College Profile:
Marymount University

Six minutes from the nation's capital is a Catholic university with some powerful ideas about living, learning, and making an impact on the world. Marymount University was founded in 1950 on a rolling hillside in Arlington, Virginia. A comprehensive, coeducational university, Marymount emphasizes excellence in teaching, attention to the individual, and values and ethics across the curriculum. Approximately 2,200 undergraduates and 1,500 graduate students are enrolled through the Schools of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Education and Human Services, and Health Professions. Coming from more than 40 states and 80 countries, as well as diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, Marymount students form a close-knit academic community where different perspectives enrich discussion. The University offers thirty-eight undergraduate majors, twenty-six master's degree programs, and numerous certificate options.

Marymount is committed to educating the whole person. Small classes, and professors who take a personal interest in student success, provide a supportive academic environment. The University's faculty are scholars as well as practitioners in their disciplines, adding a "real life" perspective to classroom instruction. The blending of academics with hands-on, practical experience is a cornerstone of Marymount's commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education. The University also places a high priority on the value of student-faculty academic collaboration through the Marymount Academic Research Initiative (MARI), which provides an opportunity for original undergraduate research.

At Marymount, values and ethics are emphasized across the curriculum and throughout campus life. As the academic programs have grown and broadened with educational and technological advances, one consistent hallmark of a Marymount education has been and remains—a commitment to ethics. Students become well acquainted with ethical issues that they are likely to encounter on the job and in life. The Center for Ethical Concerns provides a forum for discussion, holding national conferences on topics like sweatshop labor, managed health care issues, and cyber ethics. Each year, the Center also sponsors the Ethics Case Study Competition, which gives students an opportunity to display critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills. Last year's undergraduate winners both chose to examine ethical questions related to patients' rights. The University also fields an Ethics Bowl team that competes annually in the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) Ethics Bowl, where students analyze and debate actual ethical dilemmas. The 2002 Marymount team tied for first place with their solutions to ethical questions on individual civil liberties, national security, and citizen responsibility.

Marymount's proximity to Washington, DC, is a real advantage for students, who make the most of the educational and cultural resources available in the nation's capital. Distinguished visitors of national and international stature frequently speak on campus and take time to chat with students. Recent guests have included the Chief Justice of the United States, the U.S. Secretary of Labor, prominent print and broadcast journalists, and one of the founders of the Internet. In addition, all MU undergraduates are required to complete an internship in their major and often choosing such popular internship sites as Congressional offices, the FBI, the Smithsonian, the Kennedy Center, high-tech businesses, and national health care institutions. Overseas internships are also available through the popular Study Abroad program.

Campus life offers something for everyone. Students enjoy NCAA Division III sports, a thriving student government, Spirit of Service volunteer opportunities, and more than thirty clubs. In 2002, the women's basketball team placed fourth in the nation at the NCAA Division III tournament, and the men's team has been to the Sweet Sixteen. The University also fields men's cross country, golf, soccer, lacrosse, and swimming teams; the additional women's teams are cross country, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, and volleyball.

High school students seeking admission are advised to apply early during their senior year. In reviewing applications, Marymount University places emphasis on the strength of an applicant's high school record, national test scores, breadth of academic preparation, positive recommendations, and personal character.

Marymount provides generous financial aid packages that can include extensive scholarships and grants. The University participates in all federal and state aid programs. To be considered, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the College Scholarship Service. Approximately 56 percent of the Fall, 2002, full-time students received need-based aid and 33 percent received non-need-based aid, comprised of scholarships, grants, loans, work-study awards, or on-campus employment.

Come for an overnight visit. Talk with students and faculty. Explore academic programs that pique your interest. We think that you'll discover what we already know: Marymount University is a great place to live, learn, and grow.