Academics
Get the preparation you need to do meaningful work.
academics
Values-Driven, Career-Ready
At HNU, our close-knit community fosters critical thinking. It produces students and professors who look inward for answers and inspiration, and see beyond their classes and textbooks to actively engage with each other and the world—always to improve it. An HNU education will encourage you to follow your interests and will prepare you for meaningful work.
We are student-focused.
At HNU, you will receive personal attention and access to an exceptional support system.
15
Average class size
84%
84% of students consider their HNU advisor their mentor.
10:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Sheila Smith McKoy
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Sheila Smith McKoy
A message from the Provost
At Holy Names University, education begins in the classroom, but we don’t stop there. Our goal is to transform the educational landscape of our institution and the possibilities for our community.
Read moreExplore the Schools of Holy Names University
Explore each of our schools, or go directly to our Program Finder to find out more about opportunities at HNU.
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Academics and Support
meet our graduates
Alumni Success
Read the stories of just a few of our extraordinary alumni. The common thread you'll find is their desire and their drive to improve the community around them.
Adamaka
Building Self-Esteem through STEM
Adamaka Ajaelo, MBA ’10 has learned to solve many life challenges by approaching them like she would a math problem: persistently and step-by-step.
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Alan
Chronic Pain Crusader
Less than a month after graduating with his Doctor of Chiropractic degree, Alan Bertolero ’15 spontaneously moved to the Dominican Republic to work as a volunteer.
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Denise
Wellness Warrior
Denise Aaron ’01 is passionate about women's health. She started a community organization to get Oakland women talking openly—and taking action—on health challenges that disproportionately trouble women of color.
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Dianne
Commited to Public Service
Governor Brown recently appointed Holy Names University alumna Dianne Dobbs ‘96, MBA ‘98, as a Commissioner to the Board of Parole Hearings.
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James
A passionate advocate
After transferring to HNU, James (Cogley) Viramontez ‘17 received his bachelor’s in sociology and is now working as a case manager at St. Mary’s Center in Oakland.
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Janine
Building Bridges in Oakland with Basketball
Janine Jackson's, MA '17 personal and academic journey that made her all the more resilient and certain of her life’s purpose: to give back and help the Oakland community.
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Leila
Lifting up Oakland's Next Generation
Leila Abu-hijleh '08, MA '15 believes that helping Oakland youth rise up and reach their potential is her life’s calling.
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Muryam
The New Face of Science
Muryam Gourdet ‘14 is determined to change the face of science—and through her actions as a mentor and role model, researcher and academic, she is doing just that.
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Precious
Fired up to teach for Oakland
2019 Oakland Teach of the Year, Precious James '12, believes that every child deserves a teacher that will go above and beyond for them—and she does.
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Sister Mary
On a mission of recovery and compassion
Sr. Mary’s mission—helping individuals recover from addiction—has led to a decades-long career working in recovery programs in Oakland and San Francisco.
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Tiana
A Tech Tonic
Tiana Davis Kara '06 empowers girls to pursue technology careers as executive director for #BUILTBYGIRLS.
Learn More
Adamaka
Building Self-Esteem through STEM
Adamaka Ajaelo, MBA ’10 has learned to solve many life challenges by approaching them like she would a math problem: persistently and step-by-step.
Learn More
Alan
Chronic Pain Crusader
Less than a month after graduating with his Doctor of Chiropractic degree, Alan Bertolero ’15 spontaneously moved to the Dominican Republic to work as a volunteer.
Learn More
Denise
Wellness Warrior
Denise Aaron ’01 is passionate about women's health. She started a community organization to get Oakland women talking openly—and taking action—on health challenges that disproportionately trouble women of color.
Learn More
Dianne
Commited to Public Service
Governor Brown recently appointed Holy Names University alumna Dianne Dobbs ‘96, MBA ‘98, as a Commissioner to the Board of Parole Hearings.
Learn More
James
A passionate advocate
After transferring to HNU, James (Cogley) Viramontez ‘17 received his bachelor’s in sociology and is now working as a case manager at St. Mary’s Center in Oakland.
Learn More
Janine
Building Bridges in Oakland with Basketball
Janine Jackson's, MA '17 personal and academic journey that made her all the more resilient and certain of her life’s purpose: to give back and help the Oakland community.
Learn More
Leila
Lifting up Oakland's Next Generation
Leila Abu-hijleh '08, MA '15 believes that helping Oakland youth rise up and reach their potential is her life’s calling.
Learn More
Muryam
The New Face of Science
Muryam Gourdet ‘14 is determined to change the face of science—and through her actions as a mentor and role model, researcher and academic, she is doing just that.
Learn More
Precious
Fired up to teach for Oakland
2019 Oakland Teach of the Year, Precious James '12, believes that every child deserves a teacher that will go above and beyond for them—and she does.
Learn More
Sister Mary
On a mission of recovery and compassion
Sr. Mary’s mission—helping individuals recover from addiction—has led to a decades-long career working in recovery programs in Oakland and San Francisco.
Learn More
Tiana
A Tech Tonic
Tiana Davis Kara '06 empowers girls to pursue technology careers as executive director for #BUILTBYGIRLS.
Learn More