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College of Saint Mary is a thriving Catholic university providing access and affordable education to women. CSM fosters potential and leadership through academic excellence, scholarship and lifelong learning. The University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in many of today’s high-paying, in-demand fields, including physician assistant studies, occupational therapy, nursing, science, education, business and legal studies. To learn more about College of Saint Mary, visit CSM.edu.
Academic Programs
College of Saint Mary is a deeply Catholic institution, with all the rigor and excellence commonly associated with Catholic higher education. While Saint Mary’s curriculum is based in traditional liberal arts, putting the critical thinking and analytical skills of the humanities and sciences at the forefront, CSM has become well known throughout Nebraska for excellent professional and pre-professional education. Students at the College of Saint Mary benefit from an incredibly low 10:1 student/faculty ratio that allows faculty members to take on mentorship and guiding roles.As a women’s institution, College of Saint Mary raises the bar on programs traditionally considered women’s occupations, including nursing, occupational therapy, and education, along with a number of specialized programs. Some of Saint Mary’s most unique programs, such as the region’s only ABA-approved 4-year paralegal program, and the 5-year bachelor/master’s in Occupational Therapy, are designed for world-class professionalization and flexibility for women. The Mothers Living & Learning program offers working mothers with young children an on-campus residence and the opportunity to earn a degree for a better future.
Student Life
Catholic identity and practice is at the heart of student life at Saint Mary. While only around 40% of students are Catholic, faith is ever-present, with daily Eurcharist in the Our Lady of Mercy chapel, along with prayer groups, missions retreats, and other faith-based activities. All students are required to take religion and theology classes, but are not required to convert to Catholicism or participate in Mass. All students, however, are expected to contribute to the community and take part in the many service efforts that are part of Saint Mary’s dedication to Omaha. From service learning to community action, nearly all students and many faculty contribute more than 12,000 hours of help.College of Saint Mary’s student body is small, just over 1000, and nearly 90% of students come from Nebraska and Iowa. Two dozen student-led organizations and clubs provide community, friendship, and entertainment for Saint Mary’s student body, while the College of Saint Mary Flames compete in 10 NAIA varsity sports. Basketball, soccer, softball, and volleyball are traditionally popular, but other students may be more attracted to competitive dance.