History
The history of Dominican University dates back to 1850, when Joseph Alemany, a Spanish Roman Catholic archbishop and missionary, was appointed as the first archbishop of Monterey, California. In 1853 he became the first archbishop of San Francisco.
Education
- Dominican offers more than 60 programs of study, reflecting the diversity and creativity of our faculty, students and location.
- With our 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, average class size of 16, and proximity to San Francisco, we provide both the personal attention associated with smaller schools and the academic resources and global opportunities associated with larger universities.
- Our institutional mission is to educate and 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.
Research
The Dominican Research Collective is a venue for individuals at Dominican interested in furthering academic research projects with the support of other scholars on campus. Over the course of an academic year, members meet regularly to present their scholarship to their peers, receive feedback, and revise their work for publication, presentation, or dissertation.
Career
- In Career Development, our mission is to assist students and alumni in developing effective career planning skills to achieve their career goals and promote lifelong career development.
- The Career Development Office engages with students, faculty, alumni in the areas of career exploration and goal setting, job search strategies, and lifelong career development. Employers engage with DU students primarily through the Handshake employment and internship platform and on-campus recruitment for part-time work for students.
Distance Learning Courses
Business & Management (1)
- M.Sc. Business Analytics
Computer Science & IT (1)
Education & Training (1)
- M.Sc. Education
Natural Sciences & Mathematics (1)
- M.Sc. Biological Sciences
Student services
During their time at Dominican, students are immersed in personal development opportunities to build resilience and support the flourishing of self and others, while becoming prepared for a successful life and career through research and practical application of skills. Through the four high-impact practices of the Dominican Experience, as well as additional opportunities to engage more broadly with the campus and the greater community, students are empowered to persist and complete their degree.
Housing services
The residential experience at Dominican is every bit a part of your academic journey as your time in the classroom. Neighbors in your residence hall become friends, and the campus becomes your community.
You’ll also get acquainted with our hometown. San Rafael, a small city of 57,700, is filled with parks, shopping, restaurants, museums and historic sites, an amazing farmer’s market, and a civic center designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. This lively California town offers seasonal concerts, art walks, a film fest, and plenty of other events throughout the year.
Library services
The Library helps students and faculty reach their academic goals by providing instruction in, and access to, a wide-range of academic resources and technologies, information literacy, critical thinking mentorship, and personalized research assistance. Learn more about our services for students, staff and faculty at our Library Services page.
ICT services
ITS and Facilities has partnered to create two new innovative learning spaces in the Alemany Library. These remodeled classrooms provide increased WiFi, changeable furniture, Apple TVs, charging stations, and more. The spaces support active learning, and are in use this fall for the Computer Science Minor courses and others.
Medical services
Being a successful student involves more than making good grades. You need to care for your physical, emotional, and mental health needs. Dominican provides a variety of health and wellness resources to support you — both on your academic journey and beyond.
Our Student Health Center provides free health service to all currently registered students regardless of your medical insurance plan.
Campus life
You’ll find our safe, suburban campus at the base of San Pedro Mountain in Marin County, California. Surrounded by rolling hills and nestled in a residential neighborhood in San Rafael, we’re home to 1837 undergraduate and graduate students.
Sports facilities
Dominican Athletics supports academic and athletic excellence through continuous learning, leadership and service. We build esprit de corps on campus and within the greater community by embracing diversity, promoting life balance, and respecting the dignity and value of the individual.
Student clubs
- To make the most of your time at Dominican, attend campus events, lead student government, or join campus clubs and organizations. These experiences nurture Dominican pride and student success, and support an inclusive and equitable community.
- The Office of Student Engagement provides students and student organizations with opportunities that promote learning, leadership development, social responsibility and personal growth. Our office cultivates an inclusive and vibrant community for all.
- Dominican University of California is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Dominican University of California is committed to complying with the requirements enumerated by WASC in its accreditation process.