About AMU
A faithfully Catholic Newman Guide university in Southwest Florida where liberal arts, friendship, and vocation come together.
A Catholic university like no other
Rooted in faith, driven by excellence
Â鶹´«Ã½¸²Ãð¼Ç was established in 2003. Faithful to the Church's magisterium, our university provides one of the strongest classical liberal arts curricula in the country, as well as exceptional opportunities for specialized study in the sciences and humanities. On our beautiful, sunny campus in Southwest Florida, students discover a vibrant location to build lasting friendships and respond to their vocation of service to God and the world.
Discover Ave Maria
History, mission, faith & community
Founded on fidelity to the Church
Thomas S. Monaghan had a dream to establish a Catholic university that was faithful to the magisterium and gave students the education they needed to become leaders in the Church and society.
A university on a mission
Â鶹´«Ã½¸²Ãð¼Ç strives to provide the best education today's students need to succeed in a competitive job market. But we also have a deeper calling.
Grow in your faith at AMU
We are proud of our Catholic identity and take St. John Paul II's Apostolic Constitution Ex Corde Ecclesiae as our guide. Learn how you can grow in your faith at AMU.
What does it mean to be a Gyrene?
"Gyrene" was a nickname given to Marines by other branches of the military, but the Marines quickly adopted it as a way to stand out. During World War I and World War II, a Gyrene was seen as a special kind of GI (government issue), one known for having an ethos that inspired courage in the heat of the toughest battles. Â鶹´«Ã½¸²Ãð¼Çfounder Tom Monaghan was a Marine, so it is only fitting that the school bears a name rich in history, steeped in tradition and emblematic of determination and service.
Academics in pursuit of truth
Â鶹´«Ã½¸²Ãð¼Çhas a great diversity of courses, but they are all united by a common goal: uncovering the wisdom of God. We teach our students to master particular subjects while never losing sight of the unity of all knowledge.
Leadership
Our leaders are committed to maintaining and strengthening AMU's Catholic identity, rigorous academics and vibrant community life.