University

University of Dayton

We are defined by the success of our community.

The University of Dayton ranks as a top-tier national, doctoral-level university and one of the 10 best Catholic universities in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.

The University of Dayton is not a place where learning ends at the door to the classroom. Our courses spark curiosity - provide foundations - sharpen intellects - and inspire our faculty and students to dare to be exceptional.

We measure our success in the publications, presentations, and research born from our community of learners. We measure our success in our students' demonstrated commitment to service. We measure our success in the triumphs produced by teamwork. We measure our success by the impact we have locally and globally.

The University of Dayton has evolved from a boarding school for boys carved out of fertile farmland more than 150 years ago into a top-tier national, private university and one of the 10 best Catholic universities in the nation. Discover why we're a university on the move.

UD at a Glance

The University of Dayton — Catholic, Marianist, innovative, transformative — stands as a leader in higher education and one of the preeminent Catholic universities in the nation. It's the largest private university in Ohio.

Founded by the Society of Mary (the Marianists) in 1850, the University of Dayton focuses on educating the whole person through a community of challenge and support. A University of Dayton education is transformative. Students are prepared for both life and work and learn skills in building community. Our students lead through service to others.

This is a university on the move with a deep commitment to academic excellence. At the undergraduate level, we offer more than 70 high-quality programs in four accredited divisions. We provide premiere graduate programs at both the master's and doctoral levels. We offer a law degree, either traditional or accelerated.

At the University of Dayton, you'll find a friendly, welcoming campus that embraces diversity. Nationally recognized as a top-tier university, we offer the resources of a large university and the personal attention you'd expect at a small college.

History

The University of Dayton's history is one of perseverance, tenacity, ingenuity and transformation. The school began with an act of faith - and no cash - more than 150 years ago.

In the middle of a cholera epidemic, the Rev. Leo Meyer, S.M., gave landowner John Stuart a medal of St. Joseph and a promise of $12,000 at 6 percent interest in return for Dewberry Farm - 125 acres of vineyards, orchards, a mansion and various farm buildings.

On July 1, 1850, St. Mary's School for Boys, a frame building that not long before had housed farm hands, opened its doors to 14 primary students from Dayton.

Known at various times as St. Mary's School, St. Mary's Institute and St. Mary's College, the school assumed its present identity in 1920.

Today, the University of Dayton is recognized as a top-tier national university and one of the 10 best Catholic universities in the nation. It's the largest private university in Ohio.

Living Learning Enviornment

It's happening everywhere, and we're providing the best programs and spaces possible to make the connection.

Hallmates are classmates. First-year students are members of living-learning communities, united in class and in residence halls around common themes or areas of interest.

You might walk down the hall from your room in Marianist hall to attend history class, or step off your front porch in ArtStreet into a gallery or performance space. Perhaps you'll learn a thing or two about teamwork while climbing the rock wall at RecPlex.

And then there are the front porches. We own hundreds of single-family homes in neighborhoods that our students call home. They play competitive games of cornhole, gather on each other's porches - and share meals and prayers with the Marianist brothers and priests who live right there with them.

At the University of Dayton, lessons take place in the classroom. Or on the front porch.

We believe we learn best in community.

Learn more about our newest front porches and the ground-breaking Citirama project.

Admission

The University of Dayton is recognized as a top-tier national university and one of the 10 best Catholic universities in the nation. Learn more about our high-quality programs - and our distinctive approach to education that prepares our students for work and life.

Undergraduate

The University of Dayton is committed to academic excellence and offers a one-of-a-kind, challenging education shaped by the Catholic, Marianist tradition. It's simple, fast and free to apply online.

Graduate and Professional Programs

The University of Dayton offers premiere graduate programs. It's simple and fast to apply online.

School of Law

A trailblazer in legal education, the University of Dayton offers an innovative Lawyer as Problem Solver curriculum.

Adult Education

Classes for adults are tailored to the needs and schedules of those who want to complete their bachelor's degrees, try out graduate studies or just take classes for personal enrichment. Advance your mind. Enrich your life.

Intensive English Program

The University of Dayton's Intensive English Program combines teaching, technology, travel, cultural immersion, conversation and community interaction to help non-English speakers to learn the language quickly for practical proficiency. Learn more about the strong sense of community and personal support you'll find on campus.

Academics

The University of Dayton delivers more than 70 high-quality undergraduate programs in a vibrant learning and living community. We offer numerous master's degrees and doctoral programs ranging from engineering to Catholic theology.

College of Arts and Sciences

An excellent liberal arts education. Close interaction with faculty. Learning beyond the classroom. More than 50 quality undergraduate and graduate programs. Explore your possibilities.

School of Business Administration

The School of Business Administration is accredited by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), the premiere accrediting body for business schools globally. And we're recognized as one of the best business schools in the country. Learn more about our flagship programs.

School of Education and Allied Professions

The School of Education and Allied Professions is a leader in urban and early childhood education. We offer numerous online classes at the graduate level for teachers and administrators at public, private and Catholic schools. And we operate the Dayton Early College Academy, a Dayton public high school that has received national acclaim.

School of Engineering

The School of Engineering is a preeminent center for engineering education, research and service. We champion the philosophy that engineers work best in collaboration with others toward the betterment of the world. Discover the difference.

General Education

Designed to promote integrated learning, the general education requirements help students grow not only in knowledge, skills, and professional competence, but also as morally responsible decision makers aware of the needs of the global community.

Service Learning

We're committed. The University of Dayton prepares our graduates for a world that demands fast adaptation and change. Service learning connects the classroom with real-world problem solving by implementing academic skills in a live environment. Our students discover how to quickly adapt knowledge to practice for a lifetime of success.

School of Law

A trailblazer in legal education, the University of Dayton offers an innovative Lawyer as Problem Solver curriculum.

Graduate School

More than 50 advanced degree programs from the master's to the doctoral level. Graduate assistantships. Research opportunities with the University of Dayton Research Institute, a national leader in scientific and engineering research.

Research Centers

From the Marianists studies that ground us to our internationally recognized technological innovation, the University of Dayton supports rigorous academic investigation and growth through our research, centers and institutes.

Research

The University of Dayton is a top-tier national doctoral-level university with a research arm that has attracted more than $1 billion in sponsored research in the last 50 years. It's home to an internationally renowned institute and library devoted to the study of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Institutes & Centers

The University of Dayton's institutes and centers foster entrepreneurship, support a multicultural environment and connect the campus with social justice issues and service opportunities. That's just a sampling of our outreach and expertise.

Student Life

Welcome to a vibrant, engaging and, yes, fun community. We educate the whole person — spirit, mind and body — and blur the lines between learning and living. You will find that learning takes place all over our campus — not only in classrooms and laboratories, but also at lunch tables in Kennedy Union, on Humanities Plaza on a sunny day, in the hallways of Marycrest, and on the wide front porches in the student neighborhood. There's no other learning-living environment like this in the country.

Student Development

The power of the student experience is the power of a University of Dayton education. Opportunities abound - whether it's in the classroom, participating in one of more than 170 clubs and organizations, taking part in a weekend retreat, relaxing in the University neighborhoods or scaling the climbing wall at RecPlex. It's easy to get involved.

Campus Ministry

Inspired by the University of Dayton's Catholic and Marianist tradition, campus ministry encourages students, faculty and staff to live their faith, work for justice and serve others. We invite you to grow in your faith life.

MyLife at UD

Want to know what it's like to be part of the University of Dayton community? Student bloggers show you campus life through their eyes and in their own words — whether it's taking road trips with roommates, staying up all night to watch the sun rise over campus or enjoying a home-cooked meal and a lively discussion with professors.

Mission

The University of Dayton is a comprehensive Catholic university, a diverse community committed, in the Marianist tradition, to educating the whole person and to linking learning and scholarship with leadership and service.

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A Marianist Education

As a Marianist university, the University of Dayton strives to:

Educate for formation in faith
Provide an integral, quality education
Educate in family spirit
Educate for service, justice and peace
Educate for adaptation and change

Faith of the Heart

Rev. James Fitz, S.M.

Our Marianist vision and mission help students develop critical minds and compassionate hearts.

We are people of faith. Our mission is to lead others through community to faith in Jesus Christ. We model our discipleship after Mary. We believe that living, praying and supporting one another in community enriches our faith and strengthens our ability to meet the challenges of the world.

At the University of Dayton, students understand that they are called on to use their education and faith to transform the world. Our identity is a call to action guided by knowledge and faith.

Our faith has created an open community who believes in the power of asking the big questions. Have a question of your own you'd like to ask us? We'd love to hear from you.

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FAITH, SERVICE AND COMMUNITY
Campus Ministry
Center for Catholic Education
Center for Social Concern
Fitz Center for Leadership in Community
ETHOS
Institute for Pastoral Initiatives

THE CATHOLIC INTELLECTUAL TRADITION
Marian Library/International Marian Research Institute
Program for Christian Leadership
Religious Studies
Ph.D. in Theology
Virtual Learning Community for
Faith Formation THE MARIANISTS
Marianists at UD
Marianist Educational Associates
Student Life
Vowed/Lay Marianists
Founders and History
Blessed William Joseph Chaminade Celebration Plans

Athletics

A storied athletic tradition. A national leader in academic performance. The best fans in the nation. Superb facilities. And nearly four dozen intramural sports, from soccer to sand volleyball. Catch Flyer Fever.

Dayton Flyers

Flyer teams win on the field and in the classroom. We're ranked among the top 10 in the country in the academic performance of our athletes. Our fans bleed red and blue. We're among the top 30 in men's basketball attendance, and The Sporting News calls Dayton Flyer fans the best in the nation. Find out why "The Road to the Final Four" begins each year in Dayton.

Campus Recreation

Sweat at RecPlex, a showcase fitness and recreation complex in the heart of campus. Play a club sport like rugby, paintball or Ultimate Frisbee. There's always dodgeball at the intramural level - along with 44 other sports and activities. Jump in.

Alumni

The University of Dayton community does not end at the borders of campus. From the local area and from locations around the globe, our alumni stay connected.