Master of Divinity in Pastoral Studies

The Catholic University of America provides a unique and supportive community, offering a personal touch while presenting diverse academic programs grounded in a liberal arts curriculum. This curriculum emphasizes the integration of faith and reason and empowers students to tackle global challenges practically and theoretically.
As a globally recognized research institution, Catholic University embraces its Catholic identity and fosters a residential college atmosphere dedicated to human flourishing. Here, education goes beyond the ordinary; we offer inspiration, practical knowledge, and unwavering support. In the heart of D.C., Catholic University is America’s leading Catholic research university. 
Scholars with exceptional academic abilities thrive here, developing into global citizens. The institution cherishes integrating faith and reason as a guiding principle, nurturing academic, spiritual, and social growth. It prepares students for their careers while equipping them to effectively address community and global issues.
Commitment to Research and Scholarship
Catholic University’s commitment to scholarly research dates back to 1900, when only 14 institutions granting doctoral degrees came together to form the Association of American Universities. 
That legacy continues today and means you get to be integral to creating knowledge, not just absorbing it. Students can engage in research as early as their first year, may receive funding and support to attend a national conference, and can present their findings at Research Day, where the whole campus community comes together to celebrate research and creative endeavors. Few universities offer opportunities to co-author a published paper while you’re still an undergrad, but here, we encourage it.
Academic Excellence 
With more than 135 majors across nine undergraduate schools, you have the flexibility—and encouragement—to explore fields like business, architecture, nursing, the performing arts, politics, and engineering, plus exploratory tracks for undeclared students.
If you have multiple academic interests, you might follow the same path as 32% of Catholic University students who pursue more than just a major—they double major, select a major and a minor, or multiple minors alongside their major. No matter what field of study you choose, you will experience the academic excellence for which Catholic University is known. You will take advantage of state-of-the-art educational spaces like team rooms and collaboration spaces in Maloney Hall, home to the Busch School of Business and cutting-edge lab facilities in the Conway School of Nursing building, is set to open in Spring 2024. Students who are interested in additional opportunities for academic rigor join the University Honors Program, where through intimate, seminar-style classes in themed clusters of courses, students find themselves pushed to be more broad-minded and rigorous, more thoughtful, quicker on their feet, more keenly critical, and more humane in their pursuit of the truth.
High-achieving students interested in a distinctive academic experience focused on exploring the conceptual foundations of the major disciplines and the latest developments in scholarship are invited to join the University Honors Program. Genuinely multicultural and interdisciplinary, the program offers more intimate, discussion-based classes in philosophy, social science, the humanities, theology, and environmental studies.
In addition to the Honors Program, the selective Cornerstone Scholars Program is a four-year academic program for accomplished, curious, and ambitious student leaders. It is an innovative and interdisciplinary program that integrates the depth and breadth of the humanities into the fabric of a Catholic University education.
In their first year, Cornerstone Scholars are on a path of academic study that aligns with their interests and prepares them for success in today’s challenging workforce or graduate school. Cornerstone courses complement a student’s academic major and will not limit other research, internship, and international study opportunities.
Explore Now: 

• Program Finder
• Minors and Certificate Programs
• Honors Program
• Research Opportunities
• Internships

The Catholic University of America is a global Catholic research university with outstanding faculty, top graduate programs, and a commitment to meaningful research, teaching, and service. Catholic University dedicates itself to forming tomorrow’s academic and professional leaders. Our students receive support on their path to success through strong faculty mentoring within their programs, a thriving interdisciplinary community of student peers, an advanced professional development program, and a network of offices and personnel that focus on graduate student success.
Why Catholic University?
The Catholic University of America is one of the original graduate schools in the United States and possesses a rich legacy of discovery and academic accomplishment in advanced scholarship. Catholic University is a comprehensive research university with 29 research facilities and offers diverse graduate programs in all 12 schools.
Our more than 150 program offerings exhibit extraordinary breadth, spanning the disciplines of the humanities, sciences, engineering, social sciences, arts, professions, and ecclesiastical programs, some of which are unique to this University.
Located in Washington, D.C., Catholic University is where scholarship, innovation, and collaboration merge to create new knowledge with faculty who are experts in their field and can expand their knowledge and network. It will be an exciting and supportive environment for pursuing your graduate studies and personal goals.
The D.C. Advantage
Washington, D.C., is the intersection of government, business, non-profit foundations, science and technology centers, and cultural organizations. The city is a bustling metropolis that serves as an extended classroom for students interested in graduate study. Students wishing to study in Washington, D.C., will find an exciting, student-friendly city to explore with all the opportunities that come with living and studying in the heart of the nation’s capital.

Explore Now:

• Explore Graduate Programs
• Graduate Research Opportunities