Collège Universitaire Dominicain

To live this unique study experience, which will allow them to progress in their career, but also to develop as individuals. The beautiful building on Empress Avenue houses both the Dominican University College and the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Convent, where the Dominican Friars live. Every day, College students are in contact with the Dominicans, not only in courses as teachers and students, but also in the cloister, the library, the cafeteria and at church. Studies take place against the back drop of every day religious life. This environment is conducive to learning, research and the sharing of ideas.

Dominican University College (DUC) is a first-class research university for students who want to think through deep and complex questions in philosophy and theology. We offer a personalized learning environment and encourage rigorous, critical thinking in a spirit of openness. Our small-class sizes and innovative teaching methods make DUC an ideal place for students seeking to become expert researchers and well-rounded people.

DUC is heir to an 800-year tradition that traces its roots to the first universities across Europe; the Dominican Order established houses of studies (studium generale) in Paris, Cologne, and elsewhere in the 13^th century. Continuing in this tradition, DUC promotes the study and development of rational inquiry and Catholic theology through its undergraduate and graduate programs in philosophy and theology, with particular strengths in the study of Ancient Greek philosophy, German Idealism and the thought of Saint Thomas Aquinas.

A peaceful sanctuary at the heart of a bustling city, DUC’s campus is conveniently located within a few blocks of Parliament Hill and the Supreme Court. Beyond an active nightlife and great restaurants, university life in the Nation’s Capital offers many opportunities for hearing internationally renowned speakers and witnessing some of Canada’s best arts and culture.

DUC is a member of a strong global community of Dominican houses of studies at prestigious universities throughout the world such as the Blackfriars, Oxford, the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, Berkeley, and l’École biblique et archéologique française de Jérusalem. International students come from all corners of the globe to study with us, while Canadian students take part in a variety of programs and exchanges. Our research in social justice and the relief of poverty takes an active form through educational experiences in developing countries.

A hallmark of the Dominican Tradition is to engage with contemporary political, ethical and social issues. Our students go on to work in political offices, in the military as ethicists or chaplains, to teach and to practice law or medicine. Critical thinking skills, the ability to perceive clearly the meaning of the written and the spoken word, the ability to hold together a variety of perspectives when forming opinions: these are all valuable and sought after assets which our graduates take with them into the workplace.

In addition to the skills gained from studying in an environment focused on academic excellence, the desire to engage meaningfully with others and with society stems from DUC’s focus on human formation. A humble stance in the face of all that is yet to be discovered fuels a passion for learning.

This model of the studium generale was adopted from the very beginning by the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), which was founded at the same period (1215) by Domingo de Guzmán. Established in Paris in 1229, the first studium generale of the Order, where Thomas Aquinas himself received his basic formation in philosophy and theology, was followed by four others in 1245, in Cologne (Germany), Bologna (Italy), Oxford (England) and Montpellier (France). Inheriting this long and rich intellectual tradition, the model has always been maintained by the Order throughout the centuries.

In Canada, the institutional centre of studies of the Order was established in Ottawa in 1900 and was recognized officially as studium generale ten years later. In 1967, after having been granted a civil university charter by the Ontario Government, it became the Collège dominicain de philosophie et de théologie.  Thereafter, it welcomed students other than Dominicans and granted them civil university degrees in philosophy and theology.

In May, 2012, DUC formally affiliated with Carleton University. Shortly thereafter the institution officially adopted the name Dominican University College - Collège universitaire dominicain. In cooperation with Carleton University, DUC successfully completed its Institutional Quality Assurance Process (IQAP) in March, 2013. All graduate and undergraduate programs in philosophy and theology are fully accredited and funded by the Ministry of Advance Education and Skills Development. All degrees granted by DUC are now conjoint with Carleton University.