation, and inventory control, the specialization requires the study of related information technology and global issues. Interested students can ask for more information at the Continuing Education Center nearest them.

Saint Leo University - Key West Center

Accreditation certifies a college for both the educational and professional world. Saint Leo University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, one of six regional accreditors of the United States. The six regional accreditors have been approved by both the Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education; they are considered the trustworthy evaluators of quality education. This means that a degree from Saint Leo University is not only considered a reputable asset to bring to the work force, but also qualifies for unit transfer to all other colleges within the six regional accreditors’ framework.

Saint Leo University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; telephone (404) 679-4501 to award the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees.

Saint Leo University School of Business

Saint Leo University’s School of Business received initial accreditation by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) in September 1999.

Social Work Degree Program

Saint Leo University’s degree program in social work is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education (BSW level).

Undergraduate Sports Management Program

Saint Leo’s undergraduate sport management program is nationally ‘approved’ (accredited) by the Sport Management Program Review Council (SMPRC), which is the
nationally recognized body of academic sport management programs that grants approval to sport management programs at all levels.

Teacher Education Degree Program

Saint Leo University has Teacher Education Programs approval by the State of Florida Department of Education.

Saint Leo University holds membership in:

• American Council on Education (ACE)
• Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges
• Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF)
• American Association of Adult and Continuing Education
• National Collegiate Honor Society
• National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
• University Continuing Education Association (UCEA)
• National Association of Institutions for Military Education Services (NAIMES)
• Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges
• National Catholic Education Association
• Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities

Graduation at Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University graduates and their families will hear from two distinguished speakers from the worlds of government and business during morning and afternoon commencement ceremonies to be held at the main campus on Saturday, May 2.

Two ceremonies are needed to accommodate the estimated 775 degree recipients participating, and their families. Both programs are held in the Marion Bowman Activities Center.

A morning ceremony is scheduled at 9 a.m. to award a mix of undergraduate and graduate degrees. The participants have studied through Saint Leo’s Center for Online Learning, through Weekend and Evening programs, or various master’s degree programs.

Those attending the morning ceremony will be addressed by former Florida Governor Bob Martinez.

The former governor was born in Tampa and began his career as a classroom teacher in Hillsborough County in 1957. He later became a small business owner, operating a Tampa restaurant. He was elected mayor of Tampa in 1979 and promoted several economic development initiatives during his tenure. He was elected to the office of governor in 1986 and supported new environmental preservation programs, higher education expansion, and new criminal justice programs. President George H.W. Bush appointed Martinez to the post of federal “drug czar” in 1993.

Since the former governor’s return to Tampa, he has been active in a variety of community organizations, and serves as a senior policy advisor at the law firm Holland and Knight.

The governor’s audience is expected to include 463 graduates, including 285 who have earned bachelor’s degrees, and another 178 who have completed master’s degree programs. The increasingly popular Master of Business Administration degree will be awarded to 115 students. Additional master’s degrees are to be awarded in the fields of education, criminal justice and theology.

A 2:30 p.m. ceremony will be held to award bachelor’s degrees to seniors who studied full-time at the main campus.

Graduates and guests will be addressed by Phoenix-area businessman and philanthropist Alfredo J. Molina, who joined the university’s Board of Trustees in 2008. Alfredo Molina comes from a family renowned for centuries as master jewelers, dating back to 17th century Italy. The family story took a dramatic turn in the 1960s when a young Alfredo came to the United States with his family from Cuba, following Fidel Castro’s rise to power.

The young Alfredo was mentored by his grandfather, and became a national and international leader in the jewelry industry. Today, he heads The Molina Group in Phoenix, Ariz. As he built his business, he also volunteered and contributed to philanthropic activities. He has been inducted into the Frederick Douglass Museum and Hall of Fame for Caring Americans in Washington, D.C.

He will share his experiences with 312 students graduating from Saint Leo, and their families. Most of the afternoon graduates are receiving the Bachelor of Arts degree, while 42 students have earned the Bachelor of Science degree, and another 12 have completed the Bachelor of Social Work degree.

The main campus is located at 33701 State Road 52, four miles east of Interstate 75 (Exit 285).

Saint Leo will also hold 12 more commencement ceremonies in May and June for students who have earned their degrees at other teaching locations.

Graduation - Celebration of a worthwhile journey.

There are ideas or myths surrounding the idea of going back to college that deters people from pursuing their higher education goals. Below are the top concerns that come up for potential students that are unsure whether to go back to school.

1. I cannot afford to go back to school. It’s true that college is an expensive investment. College prices have accelerated relative to the cost of tuition just two decades ago. Fortunately, financial aid has been able to keep up with this concern. Most people are unaware of the financial support available to them simply by filing out the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The government offers grants, which never have to be paid back, in addition to lucrative student loans.

2. I do not have the time to go back to school. Saint Leo University offers evening courses on campus to meet the needs of working adults. In addition to earning your degree on campus at Saint Leo, we offer you the opportunity to earn your degree through the Center For Online Learning. An online education allows students to enroll in college degree programs that are tailored around their convenience so that time is no longer a restraint to achieving the degree of your dreams.

3. I already have a decent job; a college degree won’t benefit me. Many corporations offer significant boosts in salary based upon the education level of their employee. Studies show that someone with as simple as a two-year or Associate’s Degree will earn twenty percent more than a high school graduate. People that hold a Bachelor’s Degree earn, on average, 40-60k a year, even in today’s economy. A Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree earns even higher results. This, of course, varies by field.

4. My parents did not go to college. Each generation, more and more students are taking advantage of postsecondary education. It has become a national goal to aim to be the most educated country in the world. Many of these college students come from families that do not have prior college histories. This is part of evolving into a more well-rounded community, and the business market is developing higher expectations as more and more people step up to the challenges college has to offer.

5. There is not an accredited college near me. One of the benefits to online learning is that it can be done practically anywhere. Distance learning leaves the door open for everyone, even for students that have no college campus they believe they can commute to. Saint Leo offers an accredited program to advance your education.

6. I think it is silly to go to college just to get “a piece of paper.” Several people have the notion that college is a series of hoop-jumps designed to receive a piece of paper that increases your earning potential. While a college degree definitely helps financially, this is only one of many benefits of a college career. Studies show that people that graduate college have higher self esteem, better health, stronger families, and a more positive view on life than those that do not graduate college.

7. College is for young people. While high school graduates occupy many of the recesses of college campuses, people of all ages and walks of life attend college. This is especially true for Saint Leo University. The Center for Online Learning offers a non-traditional approach for non-traditional students. Earning your degree online makes it easier to maintain your busy family schedule and full time job. Study when and where you want to – the flexibility is yours.

There are many reasons for not going back to college. These concerns are merely myths; it is possible for anyone to go back to school and benefit in a variety of ways from higher education.