About SMC
At Saint Mary’s, we inspire minds. With small class sizes and professors who know you by name, the Saint Mary’s experience helps students thrive—whether you’re an undergraduate or a professional looking for the next step in your career.
We engage the world. With a stunning campus in the San Francisco Bay Area, Saint Mary’s offers experiences and boundless opportunities around the globe, from careers in Silicon Valley to one of a kind study programs in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and more.
You’ll find your life transformed. With knowledge and skills, confidence and support from the Gael community, you’ll imagine, discover, and make a lasting impact…Wherever you’re at…Whatever you set your heart to become.
We are Gaels. In Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges, Saint Mary’s is highlighted as an exemplary college outside of the traditional Ivy League mold. We’re the only school in California and the only Catholic college to earn that distinction. We are peers and professors, Christian Brothers and alumni—learning more, striving for more, and leading and succeeding together.
A Bay Area home for reaching your highest potential
Our beautiful Bay Area campus is nestled in the rolling hills of Moraga, just 23 miles east of San Francisco. Saint Mary’s College of California is more than a place to get a stellar education in a stunning location (although that part goes without saying). We’re a diverse and inclusive community where faculty guide Gaels to learn and explore. We offer small class sizes, and professors know students by name. Those are a few reasons Saint Mary’s earns a spot in the U.S. News & World Report list of the top five regional universities in the West. You’ll have ample hands-on research programs, and internships and career opportunities in Silicon Valley and beyond. Gain real-world experience that prepares you for more, no matter your path in life. Take the opportunity to grow, lead, and serve—whoever you are and wherever you go.
Guided by Mission—with Boundless Opportunities
Grounded in our Lasallian heritage, the Saint Mary’s community provides an educational experience that helps you transform yourself—and change the world.
More Experiences, More Outcomes
“You can go anywhere and get your opinions challenged. What we do here is get to know students, get them to find out what they love, what sparks them. That is a kind of friendship.”
Steven Cortright, Professor of Philosophy
“I never imagined my research turning into any kind of publication, but with Dr. Sonya Schuh’s encouragement, we came to the realization that our findings were actually very important and that other people needed to know about it.”
Kristin Harnett ’20, Biology Major
“I would say Saint Mary’s allowed me to challenge so many different things and actually be OK…And I think that this is why I’m able to continue to challenge the status quo inside the tech industry, inside Silicon Valley.”
Kalina Bryant ’14, Global Head of Customer Advocacy at Asana
