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EnglishWhat Academic Programs Does The Catholic University of America Offer?
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The Catholic University of America offers more than 250 academic programs across three levels: majors and minors for undergraduates, master's programs, and doctoral programs. That range makes it a fit for students who want a traditional four-year undergraduate degree as well as those planning advanced study in a master's or doctoral program. The university describes itself as the national university of the Catholic Church and the only Catholic college founded by the U.S. bishops, established in 1887 in Washington, D.C.
Program levels at a glance
| Level | What the university lists | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Majors and minors | Students seeking a bachelor's degree, including those who want a minor alongside their major |
| Graduate — master's | Master's programs | Students continuing after a bachelor's degree for advanced training |
| Graduate — doctoral | Doctoral programs | Students pursuing research or the highest credential in their field |
The "250+" figure covers all of these together, so the number of options available at any single level is smaller than 250. Use the level that matches your goal when comparing choices.
What the university emphasizes about its programs
The site frames academics around three themes it repeats across student stories: goodness, close community, and service. It also pairs academic study with faith and reason, describing its Catholic identity as distinctive even among Catholic universities in the United States. Campus ministry and service opportunities are presented as part of student life rather than as academic programs, so treat them as complementary to a degree, not a substitute for one.
Outcomes worth checking before you apply
The university reports that 93% of undergraduates are employed, in graduate school, or engaged in service or religious life six months after graduation, and that 71% of students participate in some form of co-op or similar experience (the published figure is cut off at "co"). These are the university's own reported numbers, so ask admissions for the full methodology and the specific program you're considering if outcome data matters to your decision.
How to narrow down the right program
- Decide your level first. If you don't yet hold a bachelor's degree, start with majors and minors. If you do, compare master's and doctoral offerings.
- Check the specific program page. The 250+ count is an aggregate; confirm that the field you want exists at your level and review its requirements.
- Visit or attend an open house. The university runs an open house for prospective students on November 14 and offers campus tours on dates you choose, plus virtual visits. These are the fastest way to get program questions answered directly.
- Ask about outcomes for your program. Request employment or placement data specific to the department, not just the university-wide figure.
Common sticking points
- Treating 250+ as a single-level count. It spans undergraduate, master's, and doctoral offerings combined.
- Assuming every field is available at every level. Confirm the level before you invest time in an application.
- Confusing campus life with academics. Faith, service, and ministry are prominent on the site but sit alongside the degree programs, not within them.
If your goal is a bachelor's degree with room for a minor, or advanced study in a master's or doctoral program, the university's stated program range covers all three paths. The next step is to verify your specific field at your intended level and book a visit or tour to see the 173-acre campus in Washington, D.C.