La Salle University

What is the history of La Salle University?

La Salle University is a private Catholic university founded in Philadelphia in 1863 by the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, also known as the Christian Brothers. It began as a college for men and takes its name from Saint John Baptist de La Salle, the founder of the order.

The institution moved to its present campus in Philadelphia's Olney neighborhood in the 20th century, admitted women as undergraduates in 1970, and changed its name from La Salle College to La Salle University in 1984. Those changes help explain its present identity: a university with undergraduate and graduate programs that retains a Lasallian educational mission.

What are the faculties and departments at La Salle University?

La Salle organizes its academic programs through the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, and the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Students can pursue undergraduate and graduate study across liberal arts, professional, and health-related fields.

Representative subjects include biology, psychology, communication, computer science, education, accounting, finance, marketing, nursing, nutrition, public health, and social work. The School of Arts and Sciences also provides much of the university's general education curriculum. Applicants comparing majors should examine the current catalog for the exact credential, course sequence, and any clinical, fieldwork, or certification requirements; admission to the university does not necessarily complete admission to a specialized program.

What is the location of La Salle University?

La Salle's main campus is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the city's Olney section. It offers a campus-based university experience within an urban setting rather than a separate college town.

Students can use Philadelphia's public transportation network to reach other parts of the city, although travel times depend on the route and time of day. Philadelphia also provides access to hospitals, schools, businesses, and community organizations that may be relevant to coursework or internships. For students arriving from farther away, Philadelphia International Airport is the nearest major airport. Because many La Salle students commute, the practical cost and time of a daily trip deserve attention alongside tuition and housing choices.

What is the mission and vision of La Salle University?

La Salle describes its mission in terms of Catholic and Lasallian education: intellectual development, ethical responsibility, and service to others. Its religious affiliation comes from the Christian Brothers' educational tradition, which emphasizes access to education and concern for people facing disadvantage.

That mission informs the university's stated priorities, but it should be understood as an institutional aim rather than a measured outcome for every student. Applicants from any religious background can assess how requirements such as general education, service opportunities, and coursework in ethics or religion fit their academic goals.