School Details
The University of Providence was founded in 1932 by the Most Reverend Edwin V. O’Hara, Catholic Bishop of Great Falls, in collaboration with the Sisters of Charity of Providence and the Ursuline Sisters. Named Great Falls Junior College for Women, the two-year college was originally located in the Ursuline Academy on Central Avenue. In 1937, the first male student enrolled. By the early 1950s, it became simply the College of Great Falls under the direction of the Sisters of Providence, and in 1995, the College was renamed the University of Great Falls.
Today, UP remains grounded in the teachings of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition but welcomes students of all faiths. UP strives to ensure students are “…uplifted through education, inspired by faith, and energized through community…”
University of Providence awards associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, many of which can be earned online through the Department of Distance Learning. UP online degrees are guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ just as on-campus programs are. However, these online programs are offered in a flexible environment for those too busy to attend classes in the traditional classroom setting.
Accreditation & Licensing
University of Providence is accredited by:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)