independent institution located on 180 acres (73 hectares) in Hamden, Conn., a suburb of New Haven. It was founded in 1929 and at one time was known as Connecticut College of Commerce. In 1951 it took on the name Quinnipiac to honor the early Native Americans of the area. Total enrollment is more than 4,600 students, including some 1,000 graduate students. Approximately a quarter of the undergraduates attend part-time, and they take courses through the continuing education division. About half of the students are state residents, with many others coming from New England and Middle Atlantic states. More women than men seek bachelor's degrees. The campus has freshmen-only, single-sex, and coeducational housing, which serves approximately 75 percent of the undergraduates. About two thirds of Quinnipiac's full-time faculty hold doctorates. The academic calendar is divided into semesters. Bachelor's programs are conducted through the Schools of Business, Allied Health and Natural Science, and Liberal Arts. All freshmen take a computer course in addition to general requirements in the arts and sciences. Special academic options include cooperative programs and internships, five-year programs awarding both bachelor's and master's degrees upon completion (some in conjunction with other institutions), self-designed majors, study abroad, and off-campus study at Albertus Magnus College and the University of New Haven (both in Connecticut). Roughly 20 percent of the students pursue advanced studies directly after graduation. Master's degree programs are offered in business management and administrative services and in health professions and related sciences. The college also offers the master of arts degree in teaching. In 1992, the college took control of the Bridgeport School of Law and renamed it the Quinnipiac College School of Law. The school grants the Juris Doctor and Master of Laws degrees. Some 60 extracurricular activities are conducted at the college, including fraternities and sororities, the student-run newspaper, the campus radio station, and student government. The Quinnipiac Braves compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association in either Division II or III, depending on the sport. School colors are blue and gold. The campus is near Sleeping Giant State Park, and many students enjoy outdoor activities. |