Marymount University

Founded in 1950 by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM), Marymount University is an independent, coeducational Catholic university offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in a wide range of disciplines. The University’s three locations in suburban northern Virginia offer a full complement of academic and student services that provide an outstanding education in a convenient, student- and career-focused environment.

And whatever program of study a Marymount student chooses to pursue, the on-campus experiences are enriched by the University’s proximity to Washington, D.C., with the one-of-a-kind opportunities only available in the nation’s capital! Marymount is a comprehensive Catholic university, guided by the traditions of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, that emphasizes intellectual curiosity, service to others, and a global perspective. A Marymount education is grounded in the liberal arts, promotes career preparation, and provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. A student‐centered learning community that values diversity and focuses on the education of the whole person, Marymount guides the intellectual, ethical, and spiritual development of each individual.

Marymount, a leading Catholic university, will be nationally recognized for innovation and commitment to student success, alumni achievement, and faculty and staff excellence. In the summer of 2018 Marymount University began the process of creating a new strategic plan. Momentum is designed to guide Marymount as it works to fulfill its mission and achieve its vision. Marymount University, the first Catholic college to be established in Virginia, was founded in 1950. Through the years, it has grown from a two-year college for women into a comprehensive, coeducational Catholic university serving approximately 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students.

While much has changed since the early years as a result of greatly expanded programs and services, the university’s core values and mission have held steady.The name “Marymount” has long been associated with excellence in education. The Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, founders of Marymount University, provide Marymount with a heritage, spirit, and tradition that date back all the way to the founding of the RSHM Order in Bézier, France, in 1849 by Father Pierre Jean Antoine Gailhac and the first RSHM member, Mother St. Jean. The learning institutions they began would evolve into a worldwide network of schools and colleges, including Marymount University. The roots of Marymount’s founding Congregation reflect a commitment to education and to serving those in need – a commitment that remains vital at Marymount today.