A small Catholic college in Nashville focused on forming educators rooted in Dominican tradition and liberal arts.
Aquinas College offers undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degrees in English, History, and Liberal Arts, along with Bachelor of Science degrees in elementary and secondary teacher education. Graduate programs lead to initial licensure in elementary or secondary education, and the college offers a Certificate of Catholic Social Emotional Learning. The college emphasizes holistic human formation in the liberal arts combined with professional preparation for Catholic educators. Individual theology and philosophy courses are available each semester, though full degree programs in these disciplines are not offered.
The college sits on an 83-acre wildlife preserve approximately five miles west of downtown Nashville, part of the Dominican Campus which also includes Overbrook School and Saint Cecilia Academy. The campus features Siena Hall, the main academic building, and the Corpus Christi Adoration Chapel. While the college does not offer on-campus residential life, it maintains a strong sense of community through regularly scheduled events, lectures, Masses, and confession opportunities. Siena Hall Conference Center provides multiple gathering spaces for conferences, workshops, and retreats.
Aquinas College welcomes qualified students of any race, color, ethnicity, or national origin who desire to be part of the faith-based mission. The college accepts both degree-seeking students and adult learners who wish to audit courses for personal enrichment. Audit fees are $100 per credit hour. The college does not discriminate in its education policies, admission policies, scholarships, or loan programs based on protected characteristics.
Aquinas College traces its roots to 1928 as St. Cecilia Normal School, a school for religious sisters at the St. Cecilia Motherhouse. In 1961, it relocated and opened to the public as Aquinas Junior College. The 1994 transition to a four-year institution brought expansion into Liberal Arts, Business, Nursing, and Teacher Education. In 2012, graduate programs in Education and Nursing were launched. The college's mission centers on preparing Catholic educators and strengthening both novice and veteran teachers through formation and professional development.