University of Mary

What is the history of University of Mary?

The University of Mary is a private Catholic university founded in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery in Bismarck, North Dakota. It opened as Mary College and later adopted its university name as its academic offerings expanded.

Its Benedictine origins remain central to its identity. What began as a college in Bismarck now offers undergraduate and graduate study, including professional programs and options for working adults. The university's religious foundation is therefore more than a historical detail: it informs its stated approach to education and campus life today.

What are the faculties and departments at University of Mary?

The University of Mary offers programs across the liberal arts, business, education, engineering, health sciences, and theology. Prospective students can consider undergraduate majors as well as graduate and professional pathways; the requirements and format depend on the program.

Its academic organization includes the Gary Tharaldson School of Business, Hamm School of Engineering, and Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences, alongside other academic schools. Representative fields include accounting, nursing, teacher education, psychology, social work, computer science, and mechanical engineering. Some health-related programs lead toward licensed professions, so applicants should examine a program's clinical requirements, accreditation, and state licensing rules separately from the university's general admission requirements.

Students comparing programs should also check whether their intended degree is taught on the Bismarck campus, online, or in another format. A major's availability does not mean every course or clinical placement is available in every location or term.

What is the location of University of Mary?

The University of Mary's main campus is in Bismarck, North Dakota, on a site south of the city center. Bismarck is the state capital, and its government offices, schools, health-care employers, and other organizations may be relevant to students seeking placements or part-time work.

The campus is not in a dense downtown setting. Students planning to commute should consider travel time and winter conditions; first-year students are permitted to register or park a car on campus. Bismarck Municipal Airport is the nearby commercial airport for students traveling farther afield. The university also offers programs in formats beyond its main residential campus, so applicants should confirm the location and attendance requirements of a particular degree.

What is the mission and vision of University of Mary?

The University of Mary describes its mission in terms of Catholic higher education shaped by Benedictine values. Its stated educational purpose combines intellectual development, professional preparation, service, and attention to the whole person.

The affiliation is relevant to prospective students because religious life and discussions of ethics have a visible place in the institution's identity. Students need not assume that every major or campus activity is religious, but they should review the university's mission and any program-specific expectations if its Catholic character matters to their choice. These are the university's stated aims, not independent measures of every student's experience.