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Master's and Licentiate Students

Doctoral students, frequently asked questions.

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Welcome to The Catholic University of America's Graduate Studies website! The Office of the Senior Vice Provost for Academic Administration and Dean of Graduate Studies works collaboratively with faculty and administrators from Catholic University's twelve schools to enhance the academic quality of graduate programs, and provides leadership and support to the University's graduate mission.

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Department of Politics

• Graduate Programs
• Ph.D. in Politics
• M.A. in Politics

The Catholic University of America is one of the oldest research universities in the United States, and the Politics Department has a long tradition of doctoral scholarship.

The Ph.D. in politics offers concentrations in Political Theory, World Politics, and American Government.  Class sizes are small--generally under ten students per course--and feature traditional seminar-style environments and close working relationships with Politics Department faculty.  Our doctoral students achieve breadth of training with a minor as well as a major field and a required course sequence in political theory.  They deepen their expertise through seminar papers, a range of specialized elective classes, the opportunity for independent study courses with individual professors, and especially through the dissertation:  a rigorous culminating research project under the supervision of our faculty.  A limited number of merit scholarships and teaching assistantships are available on a competitive basis for highly qualified students.

Coursework and examinations are designed to be completed in three years of full-time study (three courses in each of six semesters, concurrent with comprehensive examinations at multiple stages).  Students with prior Master's degrees, or who take a more ambitious course load, are often able to meet these requirements more quickly.  Students who work full-time have the option to pursue coursework part-time (one or two classes per semester); our classes are generally scheduled in the evenings to facilitate this.  As an independent work of serious scholarship, the doctoral dissertation also requires a significant time commitment.  Overall, our median Ph.D. total time to degree (including time working towards the MA, if obtained in our department) is under seven years, which is very competitive with the national average in the field.

Graduates of our doctoral program have pursued a range of careers not only as scholars and teachers but also in other areas of higher education and in policy analysis, politics and advocacy, and government service. Several of our graduate alumni have gone on to publish scholarly books:  recent and forthcoming volumes analyze such themes as polarization in the U.S. Senate , human rights in Turkey , counterterrorism policy in Europe, the political thought of Peter Viereck , and the imagination of Ronald Reagan .

Doctor of Philosophy Details and Requirements

Conway School of Nursing

• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.)
• Graduate Degree Programs
• Course Requirements
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• Comprehensive Exams
• Guided Study Registration
• Registration Procedures

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Elevate Your Expertise: Embrace the Tradition of Trailblazing Nursing Research

Embark on a transformative journey with Catholic University's Ph.D. in Nursing, a pioneer since the 1960s. Our Conway School of Nursing, rooted in excellence, features renowned faculty and a legacy of competitive federal grants, highlighting our commitment to cutting-edge research.

Our research-intensive online program is designed for flexibility so you can craft a dissertation tailored to your passion, guided by dedicated faculty mentors, preparing you to lead in academia and clinical settings. With a focus on philosophy, statistics, qualitative and quantitative methods, bioethics, and health care policy, our curriculum shapes the next generation of nurse researchers. Elevate your role as a nurse scientist, contributing expertise and compassion to address critical healthcare needs. Join us to make a lasting impact on nursing science and patient care.  

Admissions Requirement

To apply to the online Ph.D. in nursing program, you must meet the following requirements and submit the following items using The Catholic University of America’s   online Graduate Application . To be considered for admission to the Ph.D. in nursing program, you must hold baccalaureate and master's degrees in nursing from an accredited institution with a nursing program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Graduates of international programs not accredited by the NLNAC or CCNE must have transcripts evaluated and comparability to an American degrees established. To apply, submit:

• A completed graduate nursing application.
• Curriculum vitae or resume.
• Transcripts of undergraduate and graduate study that provide evidence of academic ability to complete the program and do original research. A GPA of 3.2 or higher is desired.
• Three letters of reference (at least one from a former dean, former faculty member or academic adviser and at least one from a current or former supervisor preferably in a clinical practice/research/academic setting).
• A written statement of career goals and proposed area of research.
• A copy of a recent scholarly paper, research report or publication related to clinical nursing
• International applicants should attach copies of all grade reports, certificates, and transcripts at the time of application in both the original language and in English translation. English proficiency and proof of funding documents must be presented to the Office of Graduate Admissions either by postal mail or in person. These documents will not be accepted through the online application.
• $60 non-refundable application fee
• International students must meet all University requirements, including TOEFL scores to be considered.

Program Plan

• NURS 916DSeminar in Nursing Scholarship [1cr]
• NURS 671D Healthcare Biostatistics [3cr]
• NURS 903D Philosophy of Science [3cr]

Spring 

• NURS 907D TheoryDevelopment [3cr]
• NURS 805D Advanced Statistics and Research Methods in Healthcare [3cr]

Session I 

• NURS 908D Qualitative research [3cr]
• NURS 909D Quantitative Research in Nursing [3cr]
• Cognate I [3cr]

Session I & II 

•  NURS 923D Clinical Problems I: Theoretical Considerations [3cr]
• NURS 806DMultivariate Statistics in Healthcare Research [3cr]
• NURS 924D Clinical Problems II: Design Considerations [3cr]
• NURS 926D Health Policy [3cr]

Summer 

• NURS 802D/PHIL 505 Bioethics [3cr]
• Cognate II [3cr]
• 922D Research practicum [3cr]

Year 3 

•  NURS 911D Advanced Qualitative Methods [3cr] OR NURS 910D Advanced Quantitative Methods [3cr]

Session II 

• NURS 911D Advanced Qualitative Methods [3cr] OR NURS 910D Advanced Quantitative Methods [3cr]
•  NURS 930D Seminar in Research Proposals [3cr]
• Cognate III
• NURS 930D Seminar in Research Proposals [3cr]
• Comprehensive Examination
• NURS 996D Dissertation guidance +

*All plans are for example only. Individual plans are worked out with one’s Academic Advisor. Some students may finish programs in shorter periods than illustrated in the samples. Availability and personal preference for summer courses and the number of credits taken each semester will affect program length.

+ Dissertation guidance ongoing until completion.

Sessions are 7-8 weeks in length. Some courses are conducted throughout two sessions.

DNP to PhD Program Plan

• NURS 916D Seminar in Nursing Scholarship [1cr]
• NURS 907D Theory Development [3cr]
• NURS 923D Clinical Problems I: Theoretical Considerations [3cr]
• NURS 805D Advanced Statistics and Research Methods in Healthcare [3cr] 
• Congate I [3cr]
• NURS 802D Bioethics [3cr]
• NURS 922D Practicum [3cr] 
• NURS 911D Adv Qualitative or NURS 910 Adv Quantitative [3cr]
• Cognate III [3cr]
• NURS 996D Dissertation Guidance [3cr] +

*All plans are for example only. Individual plans are worked out with one’s Academic Advisor. Some students may finish programs in shorter periods than illustrated in the samples. Availability, personal preference for summer courses, and the number of credits taken each semester will affect program length.

Program Highlights

• Personalized Guidance: Faculty commitment and personal guidance are the cornerstones of our Ph.D. program, ensuring a supportive journey throughout your time in our program.
• Diverse Expertise: Our faculty, representing various nursing backgrounds, bring a wealth of clinical practice, research, education, and healthcare leadership experiences, fostering a rich learning environment.
• Online Flexibility with Personal Touch:   Our online Ph.D. program offers flexibility without compromising personal interaction, featuring small classrooms, live sessions, and faculty support.
• Innovative Program Design: The program's innovative structure enables swift completion of coursework, allowing students to promptly engage in meaningful dissertation research experiences.
• Excellence in Research:   Faculty expertise and commitment to the pursuit of excellence in research are showcased through support of a range of dissertation topics advancing the nursing profession.
• Faith-Based Nursing Practice: Grounded in Catholic values, our program emphasizes the spiritual nature of nursing practice, providing a purposeful foundation for Ph.D.-prepared graduates.

School of Philosophy

• Graduate Programs

Ph.D. in Philosophy Program Overview

Master of arts or licentiate in philosophy, dual degree program.

Formally inaugurated in 1895 as a graduate faculty exclusively, the School of Philosophy has accepted doctoral dissertations on issues confronting every major philosophical discipline and figure in the history of philosophy.

The School shares a broad consensus on the definitive importance of two perennial questions: What is the human good? What are the ultimate principles of being and knowledge? The awareness of these questions and the study of their possible answers constitute an end and an ethos in light of which the School chooses to concentrate on the careful reading of primary sources in the history of philosophy. The School has degree programs that culminate in the Master of Arts (M.A.) and Doctoral degree (Ph.D.). As an ecclesiastical faculty, it is also authorized to grant the Licentiate in Philosophy (Ph.L.) and ecclesiastical doctorate in philosophy (Ph.D.).

Students already in possession of an M.A. in philosophy, with a thesis, or a Ph.L. degree, spend at least four additional semesters taking coursework and meeting other requirements necessary to achieve doctoral candidacy before turning to work on a dissertation.

A minimum of eight graduate courses in select philosophical disciplines, including one course in symbolic logic and a thesis, is required before regular standing as an M.A. candidate is achieved.

The dual-degree program (J.D./M.A.) is designed to equip students for a career in law by teaching them to think about the law with a depth and facility that otherwise might not be developed.

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Department of Biology

• Graduate Programs

Biology (M.S.)

Biotechnology (m.s.), biology and library and information science (m.s./m.s.l.i.s.), biology (ph.d.).

The graduate Biology program at The Catholic University of America is a small, focused, and collegial program that engages in state-of-the-art research in cell, microbial, and molecular biology.

The students will find the faculty highly accessible with a strong commitment to mentor graduate students. The program is comprehensive and offers a variety of choices that fit the needs and goals of virtually every prospective student. Off-campus collaborations with such renowned organizations as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, and Johns Hopkins University provide excellent opportunities for the graduate students to broaden their research horizons.

Every year, the department hosts a graduate research symposium , which provides students with the opportunity to gain experience in presenting their research and network with some of those already leading the way in biology research.

National Catholic School of Social Service

• Ph.D. Program

Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.)

Full-time and part-time curriculum.

Earn the highest degree in the social work profession – the Ph.D. In keeping with the mission of The Catholic University of America, NCSSS prepares doctoral students to teach, research, and lead from a framework of mercy, charity, justice and peace that emanate from the teachings of Jesus Christ, and are expressed in the social and moral doctrine of the Church.

The Doctor of Philosophy degree is awarded as the mark of the highest academic achievement in preparation for active scholarship, research, and leadership in the social work profession. The doctoral program is committed to imbuing students with the knowledge, skills, and vision to promote human rights and social justice. It seeks to further the development of the profession through scholarly research, theory building, and leadership, so that it may increasingly serve society in the prevention, intervention, and ultimate alleviation of social problems as well as in the enhancement of social well-being.

Ph.D. Program Goals

Grounded in the content of the curriculum, doctoral graduates are prepared to:

• Contribute to the critique, transformation, and dissemination of knowledge for the profession in response to existing and emerging social problems.
• Apply humanistic values, ethical principles, and philosophical and theoretical perspectives to the understanding and alleviation of these problems.
• Promote and enhance the role of social work in society by assuming leadership and research roles in clinical practice, administration, social policy analysis, and social work education.

Learn about the options for the full-time and part-time curriculum.

Contact Information

Professional M.S.W. social workers considering doctoral program education are invited to contact Eileen Dombo, Ph.D. Program Chair, to discuss their questions or schedule an appointment at 202-319-4946 or [email protected]  

Areas of Research

Find out about our top level faculty, our areas of research, and more.

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Graduate students can study within   master’s degree programs and doctoral programs in 12 schools . While the fields of study are unique and diverse, all graduate students at Catholic University have a common bond. They belong to a community of scholars who share a commitment to using their advanced knowledge and skills to serve humanity. Find out more about how you can join Catholic University’s community of graduate students, made up of scholars who, each in his or her own way, are dedicated to changing the world.

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Department of Physics

• Graduate Programs
• Physics (Ph.D.)

Doctor of Philosophy in Physics

• Physics (M.S.)
• Applied Physics and Nanotechnology (M.S. & PH.D.)
• Applied Space Weather Research (M.S.)
• Preliminary and Comprehensive Exams

Candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in physics are required to complete fifty-three semester hours, of which thirty-five must be in physics. In the physics courses, a B average must be maintained. Mastery of the material presented in PHYS 525, 611, 612, 615, 621, 622, 623, 624, 659, and 660 is required of all students. Additional work is arranged according to the preferences of the student. A maximum of nine semester hours in courses below 600 may be applied toward the degree. A comprehensive examination, which includes both written and oral parts, must be passed after the equivalent of two full years of study. In addition, candidates must present a satisfactory dissertation.

Prospective students are invited to contact the department for additional information. Nearly all full-time graduate students in Physics at Catholic University receive substantial financial support. The application for teaching assistantships and graduate fellowships can be found by clicking here .mGeneral Information about graduate admission at Catholic University is available from the Office of Admission . Dissertation forms can be found through the Graduate Studies site .

Graduate Admission

Apply for acceptance in our master's and doctoral degree programs in Physics.

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Department of Psychology

• Graduate Programs

Psychological Science (M.A.)

Psychology and law (m.a./j.d.), clinical psychology (ph.d.), developmental psychology (ph.d.), graduate career development in psychology.

Our graduate programs are designed to bring you to the next level of psychological expertise to support your personal and career development. We focus on excellent graduate teaching in small classes, with mentoring in research with first-rate faculty.  Each of our laboratories is designed to support research teams, where graduate students serve as junior colleagues.

Our M.A. in Psychological Science provides additional methodological and research expertise to improve your professional status or prepare you for more advanced study.

Our Ph.D. programs in Clinical, Social Cognitive Affective & Neuroscience (SCAN) , and Developmental Psychology support development toward careers in academia, government, industry or private practice.

The Catholic University of America's Psychology Department offers undergraduate psychology majors the best of both worlds: the close personal attention found at a small liberal arts college, and the research opportunities and facilities typical of a large research university. At the graduate level, we offer M.A. programs in Psychological Science, and Psychology and Law, in addition to Ph.D. programs in Clinical Psychology, Social Cognitive Affective & Neuroscience (SCAN), and Developmental Psychology.

This program is ideal for students to advance their psychology education and research experience. 

This joint degree program applies psychological theory and methods to legal situations.  

The Ph.D. program in clinical psychology trains students toward four main goals: acquiring a broad base of knowledge in the science of psychology, acquiring competence in all aspects of conducting clinical research, acquiring competence in the practice of clinical psychology, and acquiring the professional attitudes and behaviors necessary for successful functioning as a psychologist 

Social Cognitive Affective & Neuroscience (SCAN)

The Social Cognitive Affective & Neuroscience program offers advanced training in applied-experimental psychology and applied-cognitive science to prepare individuals for career opportunities in industry, government, and universities.

The Developmental Psychology Ph.D. program provides students with a broad base of knowledge in the science of psychology, and human development in particular.

• Biblical Studies
• Catechetics
• History of Christianity and Church History
• Historical and Systematic Theology
• Liturgical Studies and Sacramental Theology
• Moral Theology/Ethics
• Pastoral Studies
• Religion and Culture
• Spirituality

School of Theology and Religious Studies

• Graduate Programs

Doctor of Philosophy General Requirements

• Doctor of Ministry Degree Requirements
• Superior achievement and the ability to pursue graduate work, as indicated by official transcripts from previous institutions of study.
• The results of the Graduate Record Examination, GRE, or Miller Analogies Test, MAT. However, GRE scores (vs. MAT or TOEFL) are necessary for applicants to be considered for most university scholarships.
• Non-native English-speakers should demonstrate evidence of English proficiency through submission of Test of English as a Foreign Language, TOEFL, scores or through some other means.
• At least three academic letters of recommendation.

Prerequisites

Applicants should possess an M.A. in theology or religious studies as offered by this faculty, or the equivalent of this degree. Applicants who are in the process of completing an M.A. may be admitted to the program provisionally if they have maintained a minimum GPA of 3.3.  Applicants should have demonstrated ability to do serious research in theology and should manifest success in their previous study of theology and/or religious studies.

Students in the Ph.D. program should be enrolled on a full-time basis while completing their coursework (i.e., registered for at least nine credit hours per semester for at least three semesters).

Students who have completed their minimum period of residence must continue in extended residence until all the requirements for the degree are fulfilled. Extended residence requires registration for comprehensives (one credit hour), or for dissertation guidance (three credit hours) unless a student is granted a leave of absence or permission to register in absentia.

Thirty hours of coursework after the M.A. degree. Additional requirements may be specified by individual academic areas. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.3

The language requirements for Ph.D. students are set out under the degree program descriptions of the individual academic areas.

Comprehensive Examinations

Ph.D. students will be required to complete written comprehensives within the various academic areas given over the course of three days in at least three distinct areas of study. Each academic area director, in collaboration with appropriate faculty and the dean, will determine the modality of comprehensive exams.

The purpose of the comprehensive examination is not simply to examine students about knowledge already acquired within coursework, but also to provide students with the opportunity to study areas not touched upon by coursework, to deepen knowledge of areas already studied, and to synthesize and interrelate areas of theological knowledge.

Admission to Candidacy

(Admission to the Ph.D. program does not imply admission to candidacy for the degree)

• fulfilled the language requirements
• completed the coursework
• completed minor requirements
• passed the comprehensive examination
• made formal application in writing to the Ph.D. Committee chair
• been recommended by the director of the specified academic area

The Ph.D. Dissertation Proposal Approval Process

• Initial Steps of the Process  The student first secures the approval of the proposal (this consisting of two pages and addressing the following four points: background and state of the question, purpose, methodology and contribution, and originality; the appended bibliography should be limited to two pages) by the director and two readers (all of whom are ordinarily to be members of the School of Theology and Religious Studies faculty). Once that approval has been obtained, the proposal is forwarded by the director to the head of the student's area of concentration who, in turn, will circulate it to all members of the area group for their comments and approval. At this time, the student is also asked to send the Chair of the Ph.D. Committee a copy of the proposal and to arrange for a conference (whether in person or by phone) with the Chair concerning the proposal and to review the entire proposal approval process.    
• Evaluation of the Proposal by the Ph.D. Committee Once the student and director have been notified of the acceptance of the proposal by the head of the student's area group, the student should send the Chair of the Ph.D. committee an electronic copy of the proposal which the Chair, in turn, will transmit to the members of the Committee. In addition, the student is to provide the Chair with i) the Doctoral Dissertation and Topic Committee Request for Approval and ii) the Ph.D. Proposal Recommendation forms (both with the appropriate signatures). The Ph.D. Committee normally meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month; all of the above documentation should be in the hands of the Ph.D. Committee Chair one week prior to that meeting. At the meeting of the Committee, the student's director is asked to be present to answer any questions the Committee may have. The proposal may be approved by the Committee either "as is" or on the understanding that small-scale emendations will be made. In the latter case, it is the responsibility of the director to communicate the emendations asked for by the committee to the student and to ensure that these are made by the student. Once the emendations have been made to the director's satisfaction, the student should submit the revised proposal to the Ph.D. Committee Chair one week prior to the meeting. The Committee may also decide that the proposal requires major reworking and needs to be resubmitted to the Committee after such reworking. In this case as well, the director is responsible for conveying the Committee's remarks to the student and ensuring that the required reworking is carried out by the student. Once this has been done to the director's satisfaction, the student should forward the revised proposal to the Ph.D. Chair one week prior to the meeting who will bring it before the Committee.      
• Final Stages of the Dissertation Proposal Approval Process Once the Ph.D. Committee Chair has the student's proposal as approved by the Committee (or revised in accordance with the Committee's comments) as well as the two other, above-mentioned documents, the Chair will write the student a letter (with a copy to the director) officially informing the student that the proposal has been approved by the Committee. A copy of that letter will be included in the student's file which the Chair will submit to the School of Theology and Religious Studies Dean at this point. The Dean will either approve the proposal as submitted and sign the "Request for Approval Form" or ask for changes in the proposal, communicating the changes in question to the director and the student. The director and student will make the changes and resubmit the proposal to the Dean. Once the Dean has signed off on the proposal, the Dean will transmit the student's file to the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies.  The Dean of Graduate Studies, in turn, will have the proposal assessed by an evaluator from outside the School of Theology and Religious Studies. On the basis of that evaluation, the Dean of Graduate Studies will either approve the proposal as submitted or ask that it be revised in minor or major ways and will so inform the student and director. If revisions are asked for, they will need to be made by the student in consultation with the director, and the revised proposal is then to be resubmitted to the Dean of Graduate Studies who, in all cases, has the final say regarding the approval of the proposal on the part of the University.

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Department of English

• Graduate Programs

English (M.A.)

English (ph.d.), graduate funding.

• The D.C. Advantage

Pedagogical Training

Graduate placement.

The CUA MA and PhD programs in English are accepting applications for the academic year 2024-25. All applications completed by February 1 will receive full consideration for funding.  The Catholic University Department of English grants the M.A. and Ph.D. in English and American Literature, offering training in all major historical periods. Advantages of the graduate program include: 

• An excellent record of employment for our PhDs
• Small class sizes and individualized attention from a distinguished faculty
• Funding for up to seven years of graduate study
• Strong pedagogical training
• The D.C. Advantage : Access to some of the nation's finest libraries and research collections, and to the rich cultural life of the nation's capital

Graduate Admission

Affiliated programs.

Faculty from the Department of English teach courses in several affiliated programs. Many of the courses in these interdisciplinary programs also satisfy requirements for undergraduate and graduate degrees in English.

• Medieval and Byzantine Studies Program: An interdisciplinary program emphasizing the complex intertwining of theology, philosophy, Latin and vernacular languages, and history.
• Irish Studies Program : From its founding in 1887, the Catholic University of America has cultivated a unique relationship with Ireland, its people and its legacy in the modern world. The faculty in Arts and Sciences has long encouraged the study of all aspects of Irish society, from the country’s languages, art and literature to its rich religious, social and political complexity. Irish culture has shaped, and continues to shape, the present in profound ways, not only in Ireland but on the European continent, in North America and throughout the world.

New Catholic Graduate Certificate and Master’s Program in Women’s and Gender Studies Introduced

T he University of St. Thomas Houston introduces a unique approach to women’s and gender studies centered around Catholic teachings, addressing a current need among professionals working in areas where issues of gender and sexuality emerge.

Kevin Stuart, head of the Nesti Center for Faith and Culture, envisions this program as a vital tool for Catholic educators, health care personnel, and youth ministers. The forthcoming graduate certificate in sexuality and gender is an online platform designed to decode the Catholic stance on these sensitive topics into practical workplace applications.

This fresh initiative, consisting of an online four-course graduate certificate, stands out as the first to fully align with Catholic teachings, merging them with scientific knowledge about human biology. Leah Jacobson, the program manager, acknowledges the challenge Catholic professionals face in dealing with gender identity concerns, emphasizing the program’s potential in guiding informed policy-making that respects human dignity.

Boasting a 3,600 strong student body and founded in 1947, the University of St. Thomas holds recognition from the Cardinal Newman Society for its steadfast Catholic identity. The certificate program offered through the university’s Nesti Center will strive to harmonize scientific insights with the intrinsic worth of the human person as seen in Catholic doctrine.

Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston endorsed the program, aligning it with Pope Francis’s call for clarity in teachings on human sexuality and gender. The university aims to deepen these discussions through genuine scholarly endeavors.

Parallel to the certificate, the university also introduces a master’s degree in Catholic women’s and gender studies. This higher level of academic engagement allows for exploring historical, scientific, philosophical, and theological facets of sexuality and gender. Leah Jacobson foresees this program being a beacon for Catholics to actively contribute to the discussion of equality and fulfillment in society.

The programs are heralded as an opportunity for Catholics to engage comprehensively with the field of women’s and gender studies, bringing forth a genuine Catholic perspective to debates often laden with secular ideology.

Zoey Maraist, reporting for OSV News from Virginia, signifies the potential impact this Catholic educational advancement could have on broader cultural discussions.

FAQ Section

What is the new program introduced by the university of saint thomas houston.

The program is a new graduate certificate in sexuality and gender which is an online four-course study from an authentically Catholic perspective.

Why was the program created?

The program was designed to provide guidance and support for Catholic professionals who encounter gender identity issues in their work environment and to equip them with the knowledge to create informed policies.

Who can benefit from this program?

The certificate is tailored for Catholic educators, healthcare workers, youth ministers, and other professionals who want to better understand and navigate the topic of gender and sexuality within the scope of Catholic teaching.

Is there support from the Catholic Church for this program?

Yes, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston is supportive of the program, highlighting its alignment with Pope Francis’s call for clarity and reaffirmation of the church’s teachings on human sexuality and gender.

Does the University of St. Thomas offer other academic opportunities related to women’s and gender studies?

Yes, in addition to the graduate certificate, the university is also launching a master’s degree in Catholic women’s and gender studies for a deeper academic exploration of the subject.

The University of St. Thomas Houston is pioneering an educational path for Catholic professionals, launching a graduate certificate and master’s program in women’s and gender studies that embrace Catholic doctrine and scientific understanding. This move responds to a pressing need for clarity and support within Catholic frameworks facing modern gender issues, aiming to equip individuals with the credibility and knowledge to make a difference in discussions often dominated by secular perspectives. Through these programs, the university affirms its commitment to upholding the dignity of the human person and promoting true equality and happiness as understood within the Catholic faith.

M. Cathleen Kaveny, JD, PhD, to Present 17th Annual Commonweal Lecture, April 9

Cathleen Kaveny, JD, PhD

Co-hosted by the Center for Catholic Studies and the Zeta chapter of Phi Beta Kappa at Fairfield University, Dr. Kaveny of Boston College will present a lecture titled “Nostalgia, Nationalism, and American Public Life.”

Dr. Kaveny will explore these connections between a certain nostalgia for the past and concerns about present-day public life in the U.S. when she presents “Nostalgia, Nationalism, and American Public Life,” the 17 th Annual Commonweal Lecture, on Tuesday, April 9 at 7 p.m. in Fairfield University’s Dolan School of Business Event Hall. This event is free and open to the public.

Dr. Kaveny's work focuses on the intersections of law, religion, and ethics in a divided, pluralistic society. She has published more than 100 articles and essays, and her books include  Law's Virtues: Fostering Autonomy and Solidarity in American Society  (2012);  Prophecy without Contempt: Religious Discourse in the Public Square  (2016), and  Ethics at the Edges of Law: Christian Moralists and American Legal Thought  (2018).

In 2018-19, Dr. Kaveny served as the Cary and Ann Maguire Chair in Ethics and American History at the Kluge Center at the Library of Congress. She is currently the Phi Beta Kappa 2023-24 Carl F. Cranor Visiting Scholar, and the Darald and Juliet Libby Millenium Professor at Boston College, where she has dual appointments in the Law School and the Theology Department.

Dr. Kaveny received her BA from Princeton University, and her MA, M.Phil, JD, and PhD from Yale.

A popular speaker on Catholicism and public issues, her frequent essays in Commonweal magazine bring careful analysis to bear on charged topics such as the relationships between law, religion, and morality in pluralistic societies.

Join us for the 17 th Annual Commonweal Lecture with M. Cathleen Kaveny at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9 at the Quick Center for the Arts, located at 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. This event is free and open to the public.

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