University of Notre Dame

Overview

The University of Notre Dame is a national Catholic university that is located in Notre Dame, Indiana. It is a private university that was established in 1842 by Father Edward Sorin, C.S.C. of the Congregation of the Holy Cross. Originally, the school was a men's university, and became coeducational in 1972. Now, nearly half of the student body is female. The campus's architecture reflects the school's religious influences and history.

Academics

Notre Dame has a strong academic program. The university consists of five undergraduate colleges and one professional school. The graduate program offers options for 32 master's degree and 25 doctoral programs. The university has one of the largest libraries in the United States. Each year, Notre Dame ranks as one of the top schools in the country.

Students can study a variety of topics including architecture, engineering, business, science, and liberal arts. Notre Dame's graduate school offers programs in architecture, accounting, and education. Notre Dame also has a top law school. President Barack Obama received an honorary degree from Notre Dame University.

Sports

Notre Dame has a strong sports program. The school's football team has won many championships, and 62 players have been in the College Football Hall of Fame. Notre Dame's other sports teams have won national championships.

Religion

Over the years, the university has changed its Catholic focus. Notre Dame still remains committed to its Catholic ties and roots; however, religious teaching methods have evolved to follow a more instruction-based curriculum. Before the '70s, the majority of the faculty was Catholic, and now, just over half of the faculty is Catholic.

Academic Resources

Notre Dame features an extensive library system. The main library, the Theodore M. Hesburgh Library is 14 stories tall and features a mural of Jesus Christ. There are also specialized libraries for architecture, engineering, law, life sciences, and math. There are more than three-million volumes in the library, which remains one of the largest in the United States.