The University of Dayton (UD) is a Roman Catholic research university in Dayton, Ohio. Its motto is “For God and Country”.

The seed for UD was planted in 1850 at Dewberry Farm, a 125-acre plot of vineyards, orchards and a mansion house, where St Mary’s School for Boys was founded. Over 150 years the school became coeducational and expanded its teaching and research facilities to become a university. It retains its roots in the teaching of the Society of Mary, whose members attempt to imitate her in their spirituality and daily work.

UD has been involved in many local, national and international outreach programmes. They include renovating an urban school to become a neighbourhood centre and establishing safe drinking water in a village in Cameroon.

The university has five academic divisions: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business Administration, the School of Engineering, the School of Law and the School of Education and Health Sciences. Over 80 undergraduate programmes of study are offered.

UD was the first university in the United States to offer an undergraduate programme in human rights. This pre-professional degree in the department of political science is ideal for any students wishing to launch a career in legal, governmental, and non-profit sectors.

The university claims that Dayton is one of the most underrated cities in the United States, with a vibrant cultural scene to enjoy during the day and a buzzing nightlife. Miles of bicycle and hiking trails wind through local parks.

Alumni include many notable people, such as the inventor of the Control-Alt-Delete keyboard command, David Bradley, Super Bowl-winning coaches Jon Gruden and Chuck Noll, and the 1987 Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry, Charles J. Pedersen.