The Story
Duquesne University was founded in 1878 by the Priests of the Holy Ghost and remains one of the nation's premier Catholic universities. Perched on the Bluff overlooking Downtown Pittsburgh, Duquesne's hilltop campus offers stunning views of the city and the rivers below, symbolizing its prominent place in Pittsburgh's educational landscape.
Known for excellence across multiple disciplines, Duquesne has earned particular acclaim for its pharmacy program, ranked among the best in the nation. The university also boasts top-tier law, business, and music schools. Students and faculty at Duquesne are taught to integrate faith, reason, and service, preparing leaders for careers and lives of purpose. The university's Catholic identity shapes its mission to educate the whole person.
Under President Ken Gormley's leadership, Duquesne continues to expand its research mission while maintaining its commitment to undergraduate education. With 10,000 students from around the world and 2,000 employees, Duquesne is a vital institution in Pittsburgh's academic and cultural ecosystem.
What Makes It Pittsburgh
Duquesne's location on the Bluff is uniquely Pittsburgh. The university's prominent position overlooking the city, visible from many neighborhoods and vantage points, makes it a defining feature of Pittsburgh's character. The view from campus captures the convergence of rivers and industrial legacy that defined the city's history.
Duquesne's graduates work throughout Pittsburgh's business, healthcare, and civic sectors. The university's pharmacy program has produced leaders in that profession, while law and business alumni populate Pittsburgh's firms and organizations. Duquesne's Catholic mission and focus on ethical leadership align with Pittsburgh's tradition of community responsibility and institutional stewardship.