Why Alvernia?
At Alvernia University, we are committed to providing our students an affordable, high-quality online education with the individualized attention of a small, private university.
Our online programs give you the flexibility to learn at your own pace at a location that’s convenient for you. Our outstanding faculty bring real-world experience to the online classroom, meaning that you will receive a relevant education that is immediately applicable to your career.
The Alvernia Advantage
Alvernia University was founded in 1958 by the Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. Through its main campus in Reading and locations in Philadelphia and Schuylkill Counties, Pennsylvania, the university serves 3,000 students of diverse backgrounds from around the country.
Alvernia offers a unique blend of rigorous liberal arts core education for development of the mind, strong technical training in many high demand majors, experiential learning through study abroad and internship experiences, and engagement with the community through our Franciscan-based community service model. We call our model of transformational education the Alvernia Advantage, and we believe this style of education transforms students into ethical leaders with moral courage.
Alvernia offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and minors that are uniquely combined with a strong liberal arts foundation to develop critical thinking, communication and an understanding of human behavior.
Master’s degrees are awarded in occupational therapy, business administration, nursing, community counseling, education, and liberal studies. Alvernia offers a seven-year Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) program and a Doctor of Philosophy in leadership.
Alvernia University ranks in the top tier among 2021 Best Regional Universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report, from the more than 1,500 colleges and universities in the northeast region of the U.S.
Alvernia has a longstanding commitment to helping students develop their innate talents, discover their passions and lead successful lives with deep meaning and purpose. Through experiential learning, students graduate well prepared for success in the workplace.
The Alvernia Advantage results in a superior track record of career placements and quality graduate school opportunities. 95% of our students are employed or enrolled in graduate programs within six months of graduation.