Benedictine University Profile

Benedictine University, a prominent private Catholic institution located in Lisle, Illinois, has a long-standing history of academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community engagement. Founded in 1887 as St. Procopius College in Chicago, Benedictine University has evolved over the years into a comprehensive institution that offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical framework needed to thrive in a global society. With its commitment to liberal arts education, community service, and student-centered learning, Benedictine has established itself as a leader among Catholic universities in the Midwest.

The university’s strong academic foundation is reflected in its varied program offerings, which include undergraduate degrees in fields such as accounting, biochemistry, biology, business and economics, computer science, communication arts, education, fine arts, and more. The undergraduate programs at Benedictine are designed to provide students with a solid grounding in both their chosen discipline and the broader intellectual and moral traditions of a liberal arts education. This comprehensive approach ensures that students not only acquire technical and professional skills but also develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making abilities that are essential in today’s rapidly changing world.

Benedictine University’s undergraduate programs are organized through several colleges, each of which provides specialized educational opportunities in a range of academic fields. The College of Business, for instance, offers a variety of programs that prepare students for careers in business and management. Programs in accounting, finance, business with science applications, and economics are popular among students who wish to pursue a career in business or public service. The College of Liberal Arts provides programs in fields such as English language and literature, communication arts, and fine arts, while the College of Science offers degrees in disciplines such as biology, chemistry, and environmental science. The College of Education and Health Services prepares students for careers in teaching, nursing, and health-related professions, with a strong emphasis on the integration of theory and practice. The Margaret and Harold Moser College of Adult and Professional Studies offers flexible degree programs designed to meet the needs of working adults who are pursuing further education while balancing professional and personal responsibilities.

In addition to its undergraduate offerings, Benedictine University also provides a robust selection of graduate programs that cater to students who wish to deepen their expertise in their chosen fields or pursue new career paths. The Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) program is one of the university’s flagship graduate offerings, providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in leadership and management roles. The university also offers graduate degrees in public health, accountancy, clinical exercise physiology, leadership, and organizational behavior, among others. These programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of their fields, along with the leadership and management skills needed to excel in a wide range of professional settings.

Benedictine University’s commitment to academic excellence is reinforced by its accreditations from respected regional and professional bodies. The university is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, ensuring that it meets rigorous standards of quality and academic integrity. Additionally, specific programs at Benedictine have earned accreditation from industry-specific accrediting agencies. For instance, the teacher education program is accredited by the Illinois State Board of Education, Teacher Certification Section, while the baccalaureate degree program in nursing for registered nurses is accredited by the National League for Nursing. The university is also approved by the American Chemical Society to award ACS-certified B.S. degrees in chemistry and biochemistry, demonstrating the university’s commitment to maintaining high academic and professional standards in its science programs.

Beyond its academic offerings, Benedictine University is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse campus community. The university’s student body is made up of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, and Benedictine places a strong emphasis on creating an environment where students can learn from one another and develop a deeper understanding of different cultures, perspectives, and worldviews. The university’s commitment to diversity has earned it high marks in various national rankings. According to U.S. News & World Report, Benedictine is ranked 13th in the Midwest and 6th in Illinois for ethnic diversity among master’s universities, and the university is also recognized as a top campus for international students, ranking 5th in Illinois in 2008. These rankings reflect the university’s ongoing efforts to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds, both domestic and international.

Benedictine University’s commitment to personalized learning is another key aspect of its academic philosophy. With an emphasis on small class sizes, the university ensures that students receive individualized attention from their professors and can actively engage in classroom discussions and activities. According to U.S. News & World Report, Benedictine ranks 7th in Illinois for the highest proportion of classes with fewer than 20 students. This focus on smaller class sizes fosters a supportive and collaborative learning environment, allowing students to form strong relationships with their professors and peers. This personalized approach to education is part of Benedictine’s broader mission to provide a student-centered experience that encourages both academic and personal growth.

In addition to its strong academic programs, Benedictine University is committed to providing students with a well-rounded education that extends beyond the classroom. The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and opportunities for students to engage in community service, leadership development, and professional networking. These opportunities help students develop skills in teamwork, communication, and leadership, preparing them to excel in their future careers and contribute to their communities. Benedictine University’s commitment to community service is particularly evident in its partnerships with local organizations and its emphasis on the Catholic tradition of service to others. Students are encouraged to participate in service projects, volunteer opportunities, and internships that enable them to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings and make a positive impact on the community.

The university’s Catholic identity plays an important role in shaping its educational mission and values. Benedictine University is guided by the Benedictine tradition, which emphasizes the importance of faith, reason, and community. The university’s motto, “Ut in omnibus glorificetur Deus” (“That in all things God may be glorified”), reflects the institution’s commitment to integrating faith and reason in the pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. Students at Benedictine are encouraged to explore their faith and spiritual beliefs while also engaging with intellectual challenges and ethical questions. The university’s Catholic mission is woven into the fabric of its academic programs, student life, and community engagement, providing students with a holistic education that emphasizes both intellectual and spiritual development.

Benedictine University’s impact extends far beyond its immediate community, and its graduates have gone on to achieve great success in a wide range of fields. The university’s alumni network includes individuals who have made significant contributions in areas such as business, education, healthcare, public service, and the arts. Benedictine’s strong focus on leadership development and community service ensures that its graduates are not only equipped with the technical skills necessary to succeed in their careers but also possess the ethical foundation and social consciousness needed to become responsible and engaged citizens. The success of Benedictine’s alumni is a testament to the quality of education and the strong sense of community that the university fosters among its students.

In conclusion, Benedictine University is a respected institution of higher learning that provides a rigorous academic experience grounded in Catholic values and the liberal arts tradition. With its diverse academic programs, commitment to personalized learning, and emphasis on community service, Benedictine prepares students to succeed in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. The university’s dedication to academic excellence, diversity, and ethical leadership ensures that it will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of higher education and the broader community. As Benedictine University looks to the future, it remains committed to providing its students with the tools, knowledge, and ethical framework needed to thrive in their professional and personal lives.