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. 

Jeffery S. Kelly Scholarship

As a Catholic studies major or minor, you are eligible to apply for the Jeffery S. Kelly Scholarship.

Scholarships are paid in the amounts of:

  • $2,500 for all declared majors, renewable annually
  • $1,250 for all declared minors, renewable annually
  • Complete the online application.
  • Interview with the chair of the department.
  • The interview is conversational: to understand the student’s interest in Catholic studies, to introduce our professors and classes and to understand how the major or minor will fit in the student’s degree plan.
  • The interview is not competitive, and no special preparation is required.
  • Meet with your academic advisor. This may take place before or after the interview with the chair of the Department of Catholic Studies.
  • Declare the major or minor in DORI.
  • Full-time enrollment with 12 or more credits.
  • Good academic standing.
  • Meet with the chair of Catholic studies or an approved professor of Catholic studies, prior to registering for classes every semester.
  • Complete a survey and exit interview with the chair of Catholic studies prior to graduation.

Meet Our Faculty

Dr. Kenneth Parker

Dr. Kenneth Parker

Chair & Professor, Catholic Studies, Professor of Historical Theology, Ryan Endowed Chair for Newman Studies

Dr. Elizabeth Cochran

Dr. Elizabeth Cochran

Professor, Catholic Studies and Theology

Fr. Drew Morgan

Fr. Drew Morgan

Assistant Professor, Catholic Studies & President of the Board of Directors, National Institute for Newman Studies

Dr. Kathleen Roberts

Dr. Kathleen Roberts

Professor, Catholic Studies

Dr. James Swindal

Dr. James Swindal

Professor, Catholic Studies and Philosophy

Dr. William Wright

Dr. William Wright

Professor, Catholic Studies and Theology

Contact for more info

Gerriet Suiter

Program Manager