Saint Mary’s College of California: History, Programs, Rankings and Campus Life

Saint Mary’s College of California, founded in 1863 and rooted in Lasallian Catholic traditions, is a private liberal arts institution in Moraga dedicated to academic excellence, holistic development, and social responsibility.

Offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs spanning the humanities, sciences, business, social sciences, arts, and education—including unique options like the Integral Program and dual-degree engineering—the college fosters close student-faculty relationships and a vibrant campus life.

Approximately 3,400 students benefit from small classes, over 60 student organizations, and NCAA Division I athletics, particularly excelling in men’s basketball and rugby. The diverse student body includes many first-generation students and international representation.

Notable alumni include Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali, NBA players Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova, and leaders in politics, business, and the arts, reflecting the college’s enduring commitment to producing graduates who contribute thoughtfully and ethically to society.

Saint Mary’s College of California: A Comprehensive Overview

Saint Mary’s College of California, located in Moraga, is a private Catholic liberal arts college established in 1863. Founded by Archbishop Joseph Sadoc Alemany, OP, and later taken over by the Christian Brothers in 1868, the college holds a rich history rooted in Lasallian Catholic educational traditions, emphasizing academic excellence, ethical commitment, and service to the community.

History and Mission

Saint Mary’s College’s journey began in San Francisco, moving to Oakland (where its building, “The Brickpile,” famously burned twice) before settling in its current Moraga location in 1928. The college’s mission is deeply intertwined with its Catholic and Lasallian heritage, focusing on holistic student development, intellectual inquiry, and social responsibility. This is reflected in its commitment to small classes, close student-faculty relationships, and a vibrant community engaged in learning and service.

Academics and Programs

Saint Mary’s College offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, fostering a liberal arts education that encourages critical thinking and interdisciplinary exploration.

Undergraduate Programs: Students can choose from numerous majors and minors, including:

• Humanities: English Literature, English Writing, History, Humanistic Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Communication Studies, Digital and Public Humanities, Film Studies.
• Sciences: Biology (including Cellular/Molecular Biology, Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology), Chemistry, Computer Science, Computing and Applied Mathematics, Data Science, Exercise Science, Health Science, Mathematics, Physics & Astronomy.
• Business: Accounting, Business (with emphases in business analytics, human resources, marketing), Finance, Management Information Systems, Marketing.
• Social Sciences: Anthropology, Criminology, Economics, Gender and Women’s Studies, Global Justice and Human Rights, Global Studies, Intercultural Studies, Justice Studies, Politics, Psychology, Sociology.
• Arts: Art, Art Education, Art History, Applied Arts and Design, Dance, Fashion and Costume, Music, Media Production, Digital Media Art, Performing Arts.
• Education: Elementary Education, Teacher Education, Early Childhood Education, Montessori Education.
• Unique Programs and Dual Degrees:
  • Dual Degree Engineering: A partnership with the University of Notre Dame.
  • BOLD Studies: For deciding students with multiple interests.
  • Liberal Education for Arts Professionals (LEAP) Program: A distance education program.
  • Integral Program: A distinctive humanities-focused program.

Graduate Programs: Saint Mary’s offers master’s and doctoral degrees in fields such as:

• Business (MBA, Professional MBA, Hybrid MBA, MS in Business Analytics, MS in Finance, Masters in Financial Analysis and Investment Management)
• Education (MA in Teaching, Educational Administration, Educational Leadership, School Psychology)
• Counseling (Graduate Counseling Program, Forensic Psychology)
• Professional Science Masters Program in Biotechnology
• Creative Writing (MFA)
• Kinesiology (MA)
• Leadership (MA)
• Occupational Therapy (Doctorate)
• Doctor of Physical Therapy

Rankings and Reputation

Saint Mary’s College of California is recognized among top universities. For instance, in 2021, it was ranked #251-300 in US UNI (universities) by Top Universities. Rankings often highlight its strong learning experience, diversity and internationalization, and employability.

Campus Life and Student Body

Saint Mary’s College boasts a vibrant campus life in Moraga, California. With a total enrollment of approximately 3,439 students (2,308 undergraduates, 535 graduate students), the college offers a close-knit community.

Demographics (approximate figures based on recent data):

• Gender: Undergraduate population is about 58% women and 42% men.
• Ethnicity (Undergraduates): White (38%), Hispanic (31%), Asian/Pacific Islander (19%), African American (7%), Native American (1%), Unknown (2%).
• Geographic Diversity: Approximately 83% in-state students and 12% out-of-state. Students represent around 22 US states and 39 countries, with the majority of international students from China, Canada, and Australia.
• First-Generation Students: Approximately 26% of students are first-generation.
• On-Campus Living: Around 60% of undergraduates live on campus, with 64% of freshmen residing on campus. While not strictly required for freshmen, it is common.

Student Life Activities:

Student Organizations: Over 63 student organizations cater to diverse interests.

Athletics: The Saint Mary’s Gaels compete in NCAA Division I as part of the West Coast Conference. Known for their strong men’s basketball program, which has made multiple NCAA tournament appearances and achieved WCC regular season and tournament titles. Other successful sports include women’s soccer (two NAIA national titles) and men’s rugby (multiple national championships). Notable alumni include NBA players Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova, and two-time Oscar-winning actor Mahershala Ali (who played basketball under his birth name).

Wellness and Support: The college provides comprehensive wellness services, including counseling, psychological services, nutritional support, and safety resources like 24-hour security patrol and emergency alert systems.

Community Engagement: Students have numerous opportunities for community service, campus events, and outdoor activities given its Bay Area location, with easy access to San Francisco.

Notable Alumni

Saint Mary’s College has produced a distinguished list of alumni across various fields, including:

Arts and Entertainment: Mahershala Ali ’96 (two-time Academy Award-winning actor), Ryan Coogler (film director).

Literature and Journalism: Robert Hass ’63 (US Poet Laureate), Jennifer Chambliss Bertman MFA 2001 (New York Times bestselling author), Rose Aguilar (progressive journalist and radio host).

Sports: Patty Mills (NBA player), Matthew Dellavedova (NBA player), Harry Hooper (Baseball Hall of Famer).

Public Service and Politics: Joseph Alioto ’37 (former Mayor of San Francisco), Maria Elena Durazo ’75 (California State Senator), Don Perata ’67 (former California State Senator and President pro tempore), Melanie Stansbury ’02 (New Mexico State House representative).

Business and Tech: Lisa Congdon ’90 (Artist), Kalina Bryant ’14 (Forbes “30 Under 30” Honoree and Founder of UnapologeTECH).

Saint Mary’s College of California continues to uphold its tradition of fostering intellectual growth, ethical leadership, and a strong sense of community, preparing its graduates to make meaningful contributions to the world.

FAQs about Saint Mary’s College of California

What is Saint Mary’s College of California known for?
Saint Mary’s is known for its Lasallian Catholic heritage, strong liberal arts education, small classes, and Division I athletics, especially men’s basketball and rugby.

Where is Saint Mary’s College located?
It is located in Moraga, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area.

When was Saint Mary’s College founded?
The college was founded in 1863 by Archbishop Joseph Sadoc Alemany.

What type of institution is Saint Mary’s College?
It is a private Catholic liberal arts college.

What undergraduate programs does the college offer?
Programs include humanities, sciences, business, social sciences, arts, and education, with majors like biology, English, psychology, business, and more.

What are some unique academic programs at Saint Mary’s?
The Integral Program (a great books curriculum), Dual Degree Engineering with Notre Dame, and the LEAP Program for arts professionals are notable.

Does Saint Mary’s College offer graduate programs?
Yes, it offers master’s and doctoral degrees in business, education, counseling, creative writing, kinesiology, leadership, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.

How many students attend Saint Mary’s College?
Approximately 3,439 students, including around 2,308 undergraduates and 535 graduate students.

What is campus life like at Saint Mary’s College?
Campus life is vibrant, with over 63 student organizations, active community engagement, and wellness services.

Is housing available on campus?
Yes, about 60% of undergraduates live on campus, and it is common for freshmen to reside there.

What is the student demographic makeup?
The undergraduate population is about 58% women and 42% men, with significant ethnic diversity, including 38% White, 31% Hispanic, 19% Asian/Pacific Islander, and 7% African American students.

Does the college have a strong athletic program?
Yes, the Saint Mary’s Gaels compete in NCAA Division I, with nationally recognized men’s basketball and rugby teams.

Who are some notable alumni?
Alumni include Mahershala Ali, Patty Mills, Matthew Dellavedova, Ryan Coogler, Robert Hass, and Joseph Alioto.

How is Saint Mary’s College ranked?
It is consistently ranked among top universities for academic experience, diversity, and employability, such as being in the US UNI Top 300 by Top Universities in 2021.

What is the mission of Saint Mary’s College?
The mission focuses on holistic student development, ethical leadership, intellectual inquiry, and social responsibility rooted in Lasallian Catholic values.

What support services are available to students?
Services include counseling, health and wellness resources, nutritional support, academic advising, and 24-hour campus security.

How diverse is the student body geographically?
About 83% of students are from California, 12% are out-of-state, and international students come from 39 countries.

Are there opportunities for community service?
Yes, students engage in numerous service projects, social justice initiatives, and volunteer activities in the Bay Area.

Is financial aid available at Saint Mary’s?
Yes, the college offers a range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid packages to support students.

What makes Saint Mary’s College distinctive?
Its blend of rigorous liberal arts education, close-knit community, strong ethical focus, and vibrant campus life make it unique.