Duquesne University

Yes, Duquesne University is a traditional institution offering online degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Students can take 100% online or hybrid programs. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, while just 1% of undergraduates are only enrolled in online courses, 22% of graduate students exclusively take online courses at Duquesne.

The nontraditional format of online courses may lead some to question the legitimacy of online degrees, but rest assured, knowing that all degrees awarded at Duquesne are 100% legitimate. If students are ever uncertain about a school’s legitimacy, they can seek its accreditation status. Online colleges and universities that receive accreditation have met the educational requirements and quality standards to award degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Specifically, Duquesne is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The MSCHE is recognized as a national accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education (USDE). 

At OnlineU, we only include accredited online colleges and universities on our site. 

Prospective students interested in enrolling in one of Duquesne’s online degree programs may be curious about what makes the university unique. Below are three facts about Duquesne that make the school stand out: 

Higher Education Pioneer 

Duquesne has made strides in offering unique traditional and online nursing degree programs. For example, Duquesne was the first university to offer a dual biomedical engineering and nursing degree. In addition, Duquesne is the first university in the U.S. to offer an online Ph.D. in nursing and the first institution in Pennsylvania to award a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 

Only Spiritan University in the U.S.

Duquesne is religiously affiliated with the Catholic Church and is the nation's only Spiritan institution of higher education. The university is deeply committed to educational excellence, moral and spiritual values, diversity, and service to the Church, community, and the world.

Award-Winning Faculty

Online and traditional students can access Duquesne’s award-winning and scholarly teaching faculty. In addition, the university’s faculty-student ratio is 14:1, which allows students to have a more immersive and personalized learning experience. 

According to federal data from College Scorecard, five fields of study provide the highest annual median earnings for graduates at Duquesne: computer and information sciences (~$70,500), management information systems and services(~$65,300), nursing (~$59,600), management sciences and quantitative methods ~$59,600), and business administration (~$59,000). Duquesne offers online degree programs in these fields, including a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership.

OnlineU’s proprietary Salary Score ranks colleges (out of 100 total points) by how much their alums earn compared to graduates with the same degree across the country. Duquesne’s salary scores are 44 for bachelor’s, 40 for master's, and 45 for doctoral degrees. 

Dusquesne’s acceptance rate is 77%, which means about three out of every four applicants are admitted. College entrance exams like ACT and SAT are required by the university, and students admitted typically had the following test scores: an SAT Critical Reading score between 570 and 640, an SAT Math score between 550 and 630, and an ACT Composite score between 23 and 28.

To be considered for admission into Duquesne, prospective students must complete its online application process. Here is a checklist for applying to Duquesne’s online degree programs as a first-year student:

• Fill out Duquesne’s online application or the Common Application.
• Submit a transcript request from your high school guidance counselor to get official transcripts sent to Duquesne.
• Submit GPA scores. 
• Submit letters of recommendation (optional).
• Submit SAT or ACT scores (optional).
• Submit a personal essay (optional).

Transfer and graduate students share similar application processes, but the school may require these applicants to submit additional materials. Applicants that need assistance with the admissions process have access to Duquesne’s admissions counselors.