Dominican University of California

Dominican University of California is an independent university of Catholic heritage located only 12 miles north of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County. Founded in 1890 by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, Dominican enjoys a century-long reputation for excellence in scholarship, research, and community outreach. Dominican's 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. Dominican successfully blends personal direction associated with smaller schools with the academic resources of a larger university in order to provide a dynamic academic environment for the University's 2,200 undergraduate and graduate students. The focus on interdisciplinary studies encourages students to explore new pursuits, while small classes enable faculty to support students in their ongoing areas of study and work. In the sciences, the University excels at involving undergraduates in sophisticated research projects that enable students to present at national academic conferences and publish alongside their faculty mentors in peer-reviewed journals. In the humanities, students can combine dance and musical performance with the study of philosophy, literature, world cultures, and religion. Dominican also offers strong undergraduate professional programs in business, education, and nursing, in addition to graduate offerings in these disciplines as well as counseling psychology and occupational therapy. Special characteristics of a Dominican education include the Senior Thesis, an intensive research project that provides all students with an opportunity to shine in their chosen fields of study. The Honors Program provides special enrichment opportunities for academically superior students. Each year, the work of students in all disciplines is featured during the week-long Academic Showcase. The Dominican Academic Scholars program honors students who have demonstrated high academic achievement in scholarship, research, or creative activity. Fostering an appreciation of cultural diversity and global interdependence is a fundamental part of a Dominican education. Through the University's Study Abroad program, students can develop a rich understanding of different cultural perspectives and experiences. Internships are available through the University's Career Services Office, giving students the opportunity to explore employment options with San Francisco Bay Area companies.
Dominican offers 12 intercollegiate programs in men's and women's basketball, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's golf, men's and women's cross country, women's volleyball, men's lacrosse, women's softball and women's tennis. Since opening the state-of-the-art Conlan Center in 2000, Dominican has enjoyed tremendous success in athletic competition. In 2007-2008, the men's basketball team won its fifth Cal Pac Conference Championship in six years. The women's volleyball and women's soccer teams also won Cal Pac Conference Championships in 2007-2008. In 2009-10, Dominican transitioned from NAIA to NCAA Division II status as a member of the Pacific West Conference and became a full NCAA Division II member in 2011-12. Men's lacrosse is a member of the Western Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (WILA).
Dominican offers a four-year graduation guarantee for students who select a major by the end of the freshman year, persist in that major and successfully complete a full-time course load. Should a student follow the course of study agreed upon with his/her official advisor and not be able to graduate within eight semesters, tuition and fees for any subsequent coursework necessary for graduation will be waived.