(Copy below appears in the August 2012 issue of WNY Catholic)
Since 1856, Niagara University has been recognized for providing an academic setting that nourishes the mind, body, heart and soul. Founded in the Catholic and Vincentian tradition, the university’s holistic, one-on-one approach to education makes a difference in the lives of its students, and they go on to make a difference in the lives of others.
Community service has always been an essential part of the Niagara experience. Whether it’s preparing income taxes for the elderly, tutoring urban elementary school students or conducting breast cancer research with professors, Niagara students strive to assist those less fortunate.
Those types of real-world learning opportunities help Niagara alumni translate their “small-school” education into top jobs within their chosen career fields, working for companies from Beijing to Broadway. In fact, according to a recent survey, 91 percent of NU graduates reported being employed within one year of graduation.
Better yet, a March 2012 report released by The Chronicle of Higher Education found that Niagara graduates full-time students in four years at a higher rate than any other public or private college or university in Western New York.
It certainly helps that, with more than 80 majors, six preprofessional options, and 4+1 combined master’s programs, students begin studying in their major from Day One and design a course of study that meets their career goals. All four of the university’s academic colleges – Arts & Sciences, Education, Business Administration, and Hospitality & Tourism Management – have received the highest rankings from the top accreditation boards in their fields.
Adding to the university’s attractiveness is the recent completion of an $80 million capital campaign that has significantly upgraded the university’s facilities and programs. Within the last six years, significant capital improvement projects have been undertaken on Niagara’s picturesque campus in Lewiston, each catering to students’ varied interests and talents.
Among the new academic programs recently introduced at Niagara:
- A master’s degree in early childhood and special education, which leads to certification in Early Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities from birth through grade 2. Niagara also offers an online master’s program in educational leadership.
- A doctoral program in leadership and policy prepares candidates to advance community goals and aspirations.
- Recognizing that demand for nursing is at an all-time high, Niagara added a four-year B.S. and an accelerated B.S. in nursing. The four-year program provides a major to students entering NU without any specialized nursing background while the accelerated program admits those already holding a B.S. or higher.
- Niagara now offers MBA programs with concentrations in healthcare administration and finance. The latter program prepares students for the tests to become Certified Financial Planners or Certified Wealth Management experts.
Niagara also continues to strengthen the financial aid packages that it offers to students. From merit-based scholarships, achievement awards and grants to generous monetary assistance for veterans and nurses, Niagara is doing all that it can to help students attain a world-class, faith-based education.
To learn more about Niagara University, please call 1.800.462.2111 or email ude.aragainnull@snoissimda.
