University of Notre Dame

What is the history of University of Notre Dame?

The University of Notre Dame was founded in 1842 by Rev. Edward Sorin and members of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Its Catholic identity remains central to the university, although students pursue a broad range of academic subjects and come from many backgrounds.

Notre Dame received an Indiana charter in 1844. After a fire destroyed much of the original campus in 1879, the university rebuilt its Main Building, whose Golden Dome became a defining campus landmark. Notre Dame admitted women as undergraduate students in 1972. Today it is a private research university with undergraduate colleges, graduate programs and professional schools.

What are the faculties and departments at University of Notre Dame?

Notre Dame organizes undergraduate study primarily through the College of Arts and Letters, College of Science, College of Engineering, Mendoza College of Business, School of Architecture and Keough School of Global Affairs. It also has a Graduate School and a Law School. Prospective students should look at the requirements of the particular school and major they want, rather than assuming every degree follows the same schedule.

Academic options range from English, economics and theology to biology, computer science, engineering, finance and global affairs. Architecture has its own professional course of study. Some students enter a college before declaring a major; others must plan early for sequential courses or school-specific requirements. Notre Dame awards bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, as well as professional degrees in law.

The reported student-to-faculty ratio is 8 to 1. That institution-wide measure describes staffing relative to enrollment, not the size of every class. Applicants interested in laboratory work, a particular language or a professional credential should check the relevant department's curriculum and access requirements.

What is the location of University of Notre Dame?

Notre Dame's principal campus is in Notre Dame, Indiana, immediately north of South Bend. The setting is a largely self-contained residential campus within the South Bend metropolitan area, rather than a downtown campus.

South Bend provides local services, employment and transportation connections. South Bend International Airport is the nearest airport; rail and bus options also serve the area. Students without cars should consider how they will travel between campus, South Bend and home, particularly during academic breaks. First-year students are not permitted to register or park a car on campus under the reported parking policy.

What is the mission and vision of University of Notre Dame?

Notre Dame describes its mission as combining academic inquiry with its identity as a Catholic university founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross. Its stated priorities include scholarship, teaching, service and attention to the ethical implications of learning.

That affiliation is visible in theology and philosophy requirements, campus ministry, religious spaces and service opportunities. It does not mean every student shares the same faith. Applicants can evaluate how the university's stated educational and religious commitments fit their own goals by examining the current core curriculum and campus practices, rather than treating a mission statement as proof of an individual student's experience.