The Catholic Studies Major prepares students for graduate study or a profession or a clerical, religious, or lay calling in a pastorally related field. These include a vocation in youth ministry, religious education, religious education management, parish leadership, diocesan administration, publishing, religious communications, retreat direction, humanitarian and community services, a career in law, business, or a variety of public leadership positions, the Diaconate, priesthood, or a religious order.

In addition to a meaningful education in Catholic Studies with a pastoral emphasis, students will have the opportunity to focus their interest with additional coursework, research, a second major, minors, and internships in specific areas of career preparation.

CatholicStudiesUndergraduate_AnnaMariaCollege

CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS

Course of Study

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Curriculum Highlights

THE 2/300 – Catholic History

Required

This course examines the social, cultural and institutional history of the Catholic Church in the United States specifically and in North America more broadly.

3 credits

THE 2/300 – Scripture

Required

This course teaches students to explore and understand the Bible from a Catholic perspective, including an introduction to the Bible, principles of Catholic biblical interpretation, in-depth study of various books and themes, and connections to Church teachings and traditions.

3 credits

THE 2/300 – Theology

Required

Theology is an ongoing search for understanding and truth about God, humanity and all reality. It is a core discipline of the Catholic intellectual tradition. The study of theology involves a structured exploration of the Bible, Tradition and Church teaching

3 credits

THE 2/300 – Catholic Art/Literature

Required

The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of Catholic art and literature, including visual arts such as painting, sculpture, and architecture, as well as literature such as poetry, drama, and religious texts.

3 credits

THE 2/300 – Catholic Spirituality or Morality

Required

This course teaches students about the foundational beliefs and practices of the Catholic faith as they relate to personal and communal moral and spiritual formation.

3 credits

THE 490 – Senior Seminar

Required

An integration of Catholic Studies and Pastoral Studies with the General Education experience that may combine a service placement with seminar readings, discussions and papers. Each student, in collaboration with a professor, designs and completes a seminar project that best integrates their years of study at Anna Maria College.

3 credits

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Course Of Study

Career Opportunity

Education and ministry
Writing and journalism
Social work
Church music ministry
Church administration

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who earn a Bachelor of Arts in Catholic Studies will:

Enter into written and oral scholarly discourse on topics in Catholic ecclesial, liturgical, theological, philosophical, cultural, historical, and educational studies
Identify and describe foundational Catholic principles
Describe and analyze expressions of Catholic faith, theology, or spirituality as these are globally presented through art, music, or literature
Analyze and demonstrate the intersection of faith and reason in a global society, specifically in light of the Catholic intellectual tradition
Explore and demonstrate the intersection of faith and reason in courses across the curriculum
Describe the Catholic understanding of various contributions that individuals and groups can make toward forming a more peaceful society, drawing upon both moral theology and Catholic social teaching
Present a portfolio of substantial written and creative coursework in conjunction with a cumulative, integrating reflection paper