University of St. Thomas

Overview

The University of St. Thomas, founded in 1885, is a Catholic, independent, liberal arts university that emphasizes values-centered, career-oriented education. With 10,316 students, it is Minnesota's largest independent college or university. St. Thomas maintains an average student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1. Classes are taught by professors, not teaching assistants. The university welcomes students of all ages, religions, races and financial backgrounds.

University of St. Thomas at a Glance

Enrollment

Undergraduate: 6,336
Graduate: 3,980

Academic

Student/faculty ratio: 15:1
Average class size: 21
Number undergraduate majors: More than 90

Racial/ethnic distribution

86% White, 4% Black, 3% Hispanic, 4% Asian, 3% Multiracial

First-year student profile

Average ACT score: The middle 50% of enrolled students had ACT composite scores between 25 and 28. 96% of students presented the ACT as part of their applications.
Average SAT score: Middle 50% range for SAT composite: 1030-1260. 7% of students submitted the SAT as part of their applications.
High school GPA: 3.6
Percentage from Minnesota: 80%
Percentage who live on campus: 94%

Cost

2013-14 undergraduate tuition and fees: $35,308
Room and board: $8,986
Percentage first-time undergraduates receiving financial aid: 99%

Religious affiliation

Catholic

Academics

Degrees offered

Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, Master of Business Communication, Master of Science, Master of Social Work, Master of International Management, Doctorate in Counseling Psychology, Doctor of Education in Organization Development, Educational Specialist in Curriculum & Instruction, Doctor of Education, Juris Doctor, Master of Arts in Music Education, Master of Science in Software Engineering, Master of Science in Software Management, Master of Science in Technology Management, Master of Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Master of Science in Manufacturing Systems, Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Master of Science in Regulatory Science, Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

View all majors and degrees

Top 5 declared majors

Business, Communication and Journalism, Mechanical Engineering, Psychology, Neuroscience

Faculty

439 full-time, 408 part-time; 94% hold a Ph.D. or terminal degree in their field

Student/faculty ratio

15:1

Average class size

Accreditation & approval

St. Thomas is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association of Theological Schools and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. In addition, the Opus College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. The Chemistry Department is approved by the American Chemical Society. The BS degree in chemistry is certified by the American Chemical Society. The Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The BS degrees in electrical and mechanical engineering are accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology. St. Thomas is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music. It is also accredited by the American Psychological Association Accrediting Commission on Education for Health Services Administration and the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Pre-professional programs

Chiropractic, dentistry, law, medicine, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician's assistant,veterinary medicine

Teaching licensure programs

Elementary Education: Communication Arts and Literature, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, World Languages and Cultures. Middle and Secondary: Communication Arts and Literature, Dance and Theatre Arts, Health Education, Mathematics, Music Education, Physical Education, Sciences, Social Studies, World Language and Cultures.

Certification programs

Post-graduate certificates available in the following schools and programs: Graduate Programs in Software Engineering; Graduate School of Professional Psychology; Programs in Manufacturing Engineering and Technology Management; School of Divinity; School of Education.

Satellite campuses

School of Business offers graduate school classes at many locations around the Twin Cities metro area, these include: Bloomington, Maple Grove, Owatonna, Rochester. School of Education offers an extended degree program with graduate courses offered at many locations around the Twin Cities area as well as wider Minnesota.

The Minneapolis campus covers about three city blocks, and was opened in 1992. Owatonna, Minn., is home to the Gainey Conference Center (1981) and 160 acres of riverside grounds; and the Bernardi Campus (2000), in Rome, Italy, is a 20,000-sq.-ft. building which hosts study abroad programs.

Intercampus agreements

The Associated Colleges of the Twin Cities (ACTC) is a partnership with Augsburg College, St. Catherine University, Hamline University, Macalester College and the University of St. Thomas. The partnership allows students to register for courses at the other colleges, and collaborative majors are offered through the partnership. An inter-campus bus is available to transport students to the participating colleges. St. Thomas also is part of a seven-college consortium that participates in Superior Studies at Wolf Ridge, a program that offers environment-related coursework and wilderness experiences at the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center on the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Honors program

The Aquinas Scholars Program is the undergraduate honors program. Scholars are required to complete a minimum of four honors seminars.

Study abroad programs

Each year, nearly 1,000 students study abroad. St. Thomas has programs in more than 40 countries.

Internships/career services

Both faculty and Career Services assist students in finding career-related internships. St. Thomas' location (close to both Minneapolis and St. Paul) helps students to easily access internships — most within five miles of campus.

The Career Development Center maintains a Web site with information on job postings, seminars and other resources for career development. In addition, career specialists can be seen to discuss career goals and issues. Throughout the year, workshops are offered on topics such as resume writing and interviewing. Career presentations are given to classes and student organizations upon request. Historically, more than 90 companies interview on campus each year.

Admission & cost

Admissions

Online application: http://www.stthomas.edu/apply

Application requirements: Complete application, official high school transcript, ACT or SAT scores, writing sample/essay. Recommendations are optional.

Application deadlines: Rolling

Application fee (amount): Free

Advanced placement credit

Students entering the University of St. Thomas (UST) as first-time college students may have college credits earned prior to graduation from high school. Students who successfully complete: Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) courses before enrolling; and who demonstrate their achievement by presenting exam scores may earn UST credit, advanced standing and/or placement into specific courses. Individual departments determine credit/placement. Generally, AP exam scores of 3, 4, or 5 and IB exam scores of at least a 4 or higher will be considered. Students are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions for details about these programs.

Transfer criteria (credits, GPA):

Transfer students must submit an official transcript of all post secondary work completed to the Office of Admissions, along with completing an application for admission. To be considered for admission, transfer candidates must present a cumulative, transferable grade point of average of a minimum of 2.3

Transfer process (deadlines and materials)

The university admits all students on a rolling-basis. Transfer students should apply for admission well in advance of the start of a new term (Fall or Spring). Transfer applicants should complete an application for admission and submit official transcripts directly to the University from each post secondary institution they've attended. A completed Dean's Form is also required.

Cost

2013-14 undergraduate tuition and fees: $35,308

Room and board: $8,986

Graduate tuition and fees: Graduate tuition and fees vary by school and program type. Consult the UST website for program by program information.

Percentage of first-time undergraduates receiving financial aid: more than 95%

Financial aid information

The University of St. Thomas is committed to making a St. Thomas education a possibility. We award merit-based aid to new first year students who are admitted as regular, degree seeking undergraduates. This award is determined based on a holistic review of the applicant's academic credentials and the contributions the student has made to their school, community and/or church. St. Thomas also awards need-based financial aid.
More information about our financial aid programs.
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Student involvement

Student organizations

There are more than 130 student clubs, activities and organizations at St. Thomas. An activities fair, held at the beginning of each semester, introduces students to the many opportunities at St. Thomas.

Athletic programs

Conference membership

NCAA Division III, Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC)

Men's varsity

Baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, golf, ice hockey, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, and indoor and outdoor track and field

Women's varsity

Basketball, cross-country, golf, ice hockey, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, volleyball, and indoor and outdoor track and field

Intramurals

Basketball, floor hockey, football, kickball, racquetball, sailing, sand volleyball, soccer, softball, tennis, ultimate Frisbee and volleyball

Club sports

Alpine racing, crew, lacrosse, sailing ultimate Frisbee, Dance team

Fine Arts Offerings

TommieMedia, Aquinas Yearbook, Summit Avenue Review (student art and literary publication), KUST (student-run radio station), Guitar Ensemble, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, String Ensemble, Chamber Winds, Brass Choir , Handbell Choir, Percussion Ensemble, African Music Ensemble , Instrumental Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Singers, Piano Ensemble Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Liturgical Choir, Women's Choir

Social media

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University of St. Thomas Campus News

Faculty and Staff Say Farewell to Dease at Event Marked With Laughter, Tears and Standing Ovations
Hundreds of University of St. Thomas staff and faculty members came to a farewell celebration Friday afternoon for their retiring president, Father Dennis Dease. They all went home with a souvenir pair of “Groucho” glasses complete with big nose and bushy black eyebrows.
The program featured much laughter, some tears, two sustained standing ovations, kind words, and a chance to see Dease cover his distinguished gray hair with a Harley Davidson “do-rag,” complete with bright orange flames.
Speaking at the event were Father John Malone, vice president for mission, and Archbishop Harry Flynn, chair of the university’s board for the past 18 years.
Flynn, also sporting a Harley cap at the podium, commented on Malone’s string of jokes and stories that peppered the program. “When Father Malone was speaking, I was wishing this was six years ago and I was still in office … so I could can him.”
Father John Malone, left, cracks a joke as Archbishop Emeritus Harry Flynn and Father Dease look on.
The archbishop turned serious and described this as a bittersweet time for the university. “We’ve all grown with him,” he said of Dease, who will retire at the end of June after 22 years as the university’s president.
“The hardest job in the world is being president of a Catholic university,” he said. “The president is responsible to so many constituents … students, faculty, the board, alumni and to the local bishop. It is a delicate balance, and Father Dease has done it brilliantly.”
Flynn said there are two types of leaders. One is the “instrumentalist” who is focused primarily on getting the job done. The other is the “expressive leader” who accomplishes tasks through encouragement, through listening, by making sure the morale is high and who leads others to work toward goals. “Those two forms of leaders landed in one person, Father Dease. He has been a patient, patient leader … and how important that is.
“I always describe Father Dease as steel wrapped in velvet. He smiles when he asks you for something.”
There are stories behind the Harley do-rags and the Groucho glasses.
Years ago, Dr. Ron Bennett, former dean of the School of Engineering, gave Dease a piggy-bank for his office desk. It was inscribed, “My Harley Fund,” and Dease often joked that he planned to buy a Harley motorcycle when he retired. At the start of the program, Malone and Dease donned their do-rags and the archbishop put on a more dignified Harley beret.
The origins of the Groucho glasses go back two years, to the fall faculty convocation. At the annual gathering, Dease put on a pair of Groucho glasses while commenting on a widely reported controversy involving British climate-change skeptic Lord Christopher Monkton and St. Thomas engineering professor and climate-change expert Dr. John Abraham. It was in the course of the controversy that Monkton called Dease a “creep of a president.”
As Malone recounted the story Friday afternoon, members of the audience took their Groucho glasses out of hiding and put them on.
Staff and faculty applaud Father Dease at a sendoff celebration.
“I thought a nice thing about getting old is you couldn’t be shocked anymore,” Dease said when he took the podium. “I was wrong. I never believed I’d be up here with an archbishop in a Harley hat and me in a do-rag.”
Dease’s remarks were short. “I don’t have a speech. I want to say thanks to all faculty and staff for making the St. Thomas culture so really, really special … and it’s hard to look out and say that with everyone wearing Groucho glasses.”
And at that, the audience rose and gave him a long standing ovation.
St. Thomas Summer Construction Roster Includes Eight Major Projects
Eight major capital improvement projects to update or restore parts of the University of St. Thomas will take place this summer. All of these projects will occur on the university’s St. Paul campus, and construction may cause some parking lots and areas of certain buildings to close temporarily during the summer.
Projects are scheduled late May through the end of August.
These projects include:
2120 Summit Ave.
- The garage behind 2120 Summit Ave. (Development Office) will be razed to expand the existing parking lot used by the Child Development Center and the Development Office. Work will be begin in early June and will be completed by late July. The area also will be landscaped.
Brady Hall
- Phase two of work on fixing the exterior brick of the upper floors, which have experienced structural issues the past few years, will continue this summer and will be completed by July 19. Phase one occurred last summer and fixed 60 percent of the afflicted areas.
Modern and Classical Languages Department
- All 2,800 square feet of the Modern and Classical Languages offices on the third floor of O’Shaughnessy Educational Center will be renovated.
Murray-Herrick Campus Center
- Renovation of the building, including the second-floor space in Herrick Hall (former dining rooms and office space converted for use by Admissions) will continue this summer and will finish by Aug. 15. When completed the entire Enrollment Services division will be in Murray-Herrick Campus Center. (The Office of Financial Aid moved last year.)
O’Shaughnessy Stadium
- Decorative Mankato Kasota stone will be added to each end and underneath the existing video board in O’Shaughnessy Stadium to make it fit within the context of the stadium, which is walled in the same stone.
Owens Science Hall
- The obsolete fume-hood controls, which exhaust air from the science labs, will be replaced in the fourth-floor teaching labs.
Sculpture garden
- A sculpture garden will be installed in the area between Brady Educational Center and the Binz Refectory. The sculptures include “The Family,” a 3,200-pound copper sculpture by Evelyn Raymond that originally was installed on the Coughlan Field House’s east wall in 1983; “Stephen’s Summer” by John Raimondi, a five-piece, 21-ton sculpture of cor-ten steel donated by Dolly Fiterman, which previously was displayed on the west lawn of Loras Hall; and possibly a third sculpture to be announced.
South Field
- St. Thomas will replace the grass with artificial turf beginning Monday, May 20. The bleachers, scoreboard, fencing and softball dugouts also will be replaced. All of the work, which will cost $2 million, is expected to be completed by early August. More information is available in this Newsroom article.

Minnesota's Private Colleges

www.stthomas.edu

Majors and Degrees Offered

Overview

University of St. Thomas at a Glance

Enrollment

Academic

Racial/ethnic distribution

First-year student profile

Cost

Religious affiliation

Academics

Degrees offered

Top 5 declared majors

Faculty

Student/faculty ratio

Average class size

Accreditation & approval

Pre-professional programs

Teaching licensure programs

Certification programs

Satellite campuses

Intercampus agreements

Honors program

Study abroad programs

Internships/career services

Admission & cost

Admissions

Advanced placement credit

Transfer criteria (credits, GPA):

Transfer process (deadlines and materials)

Cost

Financial aid information

Student involvement

Student organizations

Athletic programs

Conference membership

Men's varsity

Women's varsity

Intramurals

Club sports

Fine Arts Offerings

Social media

Facebook

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University of St. Thomas Campus News