Department of Catholic Studies

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The Department of Catholic Studies welcomes you to an integrated, interdisciplinary program grounded in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. Developed from a belief in the unity of all knowledge, a degree in Catholic Studies prepares you to engage the study of all things—from the arts to the sciences—from a perspective that celebrates the complementarity of faith and reason, truth and goodness, nature and grace, faith and action, beauty and knowledge, and more.

Catholic Studies offers major and minor programs. Catholic Studies enriches and complements degrees in nursing, business, pharmacy, health sciences, music, and a wide range of the liberal arts. In addition to intellectual formation, Catholic Studies will provide you with many opportunities for cultural formation, from the annual Advent Party and Catholic Studies Fish Fry to smaller events and outings throughout the year.

The Catholic Intellectual Tradition has been lived in diverse historical contexts and cultural forms for two millennia, unified by a common faith in Jesus Christ. While it is neither a theology, nor a catechetics, nor a religious studies program, Catholic Studies is rooted in the belief that the Incarnation transforms reality and changes every aspect of human life. Catholic and non-Catholic students alike engage in Catholic Studies to encounter those great topics that give meaning and purpose to life.

Scholarship

St. John Henry Newman Scholarship

A one-year, renewable scholarship for students pursuing a second major in Catholic Studies

Awarded to five students each year. These students must be sophomores, juniors, or seniors, who are pursuing a second major in Catholic Studies.
The scholarship is a total of $2,000.
The scholarship is awarded in $1,000 increments - one each semester.
Students may receive the scholarship more than once, but must reapply on an annual basis.
The application deadline for the St. John Henry Newman Scholarship is August 1st.

St. Catherine of Siena Scholarship

A four-year scholarship for students pursuing a Nursing major and a Catholic Studies minor

Awarded to three students each year. These students must be pursuing a BSN in Nursing, and eligible to pursue a minor in Catholic Studies.
The scholarship is a total of $3,750.
The scholarship is awarded in $750 increments, based on the number of CATH credits taken each semester.
The application deadline for the St. Catherine of Siena Scholarship is August 1st.

Nursing students walking outside of Canavin Hall.

All Saints Scholarship

A one-year, renewable scholarship for non-Liberal Arts students pursuing a minor in Catholic Studies

Awarded to three students each year. These students must be pursuing a non-Liberal Arts major, as well as a minor in Catholic Studies.
The scholarship is a total of $1,000.
The scholarship is awarded in $500 increments - one each semester.
Students may receive the scholarship more than once, but must reapply on an annual basis.
The application deadline for the All Saints Scholarship is August 1st.

Samiya Henry being honored for the Spirit of Diversity Award.

St. Thomas Aquinas Scholarship

A one-time scholarship for first-year students pursuing a second major in Catholic Studies

Awarded to three students each year. These students must declare a second major in Catholic Studies by the end of the fall semester.
Students enrolled in CATH courses during both the fall and spring semesters are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship. The easiest way to qualify is by joining the Catholica Learning Community.
Students enrolled in a CATH course during only the spring semester are eligible for a $500 scholarship.
Both the $1,000 and the $500 scholarships are awarded before the start of the spring semester.
The application deadline for the St. Thomas Aquinas Scholarship is December 1st.

Viv Kuliecza in a Duquesne University sweatshirt.

"One thing that stands out about the Catholic Studies Department at Duquesne is how intentional and supportive they are in helping students fit Catholic Studies into their academic journey, no matter their major or schedule. The department has given me countless opportunities to grow in my faith through engaging classes, meaningful community events, and other inspiring experiences, such as traveling to the University of Notre Dame for their annual conference on Catholic ethics and culture."

-Elizabeth Corbett

"What makes the Catholic studies department enjoyable is the fact that the faculty want to hear from the students and make sure that the students' needs are met. They help make lasting connections with students so they feel welcome and heard."

—Samiya Henry

“Being a major in Catholic Studies has deepened my understanding of the Faith and has been an excellent source of community. The Department truly cares about its students' success and ensuring all students have a positive experience.”

-Braden Niles

"The Catholic Studies classes at Duquesne have been the cornerstone of my intellectual and spiritual formation. Through engaging courses in theology, philosophy, Church history, and Catholic social teaching, I was consistently challenged to think critically, ask deeper questions, and grow in both knowledge and faith...Catholic Studies is not just a major, but a family, where your fellow scholars become your greatest friends and companions in faith."

-Erin Kirk