Academic Programs

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  • Associate of Science

    • Associate of Science - Physical Therapist Assistant

      FranU’s Associate of Science - Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) degree program is designed to prepare individuals to effectively assist in treatment and assessment of physical therapy patients under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Graduates of the program can pursue PTA licensure through the FSBPT national physical therapy examination.

      The mission of the physical therapist assistant program is to educate and form Franciscan servant leaders who are highly skilled and compassionate physical therapist assistants. Graduates of the PTA program will be prepared to think critically and deliver holistic patient-centered care.

      FranU PTA courses include those in anatomy, physiology, psychology, kinesiology, neurophysiology and more. Students will learn both inside the classroom and hands-on in lab environments.

    • Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology

      The Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology degree program provides FranU students the opportunity to learn the art and science of medical imaging. Education is provided through didactic, laboratory and clinical experiences.

      The mission of the radiologic technology program at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is to educate and form entry-level radiologic technologists in a faith-based academic community. Students are educated to become competent and compassionate technologists who serve their patients, profession and the community.

  • Bachelor of Science

    • Health Sciences

      The purpose of the Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences is to allow students who have earned an associate of science degree from an accredited clinical program to obtain a baccalaureate degree in a track that complements their degree. Sixty credit hours of coursework from the associate degree fulfills the freshman and sophomore course requirements. Students must declare either a psychology, biology or health service administration track at the time of enrollment in the degree program.

    • Nursing

      Students in the Pre-licensure BSN program engage in clinical and laboratory experiences that enable them to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to begin careers as registered nurses (BSN program). Clinical sites include acute care hospitals, clinics, community care centers, and schools. Our skills laboratories employ high fidelity human simulation manikins and static manikins in a realistic setting designed to mirror the actual clinical arena. The RN-BSN program challenges RNs to expand their role as professional nurses and prepares RNs for graduate education.

    • Respiratory Therapy

      The Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy provides students with the opportunity to develop as professionals who are qualified to perform as Registered Respiratory Therapists. Respiratory Therapists focus on prevention, diagnosis, treatment, management and rehabilitation of patients with breathing and/or other cardiopulmonary issues. Graduates of this program will be eligible to take the Registry Examinations for Advanced Level Respiratory Therapists administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care.

    • Biology

      The mission of the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology program at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is to create quality educational experiences in all areas of biology and chemistry, especially those integral to the health of the population. The core principles of scientific inquiry and ethics serve to integrate coursework throughout the curriculum.

      Students enrolled in the biology bachelor’s degree program can choose from four specialized educational tracks or pathways: Biochemical Analysis (BA), Pre-Professional Human Medicine (HMED), the Accelerated 3+2 Pathway to Physician Assistant Studies, or the Accelerated 3+3 Pathway to DPT Studies.

      Through the multidisciplinary biology major, students will learn the fundamentals of biology, chemistry and physics as well as gain hands-on experience in laboratory settings. Depending on the educational track, students have the opportunity to take classes in subjects such as psychology, microbiology, instrumental analysis, human anatomy and physiology, organic chemistry, vocations in the life sciences, pathophysiology and forensics.

    • Medical Laboratory Science

      The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program prepares graduates to analyze clinical specimens through the use of specialized skills and sophisticated instrumentation.

      Information from the analysis of specimens provides data critical for patient diagnosis, treatment, prognosis or disease prevention. Medical laboratory scientists work in hospitals, forensics, public health, industrial/research laboratories, physician offices and blood banks.

      The purpose of the Medical Laboratory Science program is to provide the community with cognizant and adept scientists capable of competing and excelling in today’s progressive job market. Graduates of this program will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in the MLS profession and will be eligible to take the national certification examination offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP).

  • Bachelor of Arts

    • Bachelor of Arts in Theology Program

      Grounded in the Franciscan theological tradition of seeking Wisdom and the university's Franciscan values, the Bachelor of Arts in Theology aims to educate and form disciples and scholars for a wide range of ministry positions, as well as advanced studies at the graduate level. Graduates learn to contemplate the Word of God from the heart of the Church and to "rebuild the Lord's house" in the local community, following the footsteps of St. Francis.

      Whether you feel called to ministry, already serve in a ministry position, or simply want to deepen your knowledge of the faith, this program combines theological inquiry, faith-driven service, and communal formation to help you reach your goals.

    • Psychology

      The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology focuses on the development of skills that employers value, such as scientific reasoning and problem-solving, written and oral communication, ethical and social responsibility and professionalism. Equipped with these skills, psychology majors are well-prepared for both a wide range of occupations requiring only a bachelor’s degree or for professional training programs in psychology, counseling, social work and applied behavior analysis.

      The mission of the psychology program at FranU is to cultivate Franciscan servant leaders with integrated knowledge of the science of psychology for community engagement. Through vocational discernment, learner-centered teaching and active-learning experiences such as independent research, practicums and internships, psychology graduates will be prepared for 21st-century careers and entry into advanced degree programs.

      Students pursuing a BA in psychology have the option to embed within their degree program specialized training in the growing field of Applied Behavior Analysis, developing marketable skills applicable in many career settings. Courses in the psychology degree program include vocations in psychology, ethical issues in healthcare, psychology across the lifespan and abnormal or biological psychology.

    • Bachelor of Arts in Great Books

      The Bachelor of Arts in Great Books is a four-year liberal arts program in which students delve into great works of literature from the classical age through to our contemporary era. We also welcome students from the community who wish to take solo classes for personal and intellectual growth.

      Our seminar classes are themed around topics that help us explore human flourishing, such as beauty, nature and the good life. The core texts are from a diverse range of authors, each examining what it means to be human in our world. Transformative conversations are held in seminar-style classes where students actively drive the focus and faculty serve as mentors.

      Students who pursue a great books humanities degree will complete nine seminars and a unit in vocational discernment. Two internships and a career-oriented minor prepare students to take their humanistic education into their chosen profession or pursuit of graduate school.

      Come and prepare for your future and career through the “life-giving power of literature” (Maya Angelou).

  • Bachelor of Business Administration

    • Business Administration

      The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) at FranU is a 100% online program that educates and forms ethical and proficient business professionals who serve and lead in manners consistent with Franciscan values. Students in the online BBA program will learn the principles of business as well as gain hands-on experience through the business internship offered at the end of the degree program.

      The online BBA program provides students with an understanding of major business functions, including accounting, management, supply chain, enterprise risk, entrepreneurship and health service administration. While the objective of the program is to help students develop a broad knowledge base in business practices, Bachelor of Business Administration students can tailor their education to their interests by choosing between three specialized academic tracks.

  • Master's

    • Master of Health Administration

      FranU’s Master of Health Administration (MHA) program is designed in a flexible online format to prepare students for careers as innovative and successful leaders in a variety of healthcare settings.

      Healthcare, one of the largest industries in this country, continues to grow. The need for healthcare professionals with advanced knowledge of healthcare operations and quality performance systems is increasing. The online MHA degree at FranU was developed to meet the needs of job demands and the educational and professional goals of the individuals who fill these roles. The program focuses on the education of the best practices needed to provide “world-class” healthcare services that are affordable and accessible.

    • Nutritional Sciences

      The Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences (MSNS) program is designed to educate and form servant leaders in the field of health and wellness. With a Dietetic Internship option and a Thesis option, the Nutritional Sciences MS degree program allows students to customize curriculum to fit their career goals and interests.

      Students pursuing their master’s in nutrition at FranU will also experience the Nutrition Skills Lab and Simulation Environment Teaching Hospital (SETH), a state-of-the-art simulated learning environment where students can complete computer-based task training or virtual reality simulation.

      With diverse simulation suites and a number of debriefing rooms, students will find FranU’s facilities play a crucial role in our efforts to provide students with collaborative, hands-on learning experiences.

    • Physician Assistant Master’s Degree (MMS)

      The Master of Medical Science (MMS) Physician Assistant program shapes students into compassionate, professional and ethically minded clinicians who serve patients across the lifespan and in diverse settings. 

      The purpose of the physician assistant program is to create and maintain an educational environment that promotes critical thinking as well as clinical knowledge and skills necessary to exercise sound medical decision-making and to provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services.

      Guided by the tradition of compassionate healthcare exemplified by the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady, the mission of the physician assistant program is to develop graduates who will provide evidence-based, patient-centered medical care and who are committed to serving all God’s people.

    • Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner

      The Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program is designed for baccalaureate registered (BSN) nurses to gain advanced nursing education and practice with a focus on family practice nursing. Students in the family nurse practitioner master’s program obtain advanced training in primary health care for patients across their lifespans, preparing students for careers as board-certified family nurse practitioners.

      The FranU MSN-FNP program offers a unique structure for educational access to advanced study in nursing. The design promotes sharing resources and responsibilities through a collegial and collaborative relationship among nursing faculty and students representing diverse educational backgrounds and experiences in nursing and higher education.

      The mission of the FNP program is to strengthen the knowledge of highly-skilled nurses in preparation for advanced practice as Franciscan servant leaders in various settings, with a focus on rural and medically-underserved settings. The program achieves its mission by creating a respectful educational environment that embraces cultural diversity, emphasizes collaboration and interprofessional healthcare teams and promotes evidence-based primary healthcare across the lifespan.

      Upon program completion, graduates will meet certification requirements to sit for the FNP certifying examination

    • Applied Behavior Analysis

      The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program is designed to prepare students for employment at the master’s level in ABA or to pursue doctoral studies in the field. The program will include extensive training in skill acquisition and behavior reduction procedures and expose students to a broad range of applied and experimental areas through coursework, service learning, research, internships and other applied experiences.

      The mission of the master’s in ABA program at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is to educate and form Franciscan servant leaders to make a positive impact on those with diverse behavioral needs in our communities.

      Through courses in conditioning and learning, research methods, ethics, biostatistics and epidemiology, behaviorism and supervision and management, ABA master’s students will develop the skills they need to confidently perform ABA to suit client needs and serve their community. The ABA master’s degree also offers an optional internship component, which allows students to put their education into action through hands-on learning experiences.

  • Doctoral

    • Doctor of Nursing Practice-Nurse Anesthesia

      The purpose of the Doctor of Nursing Practice-Nurse Anesthesia degree program is to prepare baccalaureate registered nurses for the highest level of advanced nursing practice with a specialization in nurse anesthesia to provide safe and equitable patient-centered care.

      The DNP-NA program develops leaders and scholars who transform systems of care by improving the quality of care and patient outcomes in various healthcare settings. This mission is achieved through the creation of an environment that supports professional socialization, embraces diverse cultures and learning styles, recognizes achievement and promotes excellence while exemplifying the mission and traditions of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady.

      In addition to receiving grant funding for clinical residency, FranU’s DNP nurse anesthesia students have access to state-of-the-art equipment and annually attend Maverick Medical Education workshops hosted by the program. Our comprehensive curriculum and hands-on learning opportunities equip students with the skills needed to practice as a CRNA.

    • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program

      Doctor of Physical Therapy

      The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree program is a professional doctorate designed to prepare physical therapists for practice in an evolving healthcare environment. The FranU DPT program is unique among its competitors in that it features a streamlined curriculum, expert faculty with over 150 years of industry experience combined, state-of-the-art learning environments and both clinical education and service-learning opportunities for students.

      The mission of the DPT program at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is to educate and form entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy practitioners in a faith-based academic community. Students are educated to become highly skilled ethical servant leaders who are valued contributors to the health professions and to the community.

  • Certificate

    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Certificate

      The mission of the Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate program is to educate and form Franciscan servant leaders who are highly skilled and compassionate behavior analysts, and who are prepared to think critically and deliver empirically supported, behavior-analytic interventions in accordance with the established best practices in applied behavior analysis.

      FranU’s Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Certificate consists of a 15 credit-hour curriculum with an optional 16-credit hour internship sequence designed to educate and shape students for potential vocations in applied behavior analysis through both didactic coursework and supervised experiences.

      Students in the ABA program at FranU will learn to describe the philosophical underpinnings, concepts and principles of behavior analysis and to practice ABA within safe, ethical and legal boundaries in compliance with national, state and local standards of practice. ABA students will also understand how to select and implement behavioral assessments, use valid, objective, reliable measurement systems to obtain behavior data and use behavioral interventions to manage and provide supervision.


      Not accepting new applicants beginning FA23.

    • Catholic Theology and Catechesis Certificate

      The Catholic Theology and Catechesis Certificate builds the theological foundation necessary for individuals who feel called to serve God by serving others. Students enrolled in the Catholic Theology Certificate program can gain a deeper understanding of theology and are equipped to teach the Catholic faith.

      Over their course of study, students will take classes covering the Old and New Testament, theology, Christian spirituality, moral theology and Christian sacrament. The theology certificate program totals 24 credit hours and can be taken in both a part- and full-time capacity.

    • Population Health Certificate Program

      Population Health is defined as an art and a science that focuses on the health outcomes of a specific group of people and it is an approach that identifies social determinants of health, establishes desired health outcomes and implements policies and programs that improve the health of the entire human population.

      Population Health Management is a growing segment within the healthcare delivery system and an important component of healthcare reform. With a recognized need for prevention and health promotion, Population Health Management is emerging as a model for reducing costs in healthcare and influencing healthier lifestyles.

      The certificate program for Population Health offers a curriculum that addresses the knowledge and skills that healthcare professionals need to lead culture change and system re-design for advancing Population Health.

    • Clinical Microbiology Certificate

      The Certificate in Clinical Microbiology for Medical Laboratory Science prepares students to work in microbiology departments within the clinical laboratory. In this 14-month certificate program, students will take courses in microbiology, molecular diagnostics, genetics and more. Students in the certificate program will complete all microbiology-related coursework/practicum within the Medical Laboratory Science program.

      The program is open to students currently enrolled in a baccalaureate program at FranU with a minimum number of biology and/or chemistry credits or those with a previously earned bachelor’s degree and the minimum number of credit hours in biology or chemistry.

    • Forensic Science Certificate Program

      The Forensic Science Certificate Program at FranU prepares students to serve those most in need by providing justice and fairness for victims of crimes. The certificate program is designed to be completed in combination with our Biology Biochemical Analysis degree, which provides students with a greater depth of knowledge in the areas of chemical concepts, instrumentation, and analysis. However, students of any academic background may enroll in the certificate program.

      The curriculum of the certificate program is grounded in forensic science practices, whereby students will become skilled professionals ready to enter the workforce. Our supportive and respected faculty will guide students through their courses of study and prepare them for success in their forensics career. Courses will cover topics such as: physical evidence collection, including fingerprints, DNA, firearms, drugs, and mobile devices; crime scene management and analysis; toxicology and serology; fire investigation; instrumental analysis and data interpretation; and courtroom testimony.

      The FranU Forensic Science Certificate Program curriculum includes 24 total credit hours of study, the foundation of which is 6 credit hours in biology and 6 credit hours in organic chemistry. Following these foundational courses, students can expect to complete the certificate requirements within one year.

    • Healthcare Risk Management Certification

      Health Care Risk Management Certificate Program

      An ASHRM partner, FranU offers healthcare risk management certification in a hybrid format with three courses

      The HRM Certificate Program is a 3-part foundational course covering the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed as a health care risk management professional.

      The HRM modules are a learner-centered in-person training program with an emphasis on interactivity. Participants will interact with leading faculty in the field of risk management to learn about the concepts, scenarios and critical decisions required for the role.

      This program is highly recommended for professionals with less than 5 years of experience in health care risk management.

  • Minors

    • Biology Minor

      The courses required for a minor in biology provides a selection of cellular, genetic, microbiology and advanced anatomy and physiology courses.

      To receive a minor in biology, students must earn a C or better in 17-18 credit hours (depending on whether BIOL1315 or 1415 is taken) as outlined in the curriculum.

    • Chemistry Minor

      The courses required for a minor in Chemistry provides a strong foundation of most of the major areas of chemistry - inorganic, organic, analytical, and biological chemistry. The 17-18 credit hour minor in chemistry complements all baccalaureate programs, especially those leading to a Bachelor of Science degree.

    • English Minor

      The courses required for a minor in English provide a selection of advanced writing courses and a comprehensive survey of literature and critical theory. The 18 credit hour minor in English complements all other degree programs in that the course work (a) enhances critical thinking skills, (b) increases general knowledge, (c) fosters cultural awareness and respect for differences, and (d) expands literacy (reading and writing) and oral communication skills. Thus, students receiving the minor should prove successful and competitive both in their academic and professional careers.

    • Ethics Minor

      The minor in ethics gives students the opportunity to enrich their ethical formation through the cultivation of methods and the exploration of contemporary issues, many of which are directly relevant for healthcare practitioners. This plan of study is interdisciplinary due to its combination of philosophy and theology courses.

    • Health Service Administration Minor

      The undergraduate minor in health service administration provides a strong foundation of knowledge related to health care administration that will enable the graduate to integrate administration issues with provision of nursing care.

    • Philosophy Minor

      The courses required for a minor in Philosophy provides students the opportunity to enrich their thinking through the cultivation of critical methods and the exploration of momentous questions.

    • Professional Communication Minor

      To receive a minor in professional communication, students must earn a C or better in 15 hours of course work as outlined in the curriculum.

    • Psychology Minor

      The courses required for a minor in Psychology introduces students to the field of psychology. This minor would be an advantage to anyone majoring in a health field or any other disciplines related to working with people.

    • Theology Minor

      To receive a minor in theology, students must earn a C or better in 15 hours of course work as outlined in the curriculum.

    • Writing Minor

      Students completing a minor in writing learn to write for a wide variety of purposes and audiences, advancing their creative, practical, and critical thinking abilities. For baccalaureate students, the 15 hour minor adds value to any degree by emphasizing a skill that is desirable in every employment setting.

    • General Business Administration Minor

      To receive a minor in General Business Administration, students must earn a C or better in 15 hours of course work as outlined in the curriculum.

    • Nutrition Minor

      To receive a minor in Nutrition, students must earn a C or better in 18 hours of course work as outlined in the curriculum.

  • Training Programs

    • Phlebotomy

      The phlebotomy training program at FranU is designed to prepare students to perform the essential job functions as a phlebotomist in the healthcare industry. Phlebotomists may work in hospitals, medical labs, private practices or blood donation centers and must be prepared to work with patients across the lifespan.

      Our comprehensive program consists of 11 weeks of phlebotomy training, including 8 weeks at our Baton Rouge campus, during which students will learn both in the lab and in clinical settings. This hands-on experience is a critical component of the program, allowing students to put their education into practice.

    • Registered Behavior Technician

      Registered Behavior Technicians (R) also known as, RBTs, work with individuals with disabilities. Being an RBT can be a very rewarding career. The FranU RBT training program includes the content outlined on the RBT Task List (2nd Ed.) and is designed to meet the 40-hour training requirement and initial competency assessment for RBT certification. The RBT training consists of an eight-week course in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and a skills assessment workshop that will be held in-person at the Emerge Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. During the course students acquire knowledge of ABA concepts, principles, ethical practices, and more. During the skills workshop students will have the opportunity to learn to apply that knowledge in a clinical setting under the supervision of certified behavior analysts. Upon successful completion, individuals will be prepared to sit for the RBT national certification exam. The training program is offered independent of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BCAB).