Walsh Library Room 428
(973) 275-2525
catholicstudies@shu.edu
https://www.shu.edu/academics/artsci/catholic-studies
Chair: Ines Murzaku, Ph.D.
Administrative Assistant: Gloria Aroneo, M.B.A.
Catholic Studies is an innovative curriculum with uniquely designed tracks focusing on history, philosophy, theology, literature, art, religion and the University Honors Program. Students may choose a Bachelor of Arts (30 credits), a minor (15 credits) or a certificate (12 credits) in Catholic Studies. The Catholic Studies program can appeal to students of any creed who seek to deepen their knowledge of Catholicism’s rich intellectual tradition and living heritage. An interpersonal approach to learning and many opportunities for spiritual reflection invite students to a more profound and mature understanding of faith. A good number of students are enrolled as double majors or minors, thus enhancing their primary majors. A degree in Catholic Studies complements their primary majors in diplomacy, business, philosophy, theology, social work and other disciplines. Because of its emphasis on close interaction with faculty members, students and alumni, those who choose to participate in the program are part of a unique intellectual community.
Students pursuing a degree in Catholic Studies may apply for several competitive scholarships including Scholarships for Catholic Studies Majors; Scholarships for Catholic Studies Minors from the Diplomacy, Business or Sciences programs; Scholarships for Incoming Freshmen in Catholic Studies; Father Walter Debold Scholarship for students participating in foreign study and the Reverend Richard M. Nardone (‘50) Endowed Scholarship in Catholic Studies. Additional scholarships are provided by the University of Münster to students who take either a semester or a year-long study in Germany.
Catholic Studies Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a major in Catholic Studies will be:
- Knowledgeable of Catholic Intellectual Tradition and the key ideas of the discipline.
- Knowledgeable of resources from the Catholic Intellectual Tradition that will allow them to explore critically and creatively the history and contemporary significance of Catholicism.
- Knowledgeable of major Catholic figures from a variety of historical-cultural settings.
- Able to connect Catholicism to particular disciplines and professions and apply different disciplinary perspectives and methodologies to the study of Catholicism drawing upon the perspectives of the Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Professions.
- Able to apply Catholicism and Catholic Social Teaching to real-life situations.
- Able to identify and offer solutions to ethical-moral issues applying principles of Catholic Intellectual Tradition
Requirements for a CAST Major
Except for dual-degree programs appearing in the undergraduate catalog, at most 12 credits will be accepted from another program or major. Further, at least 18 credits must be taken as distinct CAST upper level courses under the CAST program designation.
No exceptions will be permitted without the explicit and prior consent of the Catholic Studies Director.
Link to College Core requirement.