University of Mary

Founded in 1959 in Bismarck, North Dakota, by the Benedictine Sisters of the Annunciation, who serve as sponsors today, the University of Mary has been taking exciting steps to reinforce its Catholic identity, expand academic programs, and increase enrollment.

With nearly 60 degrees and 10 pre-professional programs, the University of Mary focuses on career preparation while offering a comprehensive, liberal arts core curriculum, which includes two Catholic theology and two philosophy courses. Catholic Studies and other students can study abroad at the University’s campus in Rome. Although the students are mostly Catholic, only about two-thirds of the faculty are. All theology professors have a mandatum from the local bishop.

U-Mary’s campus ministry is Catholic but strives to reach out to students of all faiths on campus. The college has a rich sacramental life, a beautiful Marian Grotto, and an increased emphasis on vocational discernment. All student residence halls are appropriately single-sex, but regrettably opposite-sex visitation is allowed in student rooms until late at night, with no open-door policy. There are two vocation-based residence halls.

Students can join a great variety of activities including more than 40 student clubs. Athletes compete in 18 varsity teams in the Northern Sun conference of NCAA Division II, and the University is implementing a plan of “greatness through virtue” in its athletic programs.

The University of Mary has 21 graduate degrees and certificates that are recommended as faithful Catholic programs in The Newman Guide, including the Master of Business Administration, Doctor of Business Administration, Master of Science in Bioethics and Master of Education in Catholic Montessori. These programs integrate the Catholic faith and are affordable, flexible, and ideal for the working professional who wants to advance in their career.

The University of Mary’s renewed vitality as a Catholic university is exciting, and it is an attractive and relatively inexpensive choice for students looking for a career-oriented university that is in good Catholic hands.

What we really like:

The University of Mary is growing rapidly, and the Catholic formation keeps getting better. Its multiple health-related programs are highly ranked, and a partnership with the National Catholic Bioethics Center ensures that students are immersed in Catholic ethics. The Catholic Studies program is also notable and recommended for faithful students.