Saint Louis University Madrid: An Overview of a Global Jesuit Education
Saint Louis University-Madrid (SLU-Madrid) is a unique international campus of Saint Louis University (SLU), a private Jesuit research university based in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1967, SLU-Madrid provides students with the opportunity to pursue American undergraduate and graduate degrees in the heart of Europe, either entirely in Spain or in combination with studies at the St. Louis campus.
History and Recognition
SLU-Madrid began as a study abroad program in 1967, the brainchild of Raymond L. Sullivant. In its initial phase, classes were offered in collaboration with the Universidad Pontificia Comillas, a Spanish Jesuit institution. The appeal of the university's liberal arts curriculum soon attracted Spanish students, leading to a diverse student body. Within a decade, SLU-Madrid had grown to accommodate hundreds of students. The expansion of programs allowed students to complete the first two years of their undergraduate studies in Madrid.
A significant milestone was reached in 1990 with the acquisition of Padre Rubio and Padre Arrupe Halls, providing dedicated spaces for academic and administrative activities. SLU-Madrid holds the distinction of being the first American university-level institution to receive official recognition from the Consejería de Educación y Deporte, the higher education authority of Madrid.
Campus and Facilities
Today, SLU-Madrid boasts amenities comparable to those found on traditional university campuses in the United States. Padre Arrupe Hall serves as the hub for administrative and faculty offices, classrooms, and specialized laboratories for biology, chemistry, computer science, nursing, and physics. Padre Rubio Hall, the main academic building, houses additional classrooms, the Office of Student Life, student lounges, the bookstore, and St. Timothy's Chapel. These facilities create a supportive and comprehensive learning environment for students.
Academic Programs
SLU-Madrid offers nearly 100 undergraduate majors available through Saint Louis University, with select programs fully available on the Madrid Campus. Students can complete their entire degree in Madrid in certain fields. Students pursuing majors such as engineering and nursing can complete the first two years of their study in Madrid before transferring to the St. Louis Campus to finish their degree. This provides a flexible and globally-minded approach to higher education. SLU-Madrid also welcomes visiting students from over 150 universities across the United States and around the world, further enriching the campus's international atmosphere.
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At the graduate level, SLU-Madrid offers two M.A. programs. Students have the option to fulfill all requirements for these programs in Madrid or through a combination of study at the Madrid Campus and the St. Louis Campus. This blended approach allows students to tailor their graduate studies to their individual needs and interests.
Accreditation
Saint Louis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and has maintained continuous accreditation since 1916. This accreditation ensures that SLU-Madrid meets rigorous academic standards and provides a high-quality education. Furthermore, specific programs and units within the university hold accreditation from relevant professional bodies. For example, the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business is accredited by AACSB International.
Student Life and Extracurricular Activities
The Office of Student Life at SLU-Madrid plays a vital role in fostering a vibrant campus community. It sponsors a wide array of extracurricular activities, both on and off campus, designed to enhance students' cultural understanding of Spain and complement their academic studies. These activities include trips to destinations throughout Spain, Europe, and Africa.
Campus Ministry provides opportunities for students to explore their faith and engage in social justice initiatives, in keeping with the Jesuit tradition. Each semester, the university organizes a retreat to Loyola, the birthplace of St. Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuit order. This retreat offers students a chance for reflection and spiritual growth.
True to its Jesuit mission, SLU-Madrid encourages students, faculty, and staff to live out their identity as "men and women for others" through community service and outreach. Volunteers collaborate with numerous local NGOs, addressing social needs and making a positive impact on the community.
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Application Information
For students with college credits (two semesters as a full-time student) prior to your solicited entry term at Saint Louis University, you should apply as a first-year student.For students with some college credits or will have completed one academic year (two semesters) as a full-time student prior to your solicited entry term at Saint Louis University, you should apply as a transfer student.Application completion deadlines for applicants who require a Spanish student visa: Fall: May 1 Spring: Sept. 1Application completion deadlines for applicants who don’t require a Spanish student visa: Fall: Aug. 1 Spring: Dec. 1There is no application fee.
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