The Dominican University of California was founded in 1890 and is one of the oldest universities in California. Located in San Rafael, the Dominican University was the first college in California to grant a Bachelor’s degree to a woman in 1917. The college offers small classes with a student/teacher ratio of nine to one, and it offers a diverse student body with a global perspective.
Mission/Vision
The Dominican mission is to “prepare students to be ethical leaders and socially responsible global citizens who incorporate the Dominican values of study, reflection, community, and service into their lives.”
Campus Setting
The Dominican campus occupies almost 80 acres in Marin County at the base of the San Pedro Mountains. This picturesque park-like campus features over 220 different species of trees, manicured gardens and a seasonal creek that flows through the center of the campus. Approximately 90 percent of all freshman live on campus, and all residential halls are co-ed. With only 1,700 students and over 50 different clubs and activities to choose from, Dominican provides students with a close-knit atmosphere that is conducive to friendship and education.
Academics
The university is divided into three different schools – the School of Liberal Arts and Education, the Barowsky School of Business, and the School of Health and Natural Sciences. Students can choose from 24 majors, 20 minors and eight graduate degree programs. The largest undergraduate majors are biology, business administration, health science, nursing and psychology. Dominican also offers teaching credential programs, adult degree completion programs and over 60 study abroad programs.
Athletics
The college mascot is the Dominican Penguins. The university competes in the NCAA Division II Pacific West Conference in most sports with the exception of the men’s lacrosse team, which competes in the Western Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (WILA). Students can choose to compete in 12 different sports including basketball, cross country, soccer, golf and tennis.
Tuition & Financial Aid
The annual cost of attendance at Dominican includes tuition and fees, room and board, utilities, groceries and all minor expenses a student might incur throughout the year while in attendance. Financial aid is available through the school’s financial aid department, and over 90 percent of all students receive some form of assistance. Please refer to the school’s website for the most up-to-date tuition and financial aid information.
Accreditation
Dominican receives regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The School of Occupational Therapy receives accreditation through the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc., nursing is accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and teachers education is through the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Admissions
Applications for fall admission should be submitted by February 1 and December 1 for spring admission. The average GPA for admission acceptance is 3.50.
Potential applicants should remit a $50 non-refundable application fee along with the application and a 500-word essay. Applications should also include your high school or college transcripts and standardized test scores.
For more information on admissions to the Dominican University of California, you can contact the admissions department directly at:
enroll@dominican.edu
Office of Admissions
50 Acacia Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
Phone: 415-485-3204
Toll-free: 1-888-323-6763
Fax: 415-485-3214
http://www.dominican.edu/admissions/
