University of Saint Katherine
San Marcos, California
COVID-19 News
Many institutions are offering virtual tours and online information sessions while their campuses are closed to the public.
Saint Katherine is an independent, coeducational university of arts and sciences that emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to Composition, English Language and Literature, American Government, History, Economics, Business, and the Sciences. Students can complete BA/BS programs in eleven concentrations. Saint Katherine is proud to offer outstanding teaching and research opportunities—all with relevance to the practical world and Christian witness as guiding principles.
Get to know University of Saint Katherine
Benefits
Student Activities
- Campus Ministries
- Student government
High-Impact Practices
- First-Year Seminars and Experiences
- Common Intellectual Experiences
- Learning Communities
- Writing-Intensive Courses
- Collaborative Assignments and Projects
- Undergraduate Research
- Service-Learning, Community-Based Learning
- Internships/Coops/Practicums
- Capstone Courses and Projects/Senior Experience
Campus Resources
- Career Services
- Writing Center
- Academic Advisors
- Faculty Mentors
- Academic Tutors
- Financial Aid Advisors
- Student Success Initiative
- Peer Mentors
- Counseling
College Highlights
INTEGRATED CORE
The Integrated Core Program builds on the foundation of a Christian liberal arts education by exposing students to diverse fields of study. The program incorporates literature, philosophy, theology, history, anthropology, art, economics, sociology, music, and political science into a cohort-based structure. Students are encouraged to explore each discipline in relation to their coursework and experiential learning opportunities. The IC program is a challenging and rewarding component of Saint Katherines’ rigorous curriculum, which exemplifies the university’s commitment to educating the whole person.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
The faculty encourage participation in a research program that is related to each student’s program of study. Students completing this concentration will prepare an undergraduate thesis. Research opportunities may be arranged with individual faculty members, or guidance may be obtained from a student’s individual faculty adviser. Students also have opportunities to participate in research activities with outside collaborating laboratories and research groups.
Through a Senior Thesis, students understand their field more deeply as they learn to develop a hypothesis, master literature, survey where applicable, and present publishing-quality original work. Recent USK graduate Elizabeth Kotar (’16) has received a Fulbright Research Award for research and advanced studies in Russia. Her research work will include collaboration with Professor Nikita Pokrovsky, Chair, Department of General Sociology at the Higher School of Economics in Moscow.
Kotar stated, “As a representative of the US, I am researching individual resilience in Russia and translating it into steps for community development.” She continued, “The second half of the grant will also involve planning workshops, lectures and events that share my research and develop resilience on an international level for individuals and communities.” University of Saint Katherine is the youngest institution to receive a Fulbright Research Award.
CLASS SIZE
The number of sections of each class size.
2-9: 33 | 10-19: 25 | 20-29: 16
30-39: 3 | 40-49: 1 | 50-99: 0 | 100+: 0
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Non-U.S. Citizen: 3%
Hispanic/Latinx: 43%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 8%
White, non-Hispanic: 33%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 1%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 3%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 2%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 5%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 2%
COLLEGE STUDENT SUCCESS (CSS)
As part of the Integrated Core program, all incoming students are required to take the College Student Success (CSS) course. The course is designed to ease students’ transition to academic and social life at University of Saint Katherine. Students learn about their unique learning styles, how to manage their time, and how to learn and live in a team. And, introducing themselves to the resources and benefits of the career services office, students begin developing the necessary skills to position themselves as competitive job and internship candidates.
HONORS
Students have the opportunity to take their education even further by pursuing an Honors track within six of the seven IC courses. One extra unit of credit is awarded for every three units that students take in the Honors tracks. Thus, students can receive up to an additional six units of credit.
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES
Arts and Humanities: The Arts and Humanities program at USK incorporates Orthodox Christianity into the curriculum. Students read, interpret, and analyze works in six disciplines: Art, History, English Language and Literature, Music, Psychology, and Orthodox Christian Theology.
Business Management: Saint Katherine’s strong interdisciplinary core gives students a competitive edge in the business world. Faculty who work in the field they’re teaching about offer fresh and real-world perspectives to the curriculum. The University’s business management program prepares future leaders for the workforce by developing communication skills to present clear and direct solutions to corporate problems; critical thinking and analytical abilities to quickly and correctly interpret key business metrics.
Kinesiology: the University of Saint Katherine offers two kinesiology programs that focus on athletic performance and general health and wellness. Both programs build upon the study of human performance by incorporating aspects of anatomy, physiology, chemistry, biology, and nutrition.
Natural Sciences: Students in the Natural Sciences program can choose concentrations in Biological Sciences or Chemistry and Biochemistry. The academic experience is enriched by Saint Katherine’s proximity to the life sciences and biotechnology industries of San Diego. Students are afforded several opportunities for real-world experience and internship programs to enhance their classroom learning and lab instruction.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
In order to be successful in a global marketplace and society, students are required to satisfy three semesters of a foreign language. University of Saint Katherine offers Spanish, American Sign Language, and Greek.
SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Double major
Internships
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
At Saint Katherine, students make some of their most important memories out of the classroom. The Student Life center engages students through various programs and events that enhance connection to one another and the community at large. Students can participate in two fellowships on campus, which meet regularly with coaches and staff. There are also recreational activities and opportunities to serve the local community.
FAITH AND SERVICE
At University of Saint Katherine, faith and service are central to the academic and social culture on campus. Service to the community is more than a one-time volunteer opportunity or an academic credit; it is a way of thinking and acting that is a direct extension of the Christian heritage and mission of the university. Each student will have the opportunity to embody this mission through unique and impactful acts of service. Many of these opportunities allow students to apply what they’re learning in the classroom to real problems in the surrounding community.
SCHOOL LOCATION
Located in San Marcos, California, University of Saint Katherine enjoys close proximity to San Diego while maintaining a small college feel. Cultural sites like museums, theaters, and other performing arts venues in San Diego and Los Angeles are not far away. The San Marcos community also offers several affordable housing options close to campus.
ATHLETICS
The athletics program consists of baseball, softball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s soccer, and men’s and women’s volleyball (indoor and beach). Active participation in recreational activities are encouraged and abound in the San Diego area.
SUCCESSFUL OUTCOMES
University of Saint Katherine is committed to helping students realize their full, unique potential by helping them actualize their personal and professional goals. Student success is the ultimate priority of the university. From the moment they step on campus all the way to graduation, students are nurtured, challenged, and inspired. The university’s Academic Advising office supports students as they find their path of study and helps them choose a major, discover learning opportunities on and off-campus, investigate pre-professional programs, and plan a course of study to meet educational goals. Students are encouraged to take advantage of individual career assessments, mock interviews, résumé and cover letter editing, professional skill development workshops, and more.
Admission
ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Rigor of secondary school record | Interview | Extracurricular activities | Talent/ability
Character/personal qualities | First generation | Level of applicant’s interest
Important
Class rank | Academic GPA | Standardized test scores
Religious affiliation/commitment | Racial/ethnic status | Volunteer work
Considered
Application Essay | Recommendation(s) | Work experience
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Composite
25th Percentile: 930 | 75th Percentile: 1112.5
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 450 | 75th Percentile: 550
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 450 | 75th Percentile: 565
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 16 | 75th Percentile: 21
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 17 | 75th Percentile: 20
ACT English
25th Percentile: 15 | 75th Percentile: 20
ACT Writing
25th Percentile: 6 | 75th Percentile: 7
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $23,500
Fees: $1,800
What Others are Saying
Contact University of Saint Katherine
Contact Admissions
www.usk.edu/apply
(760) 471-1316 x307
admissions@usk.edu
Campus Location
1637 Capalina Road
San Marcos, CA 92069
(760) 471-1316
Visit USK Online
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