Clarke University

Academic Programs

Clarke University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission and offers Bachelor’s Degrees, Master’s Degrees and Doctorates in over 30 fields. Noted for Nursing, Physical Therapy and Music, the largest programs on campus are in Healthcare fields. There is also an available study abroad program with affiliation partnerships, exchange programs and independent study; the “Compass” program serves as a mentorship to guide the student through their college career. Per the Mission Statement, “We are a Catholic, co-educational, liberal arts university founded in 1843 by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Dubuque, Iowa. Clarke educates students at the post-secondary level in the liberal arts and sciences, the fine arts, selected professional programs, and graduate programs. We, the faculty, students, staff and administration are a caring, learning community committed to excellence in education. We provide a supportive environment that encourages personal and intellectual growth, promotes global awareness and social responsibility, and deepens spiritual values.”

Student Life

There are over 900 undergraduate students enrolled in Clarke University, most of whom live on campus among four main residence halls – 2 Freshman gender-specific and 2 Co-Ed halls. There are many clubs and student organizations on campus, including club sports and intramurals. For the varsity athlete, the Navy blue and gold Crusaders, led by Cutlass T Crusader, field teams in 8 sports and participate in NAIA Division III competition. Among the campus traditions is the annual Christmas dinner which started out as an Old English affair complete with “Boef Dissh-metes, plum and honey confiture and holly-red mead.” Currently, it is a feast for students, faculty and staff to celebrate the season. Students learn the school’s values: Clarke is focused on progressing with the times. We are an institution guided by the core values of freedom, education, charity and justice. We believe personalized instruction is the key to academic success. We understand that without proper connections, a quality education is moot. We recognize that easy access to our educators is what sets us apart. It is more than a pledge. It is a progressive framework that has guided us for more than one-and-a-half centuries.