Welcome to Catholic Studies at StFX, which uses courses in theology, philosophy, literary studies, and the social sciences to gain a wider perspective on Catholicism. The Catholic Studies program at StFX emphasizes the significant contribution of Catholicism to the arts, sciences, society, human fulfillment and the overall human condition.
Career Options
The program is particularly beneficial to students interested in a teaching career. Many professionals in the fields of medicine, law, finance, business and education find that spiritual study offers a vital underpinning for their day-to-day work.
The First Year
Students intending to major in Catholic Studies take Religious Studies 100, followed by Catholic Studies 200 which provides a history of the Church in four major areas: the Trinitarian and Christological Councils; the medieval Church; Reformation and Counter Reformation; and the First and Second Vatican Councils. Students also sample various introductory courses in philosophy, history, classics and other humanities.
Degree Choices
Catholic Studies is an interdisciplinary program in the theology, history, artistic culture, literature, philosophy and institutions associated with Roman Catholicism. Students can pursue it as a major with 24 credits from core courses in Catholic Studies and 12 credits from chosen electives.
Why StFX?
The program offers an intimate learning environment in which students explore some of the most challenging and valuable topics within the Catholic doctrine, such as human nature, the necessity of grace, and the compatibility of faith, reason and freedom.