History of Maryville University

Maryville University traces its origins to the Society of the Sacred Heart, founded in post-revolutionary France by Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat. The Society's mission was to reveal God's love and to educate individuals to become agents of transformation in the world. This educational philosophy, emphasizing the development of the whole person, continues to shape Maryville's vision. Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne, a pioneering member of the Society, brought this mission to the United States in 1818, establishing the first Sacred Heart school west of the Mississippi. From its beginnings as an academy serving young women, Maryville evolved over a century. It transitioned from a small academy to a robust institution of higher education, expanding its reach to students from across the nation and globally. The university's history is marked by its commitment to service, faith, and progressive educational practices, rooted in the "heart of an educator" as envisioned by its founders. The institution officially became a four-year college in 1923, granting its first degrees in 1925, and later moved to its current West St. Louis County campus in 1961.

Curriculum

The curriculum at Maryville has evolved from a six-year French Lycee pattern, incorporating college-level work in its final years, to a comprehensive four-year college program. This liberal arts foundation is complemented by career-focused and pre-professional programs.

1. Early Academy
   • French Language
   • Core Academic Subjects
2. Junior College Recognition (1919)
   • Equivalent to junior college work
3. Four-Year College (1925)
   • Liberal Arts Foundation
   • Career-Focused Programs
   • Pre-Professional Programs