ELS ES White Horizontal   This institution is partnered with ELS Educational Services, Inc., part of the ILSC Education Group.

dominican-university-of-california-logo 1-min

Dominican University of California 

San Rafael, California 

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  • US News and World Report #31 in Regional Universities West
  • US News and World Report #16 in Best Value Schools

About the School

Dominican University of California is a private university in San Rafael, California, founded in 1890 and known for combining liberal arts education with professional and career-focused programs.

Students benefit from experiential learning through internships, service-learning, research, and fieldwork integrated into many degrees. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, the university provides access to strong academic, cultural, and career opportunities. 

about the school

Campus Life

Dominican University of California’s suburban 60-acre campus is set at the base of San Pedro Mountain in Marin County, surrounded by gardens, historic buildings, and open green space.

Located about 12 miles from San Francisco, the campus community is close-knit and engaging, while downtown San Rafael offers restaurants, cafes, shops, and cultural events within walking distance. Students have access to dining halls, wellness facilities, a library, and spaces for study and social activities. 

campus life

Student Life

Student life at Dominican is active and diverse, with opportunities for involvement in clubs, athletics, arts, and leadership activities. The university fields NCAA Division II sports teams and offers intramural and recreational programs that encourage community and school spirit.

Through service-learning, study abroad, internships, and community engagement, students gain hands-on experience that complements classroom learning and prepares them for careers or further education 

 

student life

Housing

Dominican offers multiple on-campus residence options, with over 500 undergraduate students living in traditional residence halls and suite-style townhomes close to campus facilities.

First-year students are typically housed on campus, which fosters community connections and access to academic and social resources. Housing includes study lounges, residential support staff, and proximity to dining and recreation amenities. Graduate students may explore off-campus housing options with university support. 

 

housing

Costs

  • Approximate Annual Undergraduate Costs
  • $ 72,245
Tuition and Fees $ 54,441
Book and Supplies Contact an advisor for fee
Housing and Meals $ 16,619
Other $ 1,185
  • Approximate Annual Graduate Costs
  • $ 68,491
Tuition and Fees $ 45,372
Book and Supplies Contact an advisor for fee
Housing and Meals $ 22,105
Other $ 1,014

Degrees and Majors

  • GPA
    2.5
  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: From core principles to specialized practice, the study of Art covers creative medium mastery, aesthetic theory, and collaborative artistic production. Through a focus on Fine Arts case studies and laboratory research, this program equips graduates with the specialized expertise needed for high-impact careers.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • GPA
    2.5
  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: From core principles to specialized practice, the study of Art / Fine Art covers creative medium mastery, aesthetic theory, and collaborative artistic production. Blending theoretical insights with Fine Arts practicalities, this program prepares students to lead in an increasingly globalized workforce.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • GPA
    2.5
  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: Prospective Behavioral Sciences professionals will benefit from a curriculum that highlights cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity frameworks, and modern DevOps methodologies. Engaging with the current research landscape of Humanities, Social Sciences, this program provides a pathway to advanced professional certification and leadership roles.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • GPA
    3.0
  • GRE
    Required
  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: This program explores the intersection of Biological Sciences and modern industry by focusing on theoretical foundations and contemporary industry practice. Utilizing a curriculum grounded in Natural Sciences, Biology industry standards, this program builds the critical thinking skills required to manage sector-specific challenges.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • GPA
    3.0
  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: This program explores the intersection of Biological Sciences and modern industry by focusing on theoretical foundations and contemporary industry practice. Utilizing a curriculum grounded in Natural Sciences, Biology industry standards, this program builds the critical thinking skills required to manage sector-specific challenges.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • GPA
    2.5
  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: Built to address the complexities of Biology, this program offers theoretical foundations and contemporary industry practice. Through a focus on Biology, Natural Sciences case studies and laboratory research, this program equips graduates with the specialized expertise needed for high-impact careers.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • GPA
    3.0
  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: Prospective Business Administration professionals will benefit from a curriculum that highlights cross-border market analysis, venture capital, and ethical management frameworks. Utilizing a curriculum grounded in Business / Management industry standards, this program builds the critical thinking skills required to manage sector-specific challenges.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • GPA
    2.5
  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: Prospective Business Administration professionals will benefit from a curriculum that highlights cross-border market analysis, venture capital, and ethical management frameworks. Utilizing a curriculum grounded in Business / Management industry standards, this program builds the critical thinking skills required to manage sector-specific challenges.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • GPA
    2.5
  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: Prospective Chemistry professionals will benefit from a curriculum that highlights theoretical foundations and contemporary industry practice. Utilizing a curriculum grounded in Chemistry, Natural Sciences industry standards, this program builds the critical thinking skills required to manage sector-specific challenges.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • GPA
    2.5
  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: Prospective Communications And Media Studies professionals will benefit from a curriculum that highlights visual communication, design thinking, and contemporary digital media techniques. Through a focus on Creative Industries, Film & Media Studies case studies and laboratory research, this program equips graduates with the specialized expertise needed for high-impact careers.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • GPA
    2.5
  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: Built to address the complexities of Digital Art, this program offers scalable software architecture, full-stack development, and algorithmic optimization. By leveraging advanced tools common in Fine Arts settings, this program fosters a deep technical proficiency that translates directly to workplace excellence.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • GPA
    3.0
  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: Prospective Education professionals will benefit from a curriculum that highlights curriculum design for diverse learners and modern classroom leadership strategies. Through a focus on Education case studies and laboratory research, this program equips graduates with the specialized expertise needed for high-impact careers.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • GPA
    2.5
  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: Built to address the complexities of Education (Multiple Methods), this program offers inclusive pedagogy, instructional technology, and student developmental psychology. Through a focus on Education case studies and laboratory research, this program equips graduates with the specialized expertise needed for high-impact careers.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • GPA
    3.0
  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    No
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: A rigorous examination of Humanities is provided through systematic problem-solving within complex digital ecosystems and network protocols. Utilizing a curriculum grounded in Humanities industry standards, this program builds the critical thinking skills required to manage sector-specific challenges.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • GPA
    2.5
  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: Built to address the complexities of International Business, this program offers strategic enterprise leadership, global logistics, and organizational behavior. Through a focus on Business / Management case studies and laboratory research, this program equips graduates with the specialized expertise needed for high-impact careers.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • GPA
    2.5
  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: This program explores the intersection of International Relations and modern industry by focusing on systematic problem-solving within complex digital ecosystems and network protocols. Utilizing a curriculum grounded in Social Sciences, Economics, Humanities industry standards, this program builds the critical thinking skills required to manage sector-specific challenges.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • GPA
    2.5
  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: This program explores the intersection of Music and modern industry by focusing on the synthesis of performance arts with professional industry standards. Engaging with the current research landscape of Music, Performing Arts, this program provides a pathway to advanced professional certification and leadership roles.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • GPA
    3.25
  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: This program explores the intersection of Nursing and modern industry by focusing on public health informatics, medical ethics, and multidisciplinary care models. Blending theoretical insights with Health / Medicine / Pharmaceutical practicalities, this program prepares students to lead in an increasingly globalized workforce.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • GPA
    3.0
  • GRE
    Required
  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    No
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: This program explores the intersection of Occupational Therapy and modern industry by focusing on public health informatics, medical ethics, and multidisciplinary care models. Engaging with the current research landscape of Health / Medicine / Pharmaceutical, this program provides a pathway to advanced professional certification and leadership roles.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • GPA
    2.5
  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: A rigorous examination of Political Science is provided through systematic problem-solving within complex digital ecosystems and network protocols. Utilizing a curriculum grounded in Political Science, Social Sciences industry standards, this program builds the critical thinking skills required to manage sector-specific challenges.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • GPA
    2.5
  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: This program explores the intersection of Psychology and modern industry by focusing on interpretative frameworks for understanding history, ethics, and human thought. By leveraging advanced tools common in Social Sciences settings, this program fosters a deep technical proficiency that translates directly to workplace excellence.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • GPA
    2.5
  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: This program explores the intersection of Public Health and modern industry by focusing on public health informatics, medical ethics, and multidisciplinary care models. Blending theoretical insights with Health / Medicine / Pharmaceutical practicalities, this program prepares students to lead in an increasingly globalized workforce.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

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