Dominican University of California

School Mission and Unique Qualities

Founded in 1890, Dominican University of California is an independent university, distinguished by its history, geographic location, student profile, and educational philosophy. Dominican, the only four-year university in the Marin County, is located 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Our mission is to educate and prepare students to be ethical leaders and socially responsible global citizens who incorporate the Dominican values of study, reflection, community, and service into their lives. Our 2,100 students are highly diverse; over 40% are students of color and nearly a third of the entering class are first-generation college students. This profile mirrors the demographic profile of the future United States, and serves as a dynamic educational and democratic incubator. Dominican offers 50 undergraduate and graduate programs of study with an educational approach designed to serve our diverse student body. We provide students with a rigorous first-year experience and core curriculum, while offering strong professional programs in the health sciences, business, and education. To further strengthen our distinctive academic model, undergraduate students engage in applied learning experiences beyond the classroom through programs in service learning, leadership development, study abroad, research, and internships. Dominican sponsors 11 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II sports and is a member of the PacWest Conference, the largest conference in the NCAA Division II West Region. Men's lacrosse is a member of the Mens Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) Division I as part of the Western Collegiate Lacrosse League (WCLL). Dominican offers a four-year graduation guarantee for students who select a major by the end of the freshman year, persist in that major and successfully complete a full-time course load. Should a student follow the course of study agreed upon with his/her official advisor and not be able to graduate within eight semesters, tuition and fees for any subsequent coursework necessary for graduation will be waived. Engaged Learning, a hallmark of a Dominican education, incorporates active, collaborative learning in the classroom with enriching educational experiences beyond the classroom. Students apply academic skills and critical thinking to address societal issues, working in partnership with more than 30 community organizations. First Year Experience 'Big History' is an innovative one-year program developed by Dominican faculty. It provides freshmen with a common intellectual experience while preparing them to be thoughtful global citizens. The Dominican/LINES Ballet BFA dance program offered in partnership with Alonzo Kings LINES Ballet School combines Dominican's comprehensive liberal arts education with technically rigorous and artistically expansive dance training. Dominican offers a research-intensive curriculum for undergraduate science education. Professors train students to work independently on specific research topics early in their freshman year, providing a unique experience and contributing to the success of faculty research programs. Each year, students from all disciplines present their original research at leading academic conferences. Examples of undergraduate research include: malaria, breast cancer, coral reefs, biofuels, and sudden oak death.

Undergraduate Information