University of Detroit Mercy
Detroit, Michigan
The Power to Change the World
Believing in the power of education to change the world, the University of Detroit Mercy’s (UDM) curriculum seeks to enrich the intellectual, spiritual, ethical and social development of students.
Detroit Mercy offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across three campuses, delivered in small classes taught by distinguished faculty. An emphasis on undergraduate research and cooperative education opportunities fosters student curiosity and allows them to excel into high-level leadership positions and meaningful careers.
Learn more at www.udmercy.edu
Top 200
UDM ranks among the top national universities by U.S. News & World Report for the fifth year in a row, earning a No. 185 ranking
98%
Of all UDM bachelor’s degree graduates receive a career position or move on to graduate school within six months of graduation
99%
Of undergraduate students engage in experiential learning
Programs in High-Demand Fields
Biosciences
Biology
Biochemistry
Chemistry
Engineering
Biomedical Design
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Robotics and Mechatronic Systems Engineering
Architectural Engineering
Healthcare
Health Operations Management
Nursing
Physician Assistant
Pre-Health
Pre-Medical
Pre-Pharmacy
Pre-Dentistry
Dental Hygiene
Computer Systems
Computer Science
Software Engineering
Power Skills
- Critical thinking
- Collaboration
- Leadership
- Ethical decision making
- Practical application of knowledge
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
As early as freshman year, UDM students have opportunities to engage in the process of research led by expert faculty members. UDM students have opportunities to bolster their resumes, develop mentorships with professors and alumni, cultivate their networks, and even contribute to publications and research presentations.
I-RISE with U-RISE Program
Supported by the National Institutes of Health, Detroit Mercy recruits and trains a diverse group of undergraduate students who wish to pursue postgraduate education (e.g. Ph.D.) in the biomedical field. Detroit Mercy students receive early introduction to and continued training in research practices, immersion in culturally responsive mentored research experiences, and repeated interaction with and exposure to diverse scientific communities through research opportunities, career panels and conferences.
Center for Career & Professional Development
The Center for Career & Professional Development (CCPD) assists students and alumni with their educational goals, career development and job or internship search as they transition from college to career.
Student Success Center
The Student Success Center (SSC) provides quality, student-centered support services to help students achieve academic success. They also offer other grant-funded and special academic programs, including:
- King-Chavez-Parks (KCP) Connections Program
- FirstGen Network
- Academic Interest & Major Exploration (AIME) program, and Health Exploration Program (HEX), and
- UAS Department/developmental coursework.
Significant Partnerships
- Kaplan
- Macomb Community College
- Aquinas College
- Mercy Health Saint Mary’s
- GM
- Ford Community Corps
- Ascension
- Corewell Health
- St. Francis Cabrini Clinic
- Detroit Health Department
- Detroit Medical Center
- Garden City Hospital
- Hurley Medical Center
- Trinity Health
- Henry Ford Health Center
- Cherry Street Health
- Dental Clinics North
- Family Medical Center of Michigan
- My Community Dental Centers Inc
- Wayne County Healthy Communities
- Western Wayne Family Health Centers
Centers of Excellence/Research
Simulation, Technology and Research (STAR) Center
These simulated hospital suites are fully-equipped with medical supplies and technologies. Using high-fidelity Human Patient Simulators, including adult, obstetrical, and pediatric manikins, students are prepared to provide safe, competent and compassionate care in the clinical setting.
Center for Social Entrepreneurship
The Center fuels innovation and student preparation by providing the education, skills, resources, and mentorship for business success and community growth.
Center for Practice & Research in Management & Ethics (PRIME)
The Center for Practice & Research in Management & Ethics (PRIME Center) enhances opportunities for Detroit Mercy business students to interact with leading business executives and thinkers, obtain real-world practical experience in management, and conduct meaningful research into managerial topics, including ethics.
Charlton Center for Responsible Investing
The Charlton Center for Responsible Investing is a newly established program within the College of Business Administration. It is designed to promote academic excellence and provide leading experiential training to students pursuing careers in the investment and investment-related financial services industry.
Detroit Collaborative Design Center (DCDC)
The DCDC is an award-winning program of the School of Architecture & Community Development that provides professional community-engaged design services to nonprofit community and civic organizations throughout Detroit.
Faculty Excellence Award Winners
Claudia Bernasconi, architecture
Andrea Kwasky, nursing
Mary White, nursing
Faculty Achievement Award Winners
Nadine Wodwaski, nursing
Megan Conrad, mechanical engineering
Mara Livezey, chemistry
Sigrid Streit, English
Erin Archerd, law
Evan Peterson, business administration
Development and Research Leave Awardees
Rachelle M. Belanger, biology
Shadi Bani Taan, computer science, software engineering
Jeffery J. Boats, mathematics
Stephanie Conant, biology
Erin Henze, psychology
Lazaros Kikas, mathematics,
Erika Lindsay, architecture
Graduates of the College of Business Administration’s accelerated 5-year BS/MBA program achieved a 100% job placement rate within three months of graduation.
100% of all students who received their nursing license were employed upon graduation in 2022.
The total pass rate for UDM Nursing students who took the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in 2022 is 100%.
UDM business students again were winners in a worldwide investing competition. In December 2022, four students from the College of Business Administration placed among the world’s top 25 investors, competing with participants from hundreds of schools across 45 countries, in an international portfolio contest.
In 2024, The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UDM No. 52 in the nation, making Detroit Mercy Michigan’s second highest-ranked university. UDM is also fourth among Catholic universities nationally, behind only Georgetown University, Boston College, and University of Notre Dame.
In 2023, University of Detroit Mercy won a $3.79-million award from the Department of Energy’s Office of State and Community Energy Program’s (SCEP) Renew America’s Nonprofits grant project. With Detroit Mercy students and faculty, 13 local nonprofits reduced their carbon footprint, promoting energy efficiency in the nation’s nonprofit sector.
Detroit Mercy has been designated a Gold-certified Michigan Veteran-Friendly School by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. The Michigan Veteran-Friendly School program is designed to formally recognize academic institutions of higher learning committed to supporting the needs of student veterans and dependents.
In 2019, UDM’s Detroit Collaborative Design Center (DCDC) was awarded $1.45 million in funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and The Kresge Foundation. These grants will support a major initiative designed to improve the lives of Detroit’s youngest residents. Two other grants — $250,000 from the Ford Motor Company Fund and $75,000 from the Surdna Foundation have also funded other DCDC projects.
The College of Engineering & Science continues to be a leader in workforce development for the region, offering re-skilling and upskilling through the availability of graduate certificates and degrees developed in partnership with industry and government input and support. A $1.2-million award from the Department of Defense continues to support curriculum and scholarships for students to pursue Vehicle Cybersecurity.
The College of Business Administration (CBA) is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which places the College among the top 5% of business schools in the world. In addition, U.S. News & World Report’s ‘Best Colleges’ edition ranked the undergraduate business program in Management No. 22 in the nation; the undergraduate business program in Entrepreneurship No. 31; and the undergraduate program in Finance No. 50.
A $1-million award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) supports the College’s Science and Engineering Equity Development (SEED) program, while a National Science Foundation S-STEM grant supports the Innovating Detroit’s Robotic Agile Workforce (iDRAW) program. These programs build on the successful initiatives and support established through a $21.2 million award from the National Institutes of Health for the College’s ReBUILDetroit Program.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion
In agreement with its Jesuit and Mercy values, the University of Detroit Mercy values the individual lives of the campus community and those in the greater Detroit community. The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion leads and supports initiatives that educate the university community in areas regarding identity and cultural background through regular workshops and training sessions.
Student Community Groups
Multicultural Student Advisory Board
A group of students that inform the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. This group of students helps plan Heritage Month events and informs social justice work done in the community and on campus.
The League
The League provides self-identified Black male students at University of Detroit Mercy with mentors who understand the systemic challenges they face on their path toward a college degree.
The Sisterhood Academy
Detroit Mercy Sisterhood is a peer-to-peer community space for self-identifying women of color. Students connected to the Sisterhood will cultivate healthy friendships, develop academically, and enhance their connection to the community.
Kevin Boyle ’82, winner of 2004 National Book Award for Arc of Justice: A Saga of Race, Civil Rights, and Murder in the Jazz Age
Pamela Carter ’71, the nation’s first elected Black female attorney general, in Indiana, from 1993 to 1997
Maura D. Corrigan ’73, former director, Michigan Department of Human Services; justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, 1998-2011 (served as chief justice, 2001-2004)
Willie Green ’03, head coach of New Orleans Pelicans, two-time NBA champion as assistant coach with Golden State Warriors, played 12 years in NBA
Kyra Harris Bolden ’14, justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, the first Black female and youngest person to serve on the Court
Keegan-Michael Key ’93, actor (Key & Peele, madTV, Animal Planet)
Elmore Leonard ’50, best-selling author, several of whose works have been made into movies, such as Get Shorty, Be Cool and The Big Bounce
Marlena Peleo-Lazar ’72, former chief creative officer and vice president for McDonald’s Corporation.
Spirit Award
Detroit Mercy established the Alumni Achievement Spirit Awards to recognize the University’s distinguished graduates. Spirit Award recipients reflect the University’s mission of excellence and service and bring pride to their alma mater. 2024 recipients:
- Ina G. Fernandez, ‘74
- Larry Washington, ’68, ‘69
- Renay L. Gagleard, ’88, ’90, ’09, ’10, ‘15
- Pamela Carter, ‘71
- William R. Chase, ‘72
- Hon. Terrance A. Keith, ‘84
- Stephen Vogel, ’70, ‘75
The Center for Career & Professional Development is charged by the Provost to collect and report the official career outcomes information of undergraduates and graduates.
(First Destination Career Outcomes Rate – the percentage of graduates who are employed full- or part-time, in service or military service, or enrolled in continuing education.)
2022 Success Rate: 98%