Discovering Mount St. Mary’s University: A Blend of Faith, Tradition, and Adventure in the Mountains
In the foothills of the Catoctin Mountains in Emmitsburg, Maryland, Mount St. Mary’s University (often called “the Mount”) is a small, vibrant Catholic university that offers students a unique mix of tradition, community, and outdoor adventure. With approximately 1,600 undergraduates, the Mount provides a tight-knit campus experience just a short drive from both Baltimore and Washington, D.C.—and even closer to Camp David, which lies just beyond the ridge. Students are told that if they see a “don’t enter” sign at Camp David, don’t enter!
A Rich Catholic History—But Open to All
Founded in 1808, Mount St. Mary’s is the second-oldest Catholic university in the United States, and the oldest independent Catholic university. Originally an all-male institution, the Mount is now coeducational and welcomes students of all faiths. While students are required to take theology courses, you do not need to be Catholic to attend. In fact, the university encourages all students to be open to spiritual growth and reflection.
The campus is home to the largest Catholic seminary in the U.S., and just a short walk from the main campus is the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, a peaceful pilgrimage site visited by people from around the world. The university’s serene setting encourages reflection, but it also supports plenty of fun and energy.
Strong Academics and Career Preparation
Mount St. Mary’s offers a liberal arts education grounded in Catholic values, with strong programs in business, health sciences, education, and the humanities. The university recently launched a Physician Assistant (PA) program and is home to a School of Health Professions, which includes a clinic for children with autism.
Students interested in healthcare can also choose pre-nursing tracks and take advantage of clinical experiences through local partnerships. The Mount boasts a 73% internship participation rate, and students from all majors can access personalized career advising, internship funding, and more than 50 workshops annually. Notably, the Career Center takes students on field trips to law schools and hosts a popular etiquette dinner to prepare students for professional success.
Unique Majors and Notable Alumni
In addition to traditional majors, Mount St. Mary’s offers distinctive programs such as cybersecurity, forensic accounting, and sport management. It has also produced 12 Olympic athletes, reflecting the school’s commitment to both academics and athletics. With over 700 student-athletes, the Mount competes in NCAA Division I, giving students the opportunity to experience the excitement of big-time college sports in a smaller school environment.
A Welcoming, Active Community
Life at the Mount is anything but dull. With the majority of students living on campus, there’s a strong sense of community, and new students are paired with upperclass mentors through the Mount Guide program. Students love participating in campus-wide traditions like the Fall Crab Feast, Amplify Carnival, Mountoberfest, Thanksgiving Dinner, and Deck the Mount, which transforms the campus into a winter wonderland with lights, music, and Christmas programming.
For students looking to get off campus, the Mount offers weekend excursions, a shuttle service, and outdoor adventures like hiking, zip lining, and exploring nearby historical sites. And yes—bingo nights are a surprisingly beloved staple of student life. Faculty, staff and students all love a good bingo night!
Mount St. Mary’s University is a university to consider for students seeking a close-knit, values-centered college experience in a beautiful setting. Whether you are drawn by its history, its connection to faith, its D-I sports, or the peaceful mountain surroundings, the Mount offers something uniquely meaningful. It’s a place where students are prepared not just for careers but for lives of significance.
