Ancilla College

Ancilla College Academics

Since its founding in 1937, Ancilla College has served the community of Donaldson, Indiana. Today a co-educational institution, Ancilla was founded by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, a Catholic community of Sisters, as an extension of DePaul University. The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, founded in the mid 1800s, form part of an international religious congregations with members in Mexico, Germany, the Netherlands, England, India, Brazil, Nigeria, Kenya and the United States. It wasn’t until 1966 that Ancilla began to accept students from the public as a liberal arts community college, and has operated as a two-year private liberal arts college since. Set amongst 1,000-acres of northern Indiana’s rolling grounds, and scenic lakes and cornfields, this 550 student community college is a tranquil setting to pursue post-secondary education and career training, shared with the American headquarters of the Sisters of the Poor Handmaids.

Students at Ancilla may choose from 17 separate academic programs, with a strong foundation in general education to prepare students for either entry-level careers, or transfer to a four-year program. Academic services like free tutoring and advising are provided, as are career development, the Gerald J. Ball Library, and classroom technologies to ensure student success. Ancilla’s many programs of study are divided into four academic divisions, the division of history, behavioral science, education and business; the division of humanities, the division of nursing and health sciences; and the division of sciences, mathematics, and information technology. Associate degrees may be earned in exciting areas like business administration, criminal justice, early childhood education, nursing, and professional health studies.

Students may elect bachelor degree awarding programs business management with a concentration in human resources management, or criminal justice with a minor in paralegal and prelaw studies through the Calumet College of St. Joseph, or participate in college transfer coursework like athletic training, biochemistry, fitness studies, environmental science, and sport marketing and management. A certificate program in church organist is also offered at Ancilla College.

Any student who is not ready to select a specific program of study may enter the General Education Program and elect between an associate of arts, or associate of science general studies degree. All students will also complete and electronic student portfolio while at Anchilla, in order to best exemplify the work undertaken during their degree or certificate studies. Student portfolios are seen to greatly enhance the student experience, while providing valuable material when applying for jobs or admissions to four-year post-secondary institutions.

Through Ancilla’s Department of Continuing and Professional Education, quality programs are developed to further the progress and training of local business and industry. Courses range from drawing and painting, real estate salesperson, and computer training, to church organist. Ancilla also offers alternative education by way of online programs, offering great schedule flexibility a superior web-based training. Students may work at their own pace to complete courses like general psychology and introduction to sociology.

Ancilla College’s curriculum is designed to be fully transferable in terms of content and credit hours to accredited four-year colleges and Universities. Ancilla has articulation agreements with Ball State University Bethel College, Indiana State University, Indiana University South Bend, Indiana Wesleyan University, Manchester College, Marian College, Purdue University North Central, Saint Mary’s College, St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, St. Joseph’s College, Calumet College of St. Joseph and Valparaiso University. Several 2 + 2 agreements have also been arranged with four-year institutions Davenport University, Trine University, and Purdue University Northwest in a range of majors. Students participating in 2 + 2 programs may transfer seamlessly into a specific major at such designated colleges and universities.

Ancilla College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the Indiana State Board of Nursing.