Dominican University

What is the history of Dominican University?

Dominican University is a private university in River Forest, Illinois, with roots in a Catholic college founded by the Sinsinawa Dominican sisters. Its history helps explain both its present-day name and its continuing emphasis on liberal education and service.

The institution began as St. Clara College in Wisconsin in 1901. It moved to River Forest in 1922 and became Rosary College; in 1997, it adopted the name Dominican University to reflect its broader range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Prospective students will still encounter the Rosary name in the university's academic organization. The university's Dominican heritage remains part of its stated educational identity, although students need not share a particular religious belief to apply.

What are the faculties and departments at Dominican University?

Dominican University offers undergraduate and graduate study across the liberal arts, business, education, health, and applied professions. Rosary College of Arts and Sciences is central to its undergraduate academic structure, while professional schools and programs serve students pursuing more specialized credentials.

Undergraduate choices include fields such as biology, computer science, psychology, communication, business, nursing, and teacher preparation. Graduate offerings include areas such as business, education, information studies, and social work. These are not interchangeable pathways: nursing and teacher preparation, for example, can involve clinical placements, state requirements, or separate progression standards. Applicants should consult the current academic catalog for the exact degree, campus or online format, prerequisite courses, and accreditation relevant to their intended program.

For undergraduates, the range of majors permits exploration beyond a single professional field. Students comparing programs should also check when they must declare a major and whether a change of major would extend their time to graduation.

What is the location of Dominican University?

Dominican University's main campus is in River Forest, a suburban community immediately west of Chicago. The setting offers access to Chicago-area employers and cultural institutions without placing the campus in the city's downtown core.

River Forest is served by Metra's Union Pacific West line, and other regional transit options are available in nearby communities. Travel times and convenience depend on a student's destination and schedule; commuters should test the trip they would actually make, including the distance from a station to campus. Campus parking is another consideration for drivers, and first-year students may register or park a car under university rules. Chicago O'Hare International Airport is a practical regional airport for students traveling farther afield.

What is the mission and vision of Dominican University?

Dominican University describes its educational purpose through its Catholic and Dominican heritage, combining intellectual inquiry with commitments to community, service, and social responsibility. Its motto, Caritas et Veritas, means "love and truth."

That identity can be relevant to students regardless of major: questions of ethics, public service, and the application of learning appear across the university's stated aims. A prospective student should distinguish those institutional values from any particular course or participation requirement. The academic catalog and student handbook are the appropriate places to check what a chosen degree actually requires.