St. Mary's University is a private Catholic institution committed to academic excellence, community engagement, and the development of ethical leaders. With a student-centered approach, it offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, emphasizing a holistic education that integrates liberal arts and professional studies.
| Acronym | StMU |
| Nickname | Rattlers |
| Motto / Slogan | The Catholic and Marianist University of Texas |
| Colour | Blue and Gold |
| Mascot | Rattler Man |
| Founded | 1852 |
| Location | Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Address | 14500 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 1Z4 |
St. Mary’s University, as a Catholic Marianist University, fosters the formation of people in faith and educates leaders for the common good through community, integrated liberal arts and professional education, and academic excellence.
To be the preeminent Catholic University in Canada, known as a centre of academic excellence providing a vibrant and engaged student experience that prepares authentic leaders committed to the service of others.
By emphasizing a well-rounded education, StMU equips students with essential skills and knowledge beyond their chosen fields. The emphasis on critical thinking and intellectual curiosity encourages creativity and adaptability. Strong communication skills enable effective expression and meaningful dialogue.
Integrating ethics and global perspectives cultivates social responsibility and cultural awareness for a diverse world. Personalized attention and experiential learning foster individual growth, empowering students to discover passions and strengths. Ultimately, StMU’s educational philosophy prepares students for successful careers and responsible societal contributions.
St. Mary’s University fosters the holistic development of students—intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, and physically—within their social context. Its learning environment ensures that advances in knowledge and technology serve the genuine good of individuals and society. The institution inspires students to pursue responsible inquiry and to lead in building a socially just world grounded in strong moral principles.
The Student Success Centre is a welcoming and supportive space, located in the Classroom Building. Here you can find Accessibility Services, Academic Strategists, the Testing Centre, Counselling, Peer Tutors and Study Hall. All of these services are here for you to support your academic journey. Our Student Success Centre staff can help answer any questions you may have to guide your studies in the right direction.
Requirements vary by program. See the program page for requirements. Please note that admission requirements are subject to change between intakes, and courses approved for one intake are not guaranteed to meet requirements for future intakes.
International Students:
1. Resume
2. Reference Forms
3. Academic Records – Transcripts and Proof of Degree
Requirements vary by program. See the program page for requirements. Please note that admission requirements are subject to change between intakes, and courses approved for one intake are not guaranteed to meet requirements for future intakes.
International Students:
International Students:
International students are considered on case-by-case bases and must:
Email: [email protected]
Phone : (403) 531-9130
Cafeteria: St. Mary’s University’s Daily Cafe is serving up delicious food and beverages to fuel your studies. You can find the Cafe in the Le Fort Building and is operated by Visionary Catering.
Library: The St. Mary’s University Library is here to support your academic journey. Our Library staff can help you find what you need for any StMU course. The library provides access to over 30,000 items in its physical collection. This includes books, reference materials, academic journals and audio-visual materials.
Dr. Morrison served for 10 years as the Chief Superintendent of Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools, an organization with a $100 million operating budget, supporting more than 10,000 students in southern Alberta. In 2024, he completed an interim superintendent term at Holy Spirit Catholic Schools in Lethbridge.
A committed member of St. Mary’s community for the past 17 years, Dr. Morrison contributed as a sessional instructor, teaching an undergraduate course in the Faculty of Education and leadership certification courses. He also helped shape the university’s Bachelor of Education program for secondary students and its new Master of Education program. As a former member of St. Mary’s Board of Governors, he chaired its Governance and Nominating Committee for three years.
Over the past 25 years, Dr. Morrison has delivered countless professional learning sessions throughout Alberta, sharing insights rooted in his graduate-level leadership training. A former president of the College of Alberta School Superintendents, he is a sought-after speaker with expertise in educational leadership, governance, student well-being, professional learning, and organizational storytelling.
St. Mary’s University is accredited to offering a Bachelor of Science degree, a Bachelor of Education after degree, eight Bachelor of Arts degrees including: 3 Year General Studies Degree, ... read more
In addition to the academic expansion, the St. Mary's campus has undergone a major change. The land upon which the campus is situated accommodates several buildings, dating from the early 1900s, designated as provincial heritage buildings, including a wooden water tower. As the buildings have heritage status, this legally forbids any alteration of their exterior, with the exception of repair, a prohibition which does not extend to their interior. Thus these buildings have been transformed into new classrooms, a bookstore, common areas and a cafeteria. The water tower has been braced to protect it from collapse, and repainted in its original colour, Canadian Pacific Railway red, the only colour legally allowed due to its heritage status. In September 2016, the new Heritage Centre building was officially opened.
In 2011, St. Mary's initiated a site development planning process to identify guiding principles, development options and concept plans for its 35-acre campus.[citation needed]
St. Mary's library contains over 30,000 titles and has 51 workstations accessible by students. The St. Mary's library is also home to The St. John's Bible. It is a fully illuminated bible that is handwritten by world renowned calligrapher Donald Jackson (calligrapher) who is the scribe to the Queen of England. It is arguably the first time a cathedral, monastery or religious organization has commissioned something to this scale in over 500 years.[citation needed
