Welcome to The Catholic University of America’s
School of Theology and Religious Studies

 Our Undergraduate Programs

Our Graduate Programs

How to Apply to Graduate Programs

Graduate Transfer Credits

Tuition Costs and Scholarship Opportunities

TRS in the Professional World

 Our Undergraduate Programs

While Theology and Religious Studies is its own School at CUA, our undergraduate degrees are conferred by the School of Arts and Sciences.  Detailed information can be found on our Undergraduate Programs page.

Undergraduate Students may pursue the following degrees:

• BA/MA Combination Degree Program in Theology & Religious Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Theology & Religious Studies
• Minor in Theology & Religious Studies
• Certificate in Pastoral Ministry.

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 Our Graduate Programs - Degrees Offered and Academic Areas

The School of Theology and Religious Studies offers civil, ecclesiastical, and pastoral degrees.  Detailed information on each degree can be found on our Graduate Programs page.

Civil Degrees: M.A., Ph.D. - The most common degrees offered by the School, the civil degrees focus on high quality, scholarly research.
Ecclesiastical Degrees: S.T.B., S.T.L, S.T.D. - The School of Theology and Religious Studies is an ecclesiastical faculty. In virtue of its accreditation by the Holy See, programs leading to certain degrees in theology are recognized as having canonical effects. Follow the link above for more details on ecclesiastical degrees.
Pastoral Degrees: M.R.E., M.Div., D.Min. - Professional degrees designed for specific types of ministry.
 

 

 

 

The School is organized into seven Academic Areas.  Students will apply into an area and be assigned an advisor from that area.  While the majority of the student's courses will come from their specific area, there are many opportunities, and in some cases requirements that will take a student into the other fields.  Follow the links below to see the respective area's page for more details.

• Religion and Culture
• Biblical Studies
• Church History
• Historical and Systemic Theology
• Liturgical Studies and Sacramental Theology
• Moral Theology and Ethics
• Pastoral Studies (Spirituality, Religious Ed./Cat. and Pastoral Ministry)

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 How to Apply to Graduate Programs

Our graduate school has a rolling deadline for admission.  We will accept applications up to August 1, but doctoral applicants wishing to be considered for scholarships need to have their applications complete and in our hands by the end of February.

If applying online:

1. Create an account for a Graduate Application. (If you are returning to an application you have already begun, login here.)
2. Fill in personal information, address, and employment history. 
3. Fill in application type, then select: "STRS" for program of study and a degree, such as "Spirituality - M.A." 
4. Fill in education history and academic history 
5. Note: For some programs, you may have a copy of the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) scores sent in the place of the GRE scores. 
6. Fill in any disciplinary information. 
7. Fill in any recent activities in which you have participated. 
8. Print recommendation forms to be mailed to the Office of Graduate Admissions. 
9. Upload your Statement of Purpose essay to the online application. 
10. Upload your unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate level or higher courses.
11. Submit contact information for three recommenders.
12. Pay your $55 application fee.
13. Submit application. 

After submitting the application, arrange to have the following sent:

Please have them mailed to:

The Catholic University of America
Office of Graduate Admissions
620 Michigan Ave, NE
Washington, DC 20064

Important Dates

• December 1: Application due for Spring Semester. 
• February 28: Deadline for doctoral applications that wish to be considered for scholarships.
• August 1: Application due for Fall Semester.

Online applications are encouraged, but applications are also available to print and mail in.

During the application process: 

- Apply for need-based through the Office of Financial Aid. 
- Check online for the status of your application
- Visit the University (To set up a visit to the university please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions).

After you have decided to attend our School of Theology and Religious Studies and have paid your matriculation fee:

1. Create a login I.D. and password for Cardinal Station.
2. Choose your classes on Cardinal Station after consulting with your advisor. Additionally, you should include alternate choices in case certain classes become unavailable. Be certain to consult the course registration information that was mailed to you. 
3. Upload your Cardinal Card I.D. photo online.

General Notes:

All applications are processed through the Office of Graduate Studies.  If you have any questions regarding the application process and deadlines, please call 202-319-5057.  For specific questions about the School of Theology and Religious Studies, please call us at 202-319-5683 or email the Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions.

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Transfer Credits

In general, students entering a master's level program in the School of Theology and Religious Studies may transfer up to six credit hours from courses taken at other institutions toward completion of their degree requirements. Students entering into doctoral studies may transfer up to 24 credit hours from courses taken at other institutions toward completion of their degree programs. The university requires that such courses be relevant to the degree program requirements, and that the courses be taken at institutions with accreditation from regional associations. Ordinarily, courses taken as part of a previously-completed degree program will not be accepted for transfer.

Individual degree programs within the School of Theology and Religious Studies may have different policies, and all transfer courses must be approved by the director of the student's academic area, so prospective students are encouraged to consult with the area director to find out whether or not their proposed transfer courses will be approved.

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Tuition Costs and Scholarship Opportunities

We offer competitive financial aid, scholarships and assistantship opportunities at the School of Theology and Religious Studies.  For more information, please see the Office of Financial Aid.

Catholic School Teacher’s Tuition Waiver

A Catholic School Teacher’s Tuition Waiver for one half of the student’s tuition is available to full-time teachers, administrators, librarians and guidance counselors who are employed by a Catholic elementary or secondary school.

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 TRS in the Professional World

Wondering what you can do with a degree in Theology and Religious Studies?  Check out our Alumni Page to see what our recent graduates are up to.

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