Saint Ambrose University

What is the history of Saint Ambrose University?

Saint Ambrose University is a private Catholic university in Davenport, Iowa. Founded in 1882 by Bishop John McMullen as St. Ambrose Seminary, it began as an educational institution for young men, including prospective priests.

The institution developed into St. Ambrose College as its academic offerings expanded beyond its original seminary purpose. It later admitted women and adopted the name Saint Ambrose University in 1987, reflecting its broader range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Its Catholic origins remain part of its identity, while students can pursue programs in fields ranging from the arts and business to education and health care.

What are the faculties and departments at Saint Ambrose University?

Saint Ambrose offers undergraduate and graduate study across the liberal arts, business, education, engineering, and health professions. Its academic organization includes the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, and the College of Health and Human Services.

Prospective undergraduates can consider subjects such as biology, communication, psychology, accounting, marketing, nursing, and social work. Graduate and professional options include health-related fields such as physical therapy and occupational therapy. Because admission standards, clinical placements, and professional licensing rules can differ by program, applicants to those fields need to review the requirements for the particular credential - not just the university's general admissions information.

The reported student-to-faculty ratio is 11 to 1. That institution-wide measure describes enrollment relative to faculty; it does not mean every course has 11 students.

What is the location of Saint Ambrose University?

Saint Ambrose's main campus is in Davenport, one of the Quad Cities along the Mississippi River. Its city setting gives students access to employers, health-care providers, arts venues, and community organizations in Davenport and neighboring Quad Cities communities.

The university enrolls both residential students and commuters, so transportation needs vary considerably. First-year students are permitted to register or park a car on campus, though drivers should check current permit rules. Quad Cities International Airport, across the river in Moline, Illinois, is the regional airport most relevant to students traveling farther from home.

What is the mission and vision of Saint Ambrose University?

Saint Ambrose describes its educational mission in terms of intellectual development, spiritual growth, social justice, and service. Its Catholic affiliation shapes that stated purpose, alongside academic study and preparation for work and civic life.

For applicants, the practical distinction is between an institution's stated values and any requirement attached to a particular course or program. Students interested in how Catholic traditions appear in general education, campus ministry, or service activities should examine the current curriculum and student-life offerings rather than assume that every student participates in the same way.