University of Louisville Undergraduate Catalog
About the University
The University of Louisville is a state supported
research university located in the nation’s 16th
largest city. U of L enrolls more than 22,000
students and offers undergraduate degrees in 70
fields of study, master’s degrees in 78 areas and
doctoral degrees in 35 disciplines. It also grants
professional degrees in medicine, dentistry, and
law. U of L contributes significantly to the
economic, cultural and intellectual life of the
Louisville community, yet the magnitude of its
achievements reach beyond Louisville into every
corner of Kentucky and across the nation. U of
L’s 115,000 alumni live in all Kentucky counties,
in every state and around the world. U of L has
trained about 30 percent of Kentucky’s
physicians, 47 percent of its dentists and 31
percent of its attorneys.
At U of L, students learn from faculty members
who are experts in their subject areas. Nearly
94% of the 1,620 full-time faculty hold the
highest degrees in their field. In addition to their
classroom duties, U of L faculty are leading
research projects funded at more than $180
million in federal, state, local and private grants.
Those same professors share the latest
knowledge with students in the classroom.
Faculty and student researchers are aided by
leading-edge computer systems and laboratories.
They may also gather information from across
the ages and around the world through the
About the University
Summer 2011 – Spring 2012
University Libraries system that offers more than
2.2 million volumes, 73,000 journal
subscriptions, and unique resources through its
special collections and archives.
A diverse student body enriches the educational
experience at U of L. Students of color represent
17 percent of enrollment and international
students total more than 5 percent. Kentucky
students account for 77 percent of the student
population with 45 percent coming from
Jefferson County. Slightly more than 22 percent
of students are from other states. Nearly 300
campus organizations help students meet new
friends, develop leadership skills and explore
new interests. The Student Activities Center, the
hub of much of campus life, includes a
bookstore, food court, restaurant, movie theatre,
lounge and study areas, mini mart, and recreation
and fitness facilities. Sports fans are also able to
enjoy Division I men and women’s athletics.
U of L’s 273-acre Belknap Campus is home to
eight of its 12 schools and colleges: arts and
sciences, business and public administration,
education and human development, engineering,
interdisciplinary and graduate studies, law, music
and social work. The Health Sciences Campus,
located in the city’s downtown medical complex,
includes the schools of medicine, nursing and
dentistry, public health, and U of L Hospital.
U of L was established in 1798 as one of the
nation’s first urban institutions. Though
grounded in a rich legacy, U of L is forward
thinking in its approach to teaching, research and
service. As it focuses on the challenges and
opportunities of the 21st century, the university
advances the social and economic development
of its community and its citizens.