Mount Royal University has carved out a distinct niche by offering smaller class sizes, a robust liberal education, and unique undergraduate programs. Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university with a greater focus on bachelor degrees in 2009.
| Acronym | MRU |
| Nickname | Cougars |
| Motto / Slogan | How well, not how much |
| Colour | Blue and White |
| Mascot | Calvin the Cougar |
| Founded | 1910 |
| Location | Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Address | Mount Royal University, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW Calgary, Alberta, CanadaT3E 6K6 |
To provide meaningful and engaged learning opportunities that create individual transformation and societal benefit.
To be recognized for providing an exceptional undergraduate educational experience, characterized by personalized learning, quality teaching, and a commitment to community responsiveness.
Provide personalized learning experiences
Be outcome-focused in educational delivery
Deliver high-quality teaching
Respond effectively to community needs
Faculty of Arts
Bissett School of Business
Faculty of Health, Community and Education
Faculty of Science and Technology
Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension
The Global Student Lounge at MRU offers a vibrant space for students from all backgrounds to connect. Staffed by student leaders and volunteers, it provides information, support, and peer-led programs that bring international and Canadian students together. The team organizes fun social and cultural activities and offers a welcoming place to practice language, study, meet new people, and learn from one another.
We provide opportunities for students to clarify, experience and achieve their career / employment goals. We promote well-rounded citizens and student’s success in their academics, career and lives. Through work integrated learning and career exploration we connect industry partners with skilled students who positively impact our local, national and global community.
University life has both study time and time to explore. Sure, you’ll work hard, but university is more than books and exams. Show your Mount Royal pride at a Cougars games, join a club, and attend unique events all on campus. From New Student Orientation to the Crowchild Classic and arts performances, you’ll find meaningful experiences that will define the next chapter of your #MRULife.
Mount Royal University has a strong tradition of teaching excellence and personalized learning. Our faculty are known for their expertise and ability to inspire, creating a supportive environment with meaningful connections. MRU consistently ranks among Canada’s top universities for teaching quality and student experience, thanks to small class sizes and a shared commitment to exceptional teaching and learning.
Application fee: $100
Mount Royal has a general admission policy that applies to most undergraduate (credit) programs.
Each program also has specific admission requirements. Please ensure you are familiar with both the general and specific admission requirements for the program(s) you select.
In addition, all applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency for the purpose of admission if their first language (learned and understood) is not English.
The Admission Requirements chart will provide a list of the specific courses required for each program, however, please note that you will also need to review your specific program of interest for detailed admission criteria. Some programs may also require additional criteria such as an interview or a portfolio.
View the admission program page for requirements.
You can start your application on Apply Alberta. Complete your profile and select "Mount Royal University."
You will need the following information:
Email: [email protected]
Phone : +1 403.440.5000, +1 403.440.6339
Accommodation: Residence Services is dedicated to making every resident feel at home when they're away from home. Our units are fully equipped. All you'll need to bring are personal items, linens, food and cleaning supplies. Wired and wireless Internet, cable (in living rooms), water, heat and electricity are all conveniently included in Residence fees. We also offer free on-site technical support for any issues that may arise with the Internet. Residence is made up of two complexes: East Residence consists of townhouses and West Residence is a combination of apartments and townhouses. You can walk anywhere on campus within 10 minutes from East and West Residences.
Member of Universities Canada (formerly AUCC)
Accredited by the Government of Alberta
Affiliated with organizations such as UArctic
Dr. Rahilly believes that ed... read more
Dr. Rahilly promotes Mount Royal’s exemplary post-secondary undergraduate education by building and sustaining relationships at the local, provincial, national and international levels. He is also the lead ambassador for the University in seeking opportunities and raising funds from private and public sources.
Chad has a rich 20-year history with Mount Royal, during which he was recognized with distinguished teaching and leadership awards. He was first hired as a faculty member in 1996 and went on to become Chair of Physical Education and Recreation Studies. Chad then spent eight years as an Associate Dean in the former Faculty of Health and Community Studies, before serving as Dean of the Faculty of Health, Community and Education from 2011 to 2016.
With a focus on expanding and enhancing the reputation of the university, Melanie is also a key member of the executive team to ensure strategic goals are met, bringing a passion for building relationships with internal and external audiences.
No stranger to MRU, Melanie previously led the University’s marketing and communications portfolio for seven years following a series of leadership roles. As associate vice-president of marketing and communications, she played a key role in the development of the strategic plan, oversaw the launch of several successful brand and marketing campaigns, and led the MRU crisis communication team through numerous challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Melanie most recently was Vice-President, External Relations at NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology) in Edmonton where she led a broad portfolio including marketing, communications, digital and web?strategy,?events and conference services, fundraising?and alumni?relations. She has also held positions at Red Deer College, Augustana University College and the University of Alberta, and served as the executive director of the Red Deer Downtown Business Association.
Amy is a strong legal professional with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from The University of Calgary, is an active member of the Law Society of Alberta and holds a Governance Professionals of Canada Designation (GPC.D).
Outside of Mount Royal, Amy has been an active volunteer and board member. Amy is a retired competitive curler and Olympic medalist. She is an avid outdoors-person who can be found in the mountains trying to keep up to her daughter on the ski hill in the winter and on the lake in the summer.
Phil holds a Bachelor of Arts (Combined Honours) in English Language & Literature and Linguistics & Applied Language Studies (1999) and a Master of Arts in Applied Language Studies (2004) from Carleton University. A recipient of the 2017/18 Mount Royal University Distinguished Administrator Award, Phil is unwaveringly committed to transformative change and to fostering a sustainable campus life environment that supports the satisfaction and success of students, staff and faculty.
Our facilities and programs have expanded greatly since our 1910 founding, but our purpose remains the same - to provide personalized learning that fosters the success and satisfaction of our students.
granted charter from Alberta government
opened with 197 students
partnered with U of A to deliver t... read more
began offering engineering courses
introduced first continuing education programs
opened Kerby Memorial Building and Dr. G.D. Stanley gym
created business administration department
established independent newspaper, The Reflector
expanded Kerby Memorial Building and opened new wing
introduced nursing diploma program
incorporated Students' Association of Mount Royal College
relocated to Lincoln Park campus, our current location
expanded campus, with residences used for 1988 Winter Olympics
opened campus in downtown Calgary
established The Mount Royal College Foundation
started first two applied baccalaureate degree programs
set up third campus on the site of former Holy Cross Hospital
opened Recreation facility and East A building
finished East B Building (Bissett School of Business) and west residences
completed Roderick Mah Centre for Continuous Learning
introduced first baccalaureate degree in nursing
initiated bachelor's degrees in arts, arts - criminal justice, business administration, communication and science
became a university and introduced a bachelor's degree in computer information systems
began centennial celebrations
opened Science and Technology wing, and introduced bachelor's degrees in education - elementary and midwifery
joined Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS)
launched bachelor's degrees in health and physical education, and child studies
unveiled the Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts and introduced Bachelor Interior Design
introduced the Bachelor of Communication - Broadcast Media Studies
completed construction of the Riddell Library and Learning Centre
added the Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
installed first Vice-Chancellor and 10th President, Timothy Rahilly, PhD
introduced three Bachelor of Business Administration majors and two new majors in the Bachelor of Science
pivoted to primarily online learning due to the pandemic
installed first Chancellor, Dawn Farrell
introduced the Bachelor of Social Work
