Mount St. Mary's University institutional logo

Mount St. Mary's University

Emmitsburg, United States • Founded 1808

Updated Oct 2026 · Source: msmu.edu

Overview

English Name: Mount St. Mary's University
Acronyms: MSMU
Founded: 1808
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Religious Affiliation: Christian-Catholic
Motto: Spes Nostra
Colours: Blue and white
Mascot: Emmit S. Burg
Mount St. Mary's University academic facilities
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Established in 1808, the Mount St.

Mary's University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the medium town of Emmitsburg (population range of 2,500-9,999 inhabitants), Maryland. This institution also has a branch campus in Baltimore and Washington.

Officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Mount St. Mary's University (MSMU) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion.

Mount St.

Mary's University (MSMU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study. This 216-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.

The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

MSMU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Address, contact details, and online presence for Mount St. Mary's University are summarised below.

Address: 16300 Old Emmitsburg Road
Postal Code: 21727-7799
Phone: +1 (301) 447 6122
Fax: +1 (301) 447 5860
Social Media:

Academic Details

The figures below cover Mount St. Mary's University's scale, staffing levels, and academic standing.

Recognition: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Total Students: 1,768
Academic Staff Range: 100-199
Campus Setting: Suburban
Memberships & Networks
International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

The faculties, schools, and constituent units that make up Mount St. Mary's University are listed below.

Unit 5 items
  • Center for Professional and Continuing Studies
  • College of Liberal Arts
  • School of Business
  • School of Education and Human Services
  • School of Natural Science and Mathematics

Programs Offered

The full set of programmes Mount St. Mary's University offers is searchable and grouped by level below.

47 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 24 programmes

Showing 10 of 24.

Master's Degree 12 programmes

Master's Degree in Creative Writing
Creative Writing

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Film and Media
Media Studies & Mass Media

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in General Counseling Psychology
Counselling & Psychotherapy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Humanities
Liberal Arts

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Individually Designed Program
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy
Counselling & Psychotherapy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Nursing
Nursing

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Special Education (Deaf and Hard of Hearing)
Special Education

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 12.

Professional Doctorate 3 programmes

Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
Clinical Psychology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Professional Doctorate in Nursing Practice
Nursing

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Professional Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Physiotherapy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Associate's Degree 2 programmes

Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts
Liberal Arts

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Associate's Degree in LVN to RN
Nursing

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate 6 programmes

Certificate in Creative Writing Certificates
Creative Writing

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Humanities Graduate Certificates
Liberal Arts

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in Induction Program to Clear Credential
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in Professional Photography
Photography

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in Spiritual Direction
Religious Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in Teacher Residency Program
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

How to apply to Mount St. Mary's University

A five-step path through the application process at Mount St. Mary's University.

  1. 1
    Identify the right programme

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Mount St. Mary's University offers 47 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Check entry requirements

    Each programme at Mount St. Mary's University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Prepare your application documents

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Submit via the institution

    Apply directly via Mount St. Mary's University's online portal at www.msmu.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Get in touch with admissions

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (301) 447 6122. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mount St. Mary's University

Quick reference for Mount St. Mary's University: founding, control type, and recognition status.

When did Mount St. Mary's University open?

Mount St. Mary's University traces its founding to 1808 (approximately 218 years ago).

Where can I find Mount St. Mary's University?

The institution is located in Emmitsburg, United States.

What is Mount St. Mary's University's control type?

Mount St. Mary's University is a private institution.

How many students does Mount St. Mary's University have?

The institution has a student body of 1,768.

What is Mount St. Mary's University's religious tradition?

Yes, Mount St. Mary's University is affiliated with Christian-Catholic.

What is Mount St. Mary's University's academic structure?

Mount St. Mary's University has 5 academic units.

Who recognises Mount St. Mary's University?

Mount St. Mary's University is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Where can I learn more about Mount St. Mary's University?

You can find Mount St. Mary's University online at www.msmu.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

Below: the United States's top-ranked universities, providing benchmarks for Mount St. Mary's University's academic standing. National rankings reflect a mix of research output, teaching quality, and graduate outcomes.

Members of Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU)

Below: other Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) member institutions, alongside Mount St. Mary's University.

Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic

Mount St. Mary's University and the universities below share a Christian-Catholic affiliation.

Faculties at nearby universities

Universities located near Mount St. Mary's University are listed below.

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