Notre Dame de Namur University

Step into the rich legacy of Notre Dame de Namur University, an institution that has continually shaped higher education in California since its founding in 1851. Originally pioneering baccalaureate degrees for women, NDNU has evolved into a forward-thinking university known for its commitment to diverse student populations as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and for its innovative academic programs, including one of the nation's first Ph.D. programs in Art Therapy. It's a place where history meets innovation, fostering a vibrant learning environment rooted in service and academic excellence.

Born from the vision of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur as the Academy of Notre Dame in San Jose, the university quickly made its mark. In 1868, it became the first college in California chartered to grant baccalaureate degrees to women, a groundbreaking achievement for its time. The institution found its permanent home in Belmont in 1923, within the historic Ralston Hall estate. Embracing progress, the college became coeducational in 1969, and in 2001, it proudly adopted its current name, Notre Dame de Namur University, reflecting its expanded scope and mission.

NDNU has consistently expanded its academic horizons, introducing master's degrees in 1972 and a pioneering Ph.D. program in Art Therapy in 2013, the first doctoral offering at the university. Beyond traditional learning, NDNU has embraced partnerships with community colleges to broaden access to higher education and launched online degree programs. The university has even hosted unique learning experiences, such as the BINA48 robot participating as a guest student in a philosophy course, showcasing its embrace of innovative pedagogy and future-oriented thinking.

While navigating recent financial challenges and adapting to the evolving landscape of higher education, NDNU has made a strategic transition to primarily operate as a graduate school. Despite these changes, the university's commitment to service and community remains steadfast. In a remarkable display of humanitarian effort, NDNU became the first West Coast university to provide temporary housing for Afghan refugees in 2022, underscoring its enduring values of compassion and global citizenship.