Catholic liberal arts university in Marin County, California, founded 1890 with strong health sciences and business programs.
Dominican offers undergraduate degrees across arts, humanities, social sciences, business, education, health, and natural sciences. Graduate programs span business, health, science, education, creative writing, cybersecurity, art therapy, and counseling psychology. The university features more than 60 academic majors, minors, and concentrations with an average class size of 16. An Adult Degree Completion program serves working professionals age 24+ seeking bachelor's degrees through evening and flexible formats. The university is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
The 80-acre suburban campus sits in central Marin County at the base of San Pedro Mountain. Notable buildings include Angelico Hall (1921), featuring an 800-seat auditorium that hosts concerts and lectures, and Meadowlands Hall, originally a summer home built in 1888 and now housing health sciences departments. The campus hosts the Shield Day tradition, where seniors present incoming freshmen with illustrated shields bearing inspirational mottos. Forest Meadows Amphitheater hosts commencement ceremonies and the Marin Shakespeare Company's fall festival. The university maintains 15 NCAA Division II athletic teams competing in the Pacific West Conference.
Dominican accepts undergraduate first-year, transfer, graduate, adult degree completion, and international students. The university offers multiple pathways including regular decision and transfer admissions. Graduate programs include business, health sciences, education, and specialized certificates. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions can be reached at (415) 485-3214 or enroll@dominican.edu; graduate admissions at (415) 485-3280 or graduate@dominican.edu. The university emphasizes personalized attention and community engagement in its admissions process.
Dominican is ranked #31 among Best Regional Universities (West) and #16 Best Value Schools – Regional Universities (West) by U.S. News & World Report. The university emphasizes engaged learning through 60+ study abroad programs, internships, and service-learning opportunities. Over 5,200 students engaged in community service in recent years, with 91.4% reporting that community engagement supported their learning. Notable alumni include civil rights pioneer Melba Beals, U.S. Marine Corps General Angela Salinas, and YouTuber Hannah Stocking.