Mount St. Mary's University
Emmitsburg, MD
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Mount St. Mary's University
Mount St. Mary's: A Catholic legacy shaping American education since 1808.
Discover Mount St. Mary's University, an institution steeped in a rich Catholic heritage and pivotal to American education. Founded in 1808 by French émigré John DuBois, this historic university began as a boarding school and preparatory seminary, quickly evolving into one of the nation's most significant ecclesiastical institutions. It offered comprehensive high school and college courses to both lay students and future priests, guided by brilliant minds like Simon Bruté, whom President John Quincy Adams lauded as "the most learned man of his day in America."
Mount St. Mary's also shares an indelible bond with Saint Joseph College and the venerable Mother Seton. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first native-born U.S. saint, founded Saint Joseph's Academy and Free School for girls in 1809 on the very same mountain, laying the groundwork for the entire U.S. Catholic parochial school system. This all-female institution, which grew into a four-year liberal arts college, eventually merged with Mount St. Mary's in 1973, making the university fully co-educational.
Today, Mount St. Mary's University carries forward its legacy of academic rigor and spiritual formation. It stands as a testament to its founders' vision, providing a vibrant and engaging academic environment for students eager to explore a comprehensive curriculum rooted in centuries of tradition and innovation. Prospective students will find a community dedicated to fostering intellectual growth and personal development within a deeply historical and supportive setting.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded in 1808 by French émigré John DuBois, initially as a preparatory seminary and boarding school.
- ✦Recognized as "one of the most important ecclesiastical institutions of the country" early in its history.
- ✦Closely linked to Elizabeth Ann Seton, founder of the first free Catholic parochial school in the U.S. (1809), and the first native-born U.S. saint.
- ✦Obtained its first university charter in 1830.
- ✦Became a fully co-educational university in 1973 following its merger with Saint Joseph College.
- ✦Renamed Mount Saint Mary's University on June 7, 2004, from its prior designation as Mount Saint Mary's College and Seminary.
- ✦Early faculty included Simon Bruté, whom President John Quincy Adams called "the most learned man of his day in America."
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
2 notable schools within Mount St. Mary's University
Mount St. Mary's Seminary
Historically, a significant preparatory seminary for Catholic priests, as reflected in the institution's former name Mount Saint Mary's College and Seminary.
Saint Joseph College
A four-year liberal arts college for women, established in 1902 and founded upon Saint Joseph's Academy and Free School by Elizabeth Ann Seton. It merged with Mount St. Mary's in 1973.
Find Scholarships at Mount St. Mary's University
Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.
Start Your Free Search