About

Responding to the needs of Rhode Island, the Dominican Order of Preachers made a special commitment to the state in 1917 and founded Providence College — the only institution of higher learning in North America that is conducted by the Order. Providence College has steadily moved to a position of national prominence, while maintaining a personal, community-like atmosphere that fosters growth and development among its student population. Providence College’s rich heritage dates back to 1216, or the origins of the Dominican Order in Spain. Through the ages, the Dominican Friars became known as the “champions of the faith,” spreading the gospel message through the centuries into every corner of the globe. Today, Dominican Friars continue to spread the gospel in a wide range of remote areas of the world, to teach at every level of the United States educational system. With the Dominican tradition as its foundation, Providence College focuses on developing the entire person through its values-oriented education. The college seeks to complement a student’s knowledge with knowledge of his/her own values — values that will remain the foundation for sound judgement throughout a lifetime. To that end, Providence College aims to relate its curriculum to the problems of contemporary society, offering diverse programs of study that remain grounded in the liberal arts. Students may choose from some 60 concentrations ranging from computer science to labor relations to theatre arts. In addition, qualified students who wish to structure a program not specifically provided under the regular concentrations may develop their own program with the approval of the dean of the college. As part of the core curriculum, all students take a two-year, team-taught course, Development of Western Civilization (DWC) which integrates the study of literature, philosophy, history and religious studies through the ages into a cohesive interdisciplinary unit. Situated just on the fringe of downtown Providence, the College’s location enables students to have easy access to the many social, cultural, educational and recreational amenities of urban life - the Providence Public Library; entertainment at the Providence Performing Arts Center; sporting events, entertainment and trade shows at the Dunkin' Donuts Center and the Providence Convention Center, Providence Place Mall and dozens of fine restaurants. With several other major educational institutions located in Providence, the city has become a hub of collegiate activity.