Academic Experience

Where Mission Meets Momentum

At Dominican University, our powerful, values-centered education is designed for students who seek more than just a degree. Rooted in truth, justice, compassion, and community, we don’t just teach the "how"—we challenge the "why." Here, you’ll learn to think critically, act ethically, and lead with purpose.

We offer more than 50 undergraduate majors and 25 graduate and professional programs, but what unites them all is a shared purpose: to shape lives that matter. Whether you're just starting your undergraduate journey or deepening your expertise through graduate study, you’ll find:

• Nationally ranked academic programs
• Small class sizes designed for personalized attention
• Faculty who are true mentors, not just instructors
• Global learning and service opportunities grounded in social justice
• Direct access to Chicago’s professional network
• Consistently high job placement and graduate school acceptance rates

Whether you're discovering your passion or advancing your career, this is the place to move your goals forward.

A Personalized, Transformative Learning Experience
 

At Dominican, you’ll never get lost in a lecture hall. Here, classrooms are tight-knit communities. Our small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratio create a highly personalized academic environment. Professors know your name, your goals, and your potential. Whether you're an undergraduate just beginning your academic journey or a graduate student advancing your career, you'll find true support and a deep commitment to fostering your success.

You can expect: 

• Faculty mentors, not just instructors
• 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• Collaborative, discussion-based learning
• Academic support that’s personalized to your needs
   

Education in Action

From undergraduate to graduate study, hands-on, immersive learning is built into the academic experience—not added on as an afterthought. Whether you’re conducting lab research, interning at a downtown firm, or leading a community-based project, your education at Dominican is grounded in action.

You can expect: 

• Connections to internships, clinical experiences and practicums with leading organizations across Chicagoland
• Extensive career development opportunities that build your network and prepare you to launch or advance your career
• Collaborative faculty-student research projects
• Service learning opportunities embedded in courses
• Capstone projects and real-world case studies that build your network and your professional experience

Your Path to Success Starts Here

Dominican is ranked among the top universities in the Midwest for social mobility, reflecting our deep commitment to educational access and student success. Our mission, shaped by the Sinsinawa Dominican tradition, inspires graduates to use their talents to serve the greater good—locally and globally. From day one, you’ll build your resume with internships, fieldwork, clinicals, and service learning—all in the heart of the Chicago metro area. We don’t just open doors, we help students walk through them with confidence.

• Dominican is consistently recognized as a Top 10 Best Value School in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report
• 93% of undergraduates are employed or in graduate school within a year of graduation
• Alumni lead in fields ranging from health care to tech to education to nonprofit advocacy

Bring Your Curiosity. Find Your Calling.

Your education should change more than your resume; it should change you. Dominican is a launchpad not just for your career, but also for a life of purpose, leadership, and meaningful success. Let’s get started: