Education Philosophy
St. Mary’s University embraces an educational philosophy rooted in liberal arts and sciences. The institution provides a well-rounded education that extends beyond knowledge acquisition. StMU fosters critical thinking, intellectual curiosity and ethical awareness. It emphasizes strong communication skills, ethical reasoning and a global perspective. Through personalized attention, engaging classroom experiences and experiential learning, StMU nurtures your intellectual, personal and professional growth. The university values the integration of faith, reason, and community engagement, preparing graduates to be ethical leaders and lifelong learners who contribute meaningfully to society.
The University welcomes students of diverse traditions and cultures; it recognizes that the intellectual interchange essential to a vibrant university-level education requires and is enriched by the presence and voices of diverse scholars and students in a community of critical thinkers. StMU proceeds on the assumption that individuals are not merely consumers or producers; we are spiritual beings, and, as such, there are ethical and moral dimensions to all we do. The examination of these dimensions is an integral part of the entire educative process.
St. Mary’s University provides an environment for the development of the whole person intellectually, emotionally, spiritually and physically in their social context, and presents a learning ethos that attempts to ensure advances in scholarship and technology are attuned to the authentic good of individuals and society as a whole. It is an institution that inspires students to undertake responsible intellectual inquiry and accept the challenge of providing leadership for the creation of a socially just world based on sound moral principles.
St. Mary’s University promotes understanding of and respect for the uniqueness and inherent dignity that defines each one of us, made as we are in the image and likeness of God. It is an academic community that, in a rigorous and critical fashion, assists in the protection and advancement of human dignity and of cultural heritage through research, teaching, and various services offered to the local, national, and international communities. A Catholic institution recognizes that human culture is open to revelation and transcendence; StMU is a primary place for a fruitful dialogue between the Gospel and culture.
St. Mary’s University’s educational objectives include:
- Introducing you to the breadth and depth of human intellectual experience and fostering an unrestrained search for meaning and purpose that enables you to achieve the full measure of your being.
- Providing the most intellectually stimulating learning environment possible: one that fosters the development of the disciplined habits of mind, body and spirit that are the mark of the well-educated, free human being.
- Aspiring to the highest standards in teaching and research with particular regard to teaching excellence, whereby professors are committed to communicating clearly and honestly the results of their research and caring about your academic and personal well-being.
- Providing individual attention to each student as a community of scholars, animated by the spirit of Christ, in which all students, faculty and staff are dedicated to the academic, personal, social and spiritual development of each person.
- Encouraging the pursuit of wisdom through learning and ensuring the learning experience at the University enables an exhilarating period of sustained personal growth and inspiring intellectual development whereby education nurtures talents, abilities and interests and facilitates self-discovery and an enthusiastic quest for truth.
- Promoting scholarly excellence by providing the highest possible quality of university-level courses and programs, and equipping and preparing St. Mary’s University graduates to become productive members of and to take leadership roles in their communities, religious groups and the broader society.
In addition, StMU provides each graduate with insights, knowledge and skills including:
- mastery of a substantial body of knowledge, both disciplinary and interdisciplinary, including familiarity with the modes of inquiry used in various disciplines and the ability to integrate knowledge and insights from one discipline into another
- the ability to think critically and creatively and to make perceptive judgements about a diversity of perspectives that can be brought to bear on problems and issues, and the ability to recognize ethical and moral dimensions and implications
- conceptual understanding and mastery of the latest and most sophisticated information and communication technologies, including an acute sensitivity to the opportunities and challenges presented by the use of such technologies
- the capacity to communicate clearly, effectively and logically in written, oral and multimedia forms
- commitment to and acceptance of the obligations demanded by the pursuit of social justice and the common good at the local, national and international levels; and acceptance of responsibility to strive for integrity in the workplace and commitment to Christian values in one’s personal life.
The St. Mary’s University Difference
By emphasizing a well-rounded education, StMU equips students with essential skills and knowledge beyond their chosen fields. The emphasis on critical thinking and intellectual curiosity encourages creativity and adaptability. Strong communication skills enable effective expression and meaningful dialogue. Integrating ethics and global perspectives cultivates social responsibility and cultural awareness for a diverse world. Personalized attention and experiential learning foster individual growth, empowering students to discover passions and strengths. Ultimately, StMU’s educational philosophy prepares students for successful careers and responsible societal contributions.