College of Saint Mary Profile

The College of Saint Mary (CSM), located in Omaha, Nebraska, is a distinguished private Catholic institution dedicated to the education of women. Established in 1923 by the Sisters of Mercy, CSM has built a rich legacy of empowering women through academic excellence, leadership development, and a strong commitment to Catholic values. The university’s long-standing mission is to foster intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth in a supportive, inclusive environment. Over the years, CSM has continuously strived to provide a nurturing academic environment where women can grow and succeed, preparing them for leadership roles in their communities and professional careers.

Accreditation and Academic Excellence

The College of Saint Mary is proud to hold accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC). This prestigious accreditation ensures that CSM’s academic programs meet the highest standards of quality and rigor. As a result, students can be confident that the education they receive is comprehensive, relevant, and aligned with national expectations for higher education. Accreditation from the HLC signifies that CSM is a credible institution that provides students with a strong foundation for future success.

In 2004, the university took a significant step in its commitment to continuous improvement by becoming a part of the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP). AQIP is an initiative that focuses on fostering ongoing institutional growth by providing frameworks and resources for enhancing academic and operational practices. By participating in AQIP, CSM ensures that it remains on the cutting edge of academic excellence and is consistently evaluating and refining its programs and policies to meet the evolving needs of its students.

CSM offers a range of academic programs that cater to a variety of interests and career goals. The university provides associate’s, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees in a variety of fields, allowing students to pursue a wide range of academic and professional pathways. Among the university’s most notable programs are those in the fields of nursing, health sciences, and business. CSM’s nursing programs, which include associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). This accreditation ensures that students receive a comprehensive education that prepares them for success in the dynamic and ever-growing healthcare industry.

In addition to nursing, CSM offers a highly regarded occupational therapy program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), a division of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). ACOTE accreditation is a mark of excellence in occupational therapy education, and CSM’s program is known for preparing students to meet the demands of the healthcare field with expertise, compassion, and leadership skills. These accreditation standards guarantee that students are receiving rigorous and up-to-date education in their chosen fields, preparing them to excel in their professions.

The university also boasts accredited business programs, including those in business leadership and business information systems. These programs are accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), an organization that ensures business programs meet global standards of excellence. IACBE accreditation speaks to the strength and relevance of CSM’s business programs, equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in a rapidly changing and competitive global marketplace. This focus on business education further demonstrates CSM’s commitment to providing students with the tools they need to thrive in a variety of professional environments.

University Memberships and Affiliations

In addition to its individual accreditations, the College of Saint Mary is a member of several prestigious organizations that further bolster its academic standing and commitment to women’s higher education. These memberships include associations such as the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the National Coalition of Women’s Colleges, the Mercy Conference of Higher Education, and the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities. Each of these affiliations provides CSM with access to a network of like-minded institutions and reinforces its reputation as a leader in Catholic higher education.

The university is also a member of the Council for Independent Colleges, the Nebraska Council on Teacher Education, and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Nebraska. These regional and national affiliations contribute to CSM’s ability to maintain strong ties with educational organizations and networks that promote academic excellence and collaboration across institutions. By being part of these influential groups, CSM ensures that it stays at the forefront of educational best practices and policies.

CSM’s affiliation with Catholic educational organizations also reflects its unwavering commitment to the values of Catholicism. These values are deeply embedded in the university’s mission, guiding both its academic programs and its broader efforts to foster a welcoming, inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds. The College of Saint Mary remains a vital part of the Catholic educational tradition, working to cultivate graduates who are not only skilled professionals but also socially responsible citizens.

Rankings and Recognition

The College of Saint Mary has earned recognition for its academic excellence and commitment to providing a nurturing environment for its students. In the U.S. News & World Report’s 2011 rankings, CSM was placed 44th among Regional Colleges in the Midwest. This ranking reflects the university’s consistent dedication to providing a high-quality education while maintaining an intimate and student-centered learning environment. The university’s focus on personal attention, close-knit academic communities, and holistic development has made it a top choice for students seeking a transformative college experience.

In addition to its strong regional ranking, CSM is also recognized for its programs in nursing, business, and health sciences. The university’s nursing program, in particular, is highly respected for preparing graduates who are ready to enter the healthcare workforce with the knowledge, skills, and compassion needed to make a meaningful impact. CSM’s commitment to women’s higher education further distinguishes it as a leader in empowering women to succeed academically and professionally.

While rankings provide a useful snapshot of an institution’s strengths, it is CSM’s broader mission and values that truly set it apart. As a Catholic institution, CSM is dedicated to nurturing students not just academically, but spiritually and personally as well. The university’s focus on leadership development, community service, and social responsibility helps students become well-rounded individuals who are ready to make a positive impact in their communities and professions.

Conclusion

The College of Saint Mary stands as a beacon of academic excellence, providing women with the tools they need to succeed both personally and professionally. With its strong Catholic foundation, rigorous academic programs, and commitment to continuous improvement, CSM is a leading institution for those seeking a transformative education. Whether in nursing, business, education, or health sciences, students at CSM are prepared to make a lasting impact in their communities and in their chosen fields.

Throughout its history, the College of Saint Mary has remained dedicated to empowering women through education, offering programs that are not only academically rigorous but also imbued with the values of compassion, service, and leadership. The university’s commitment to academic quality, continuous improvement, and Catholic values ensures that CSM will continue to be a leader in women’s higher education for years to come. As a supportive and inclusive community, the College of Saint Mary helps students to grow intellectually, spiritually, and personally, providing them with a well-rounded education that prepares them to meet the challenges of the future with confidence and compassion.