Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Nestled in the tranquil woods of Indiana, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) stands as a beacon of academic innovation and enduring values. Founded in 1840 by Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and five Sisters of Providence, SMWC holds the distinction of being granted Indiana's first charter for the higher education of women in 1846. Driven by its motto, "Virtus cum Scientia" (Virtue and Knowledge United), the college has a rich legacy of empowering students with a holistic education that prepares them for meaningful lives and careers.

Throughout its history, SMWC has consistently broken new ground, adapting its offerings to meet the evolving needs of its students. It was the first women's college to offer degree work in fields like journalism, secondary education, home economics, and secretarial science. Recognizing the need for flexible learning, SMWC pioneered distance education with its Women's External Degree (WED) program in 1973, making higher education accessible to adult women balancing various responsibilities. This program has since evolved into Woods Online, reaching learners across 33 states and globally.

Today, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College embraces a fully coeducational model, a move decided in 2015, welcoming both men and women to its campus-based and online programs. With over 30 associate and bachelor's degrees in diverse fields such as business, equine studies, psychology, and nursing, alongside three distinctive master's programs in Art Therapy, Music Therapy, and Leadership Development, SMWC continues its tradition of academic excellence. Students at SMWC experience a vibrant learning environment rooted in a commitment to personal growth, intellectual curiosity, and community engagement.