Do you want to understand the relationship between the Catholic faith and your intellectual pursuits? Regardless of your religious faith and background, the Department of Catholic Studies welcomes you to immerse yourself in an interdisciplinary study of the Catholic faith and the contributions of Catholicism to world history as well as local and global culture.
This tradition has been lived in different historical contexts and cultural forms for two millennia, united by a common faith in Jesus Christ. It forms a church communion that continues to have significant impact on our understanding of reality and therefore every discipline across the university.
Whether you’re majoring or minoring, as a Catholic studies student, you'll learn to identify the theological and philosophical tenets, doctrines and practices that distinguish Catholicism from other religions, all while building a broader knowledge base through Duquesne’s broad, liberal arts education. You’ll find limitless ways to apply Catholic teaching and principles to broader fields of study—whether business or nursing, humanities or the sciences.
As a Catholic studies major or minor, you’ll learn to describe the church as a global human family and culturally diverse gift of God's creation, while allying Spiritan principles of justice, peace and the integrity of creation (JPIC) in personal and professional life. You’ll grow comfortable demonstrating leadership, teamwork and service in Catholic, ecumenical, inter-religious contexts.
You will also learn to articulate the impact of Catholicism on various aspects of human civilization and in different historical moments while communicating with fluency salient points about major figures in Catholic artistic and intellectual traditions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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."
"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."
“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.”
"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."
Contact for more info
Ren Witter
Meet Our Faculty
Dr. William Wright
Chair of Catholic Studies and Professor, Catholic Studies and Theology
Dr. Kenneth Parker
Professor, Catholic Studies, Professor of Historical Theology, Ryan Endowed Chair for Newman Studies
Dr. Elizabeth Cochran
Professor, Catholic Studies and Theology
Dr. James Swindal
Professor, Catholic Studies and Philosophy
Dr. Kathleen Roberts
Professor, Catholic Studies
Dr. Anthony Wachs
Assistant Professor, Catholic Studies and Communication & Rhetorical Studies
Dr. Edmund Lazzari
Teaching Fellow and Assistant Coordinator for External Programs
Affiliated Faculty
Dr. Thérèse Bonin
Associate Professor of Philosophy
Dr. Matthew Kostek
Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
Dr. Janie Harden Fritz
Chair and Professor of Communications and Rhetorical Studies
Dr. Jotham Parsons
Associate Professor of History
Fr. John Sawicki, CSSp.
Teaching Assistant Professor and Director, Center for International Relations
Dr. John Slattery
Executive Director, Carl G. Grefenstete Center for Ethics in Science, Technology, and Law