Merrimack College is an independent, private college with robust programs in business, education, engineering, health sciences and the liberal arts, whose mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives. Founded in 1947 by the Order of St. Augustine in the Boston suburb of North Andover, its growing student body of 3,200 undergraduates and 550 graduate students come from 34 states and 36 countries to form an engaged community of thinkers and doers in an academic culture of care that emphasizes hands-on learning, global citizenship and a quest for enduring relevance in an ever-changing world. The College offers more than 90 undergraduate programs in liberal arts, science and engineering, business, and education, and 18 graduate programs in business, criminology, education, engineering, health sciences, and public affairs, as well as part-time degree completion and certificate programs. Known for a distinctive and personal approach to learning, students can take advantage of hands-on opportunities including cooperative education and internships, research with faculty, study abroad and service learning. In addition to traditional majors and minors, students can choose programs tailored for high-demand fields including biotechnology, digital media arts and sports medicine. A special point of pride is ABET-accredited engineering programs, unusual in a small college. Three quarters of the students live on campus, contributing to a strong sense of community. Small classes, a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, an active campus ministry, varied housing choices and continuously improved facilities also support the close-knit atmosphere. Students are involved outside of the classroom in more than 50 clubs and organizations and over 500 students participate in club, intramural or collegiate sports. The College offers 22 varsity sports for men and women, including Division I mens and womens hockey.