The University of Mary, founded in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of the Annunciation, is a private, Catholic university located in Bismarck, North Dakota. It began as Mary College, a small institution focused on training teachers and nurses, and has since grown into a comprehensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. The University of Mary is known for its commitment to Christian, Catholic, and Benedictine values, which are woven throughout its academic programs and community life.
What sets the University of Mary apart is its emphasis on servant leadership and its dedication to forming students who are both professionally competent and ethically grounded. The university offers unique programs like the Year-Round Campus option, which allows students to complete their bachelor’s degree in just 2.6 years and a master’s degree in four years, providing a fast track to the workforce. The university also emphasizes experiential learning, with robust internship programs and community service initiatives that prepare students for real-world challenges while fostering a strong sense of civic responsibility.
Academically, the University of Mary is well-respected, particularly for its programs in nursing, business, and education. The nursing program, in particular, is highly regarded, with modern facilities and simulation labs that provide students with hands-on experience in a controlled environment. The Gary Tharaldson School of Business is another standout, offering innovative programs like the Emerging Leaders Academy, which equips students with leadership skills and practical business knowledge. The university’s commitment to integrating faith and reason offers a unique perspective in its pedagogy, setting its academic programs apart from more secular institutions.
While the University of Mary has many strengths, it does face some challenges. The university's remote location in Bismarck may be seen as a drawback for students seeking a bustling urban environment or more diverse cultural experiences. Additionally, while it offers a solid range of programs, it does not have the breadth of specialized programs that larger universities might provide. This can limit options for students interested in highly specialized fields. Lastly, despite its robust academic offerings, some programs may have limited faculty resources, which could affect class sizes and individualized attention. However, the university continues to address these issues by focusing on strategic growth and faculty development.
