Catholic Studies Program

Ines A. Murzaku, Ph.D., Director
Gloria Aroneo, MBA, Administrative Assistant
Walsh Library Room 427
(973) 275-5845
catholicstudies@shu.edu
shu.edu/catholic-studies-department/ 

Program Director: Ines Murzaku Ph.D.

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.

Delta Epsilon Sigma

DES is open to all undergraduate students who attend a Catholic University, a Junior or Senior and have a 3.5 GPA or higher. Delta Epsilon Sigma recognizes academic accomplishments, fosters scholarly activities and encourages a sense of intellectual community among its members. To be eligible for membership, candidates must be persons who have a record of outstanding academic accomplishment, who have shown dedication to intellectual activity, and who have accepted their responsibility of service to others by various service activities, coming from all schools/colleges and disciplines all over the university. Contact Dr. Ines Murzaku at Ines.Murzaku@shu.edu

Enrichment

The academic program in Catholic Studies offered by the Department of Catholic Studies, appeals to students, Catholic or not, who seek to deepen their knowledge of the riches of the Catholic intellectual tradition. Its interdisciplinary nature allows students to encounter the beauty and vitality of Catholicism as it is expressed across the disciplines.

By examining the role Catholicism has played in various cultures, students are challenged to take seriously its influence in every aspect of intellectual, spiritual and social life.

The program is flexible and the curriculum can be customized to fit with every university major. This is due to the program’s interdisciplinary nature. Students who major or minor in other disciplines are invited to take courses in the program. Such courses can shed light on the religious and humanistic dimensions of the various disciplines.

Double Major

Students are required to take six (18 credits) upper level CAST courses, including the Integrating/Capstone Seminar in Catholic Studies, offered in the FALL semester before graduation. Four (12 credits) courses are accepted to cross-count or overlap between programs.