Catholic University of America Reviews

"The Catholic University of America offers a unique 5-year dual degree program of the Bachelor of Science in Architecture (B.S. Arch.) and the Bachelor of Civil Engineering (B.C.E.). Opportunity to study abroad within both programs. Graduates of this program will gain a holistic understanding between the interrelation of architecture and engineering. This dual degree opens doors for greater career, employment and productivity potential. Several classes meet locally to study the local development of Washington, DC. Students may choose to study abroad within the program as well. I studied the architecture, history and culture living in Rome, Italy for a semester. I learned the importance of time management skills as an RA for 3 years while also balancing a social life. Students will develop leadership skills through group projects, such as comprehensive building design studio for architecture (1 semester) and capstone project for engineering (2 semesters). I am grateful for the knowledge that I gained within this program and look forward to the future doors that will open as a result."

"Wonderful experience. Enrolled in 2010 and completed dissertation in 2017. Located in Washington, DC and home to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. The professors are leaders in Catholic education and their research at the forefront of Catholic education."

"I do not highly recommend CUA for a PhD in philosophy. Although the classes offered are in "real" philosophy (unlike most programs in the USA), there are still a lot of cons to this program. First, the professors are a mixed bag. A few of them are kind, interesting, well-prepared for class, approachable, and genuinely concerned about their students, and I am truly thankful for them. Others have outlandishly arbitrary requirements for term papers or are unapproachable, even rude, if you meet with them or run into them, and some seem to feel in competition with their own students (for instance, if you argue for an interpretation of a text that does not align with their view, they are likely to mark down your grade, even if your own research is meticulous and your argument is good -- at least that has been my experience). Second, many of the doctoral students in philosophy come from Catholic colleges like TAC, so there are a lot of "fountain of all knowledge" types. Third, the philosophy department is very focused on the history of philosophy, which is not necessarily a bad thing--in many ways, I very much appreciate it, because I want to study Plato, Aristotle, etc.--but to the point where some classes are more about "exegesis" of a text than they are about actual philosophy. I love thinking about ideas, understanding philosophical theories and their implications, tracing the history of ideas, finding points of synthesis, and my love of philosophy changes the way I think and live my life. I am not a linguist, nor do I have much patience for that sort of thing. I would have thought that people interested in the linguistics of an ancient text would have gone into classics, rather than philosophy. Fourth, there are so many hoops to jump through in this program, and the school of philosophy does not make this easy for students to accomplish. You have to pass two very long (2-day) language examinations, each of which is only offered once a semester on a specific date. The comprehensive exams are also offered on only one specific date each semester. All of these exams (both languages and comps) are offered mid-semester, which is a very awkward time, given that it is too early in the term to have completed a language class. Furthermore, requirements for exams change, but students are not made aware of the changes in a timely manner. The expectations for the doctoral program are much higher than any other American or European doctoral program in philosophy. Even students who are extremely smart, driven, and motivated to finish the PhD in a reasonable amount of time are met with administrative bottlenecks. From what I have gathered, most students take nearly 10 years to complete their PhD from start to finish. Fifth, while CUA does offer some financial assistance for doctoral students, the stipend is nowhere near the cost of living. So, considering the cost of living in Washington D.C. on top of these other factors, you might want to consider going elsewhere. Unfortunately, the sad state of philosophy in the USA today is reflected in the lack of good doctoral programs in philosophy. Other programs will be shorter and have fewer requirements, but they will not offer the same degree of exposure to the history of philosophy and to the genuinely great philosophers. Therefore, despite its issues, this is still probably one of the best programs for students who want to study genuine philosophy."

"I do not highly recommend CUA for a PhD in philosophy. Although the classes offered are in "real" philosophy (unlike most programs in the USA), there are still a lot of cons to this program. First, the professors are a mixed bag. A few of them are kind, interesting, well-prepared for class, approachable, and genuinely concerned about their students, and I am truly thankful for them. Others have outlandishly arbitrary requirements for term papers or are unapproachable, even rude, if you meet with them or run into them, and some seem to feel in competition with their own students (for instance, if you argue for an interpretation of a text that does not align with their view, they are likely to mark down your grade, even if your own research is meticulous and your argument is good -- at least that has been my experience). Second, many of the doctoral students in philosophy come from Catholic colleges like TAC, so there are a lot of "fountain of all knowledge" types. Third, the philosophy department is very focused on the history of philosophy, which is not necessarily a bad thing--in many ways, I very much appreciate it, because I want to study Plato, Aristotle, etc.--but to the point where some classes are more about "exegesis" of a text than they are about actual philosophy. I love thinking about ideas, understanding philosophical theories and their implications, tracing the history of ideas, finding points of synthesis, and my love of wisdom does change the way I think and live my life. I am not a linguist, nor do I have much patience for that sort of thing. I would have thought that people interested in the linguistics of an ancient text would have gone into classics, rather than philosophy. Fourth, there are so many hoops to jump through in this program, and the school of philosophy does not make this easy for students. You have to pass two very long (2-day) language examinations, each of which is only offered once a semester on a specific date. The comprehensive exams are also offered on only one specific date each semester. All of these exams (both languages and comps) are offered mid-semester, which is a very awkward time, given that it is too early in the term to have completed a language class. Furthermore, requirements for exams change, but students are not made aware of the changes in a timely manner. Even students who are extremely smart, driven, and motivated to finish the PhD in a reasonable amount of time are met with administrative bottlenecks. From what I have gathered, most students take 8-10 years to get their PhD from start to finish. Considering the cost of living in Washington D.C. on top of these other factors, you might want to consider going elsewhere. Unfortunately, the sad state of philosophy in the USA today is reflected in the lack of good doctoral programs in philosophy. Despite its issues, this is still probably one of the best ones."

"I wold highly recommend CUA to anyone looking for a solid liberal arts education in a small college/community environment. The professors and staff give a lot of personal attention to the students, there are no fraternities, the dorm life is very inclusive, and there is tons to do in DC!"

"Catholic University's social work program offers a fairly high quality education but the administrative support around social justice is limited. The university's adherence to Catholic doctrine regarding LGBT issues and birth control (particularly their rejection of gay rights and their spearheading position in the March for Life each year) are in conflict with the basic tenets of social work and effect what is taught and how the program is managed."

"I recommend The Catholic University of America's Post-Master Certificate to prepare for Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner practice. The older population in the United States is growing exponentially and therefore, our health care system needs a corresponding nurse practitioner force to meet that need. I find that the preparation offered by CUA is not only adequate and relevant for my first and future employment in this area, but also supportive in networking and placement in the local Washington, DC area. Our coursework was rigorous, courses had a good instructor to student ratio, the student body diverse, and the setting was pleasant and safe for maintaining focus on our chosen academic pursuits. This is a great institution and I advise anyone contemplating a career in health care education or nursing to consider this choice."

"CUA offers rigorous programs, but the effort is always worth it. Professors challenge students to think deeply about important issues while encouraging students to do their best. CUA offers a true community that is supportive and welcoming to people of all traditions and backgrounds. Want to meet the future leaders of America? Go to CUA, be challenged, and rise to the occasion."

"Catholic University have an interdisciplinary curriculum and diversity of people from different backgrounds. In addition, the University is one of the most eco-friendly universities in the US and the programs at the university offered emphasize the liberal arts, professional, career education, and personal development which will help to impact our society and people around we. Attending The University will also give an opportunity to meet different people from all works of life, gain deep-rooted knowledge of other peoples cultures, their way of life, and help individuals to appreciate their own. I am convinced that this institution will help individuals gain the capability to carry out research and understand the extent to which various factors are affecting people at the grassroots level and works of life."

"Catholic University offers a wide range of fields of study and knowledgeable professors who are happy to help their students."

"The international affairs program was one of the best."

"CUA was a blessing to me. Although the music school is small, the quality of instruction is excellent. The curriculum is rigorous and doable. Unfortunately, it's too expensive to afford if you don't have a scholarship or if you're well off. The campus is small but beautiful."

"If you are looking for a college experience that welcomes diversity, embraces Christianity and open minded thinking that is strategically nestled in the Nation's Capitol of the world, look no further than the Catholic University of America (CUA). As a returning adult student, my educational journey has been a rewarding experience. Being embraced by individuals and educators who push you to think critically and strategically to make this world a better place has been a life-changing experience."

"I highly enjoyed my college and the child psychology degree program I was accepted into. I felt that it helped me get to where I want to be and to what I want to do. In the psychology department you are given the options of many different courses and tracks to better specify what you are interested in pursuing."

"It's a great school. If Catholic faith is important to you then it may be a good fit. Also has great nursing and architecture programs."

"Too religious and conservative, but the programs they had for my two majors (English and French) were strong, and I would recommend them to anyone interested in studying what I studied. I also received a lot of help from advisors in both programs when I applied to grad school - I would not have made it in without them."

"A graduate degree in Systematic Theology from America's Pontifical university has opened doors for me AROUND THE WORLD. The faculty members were extremely well published and internationally renowned. In international religious circles throughout the world, a graduate degree from Catholic University of America is a valuable calling card."

"Funding was difficult which meant I needed to have multiple jobs to get through graduate school and I did not get to take full advantage of the program."

"Catholic is a great school to attend. There is a lot to do in the surrounding area, its really close to downtown D.C. I particularly love my program. The school of social work is awesome. The staff is knowledgeable and supportive."

"Pros certainly include small class numbers with easy accessibility to instructors, as well as their openness to facilitate student understanding of coursework as they are able. Cons include a very limited offering of evening or night courses. For the professional graduate student balancing their professional life and their academic pursuits a greater course offering in the late afternoon, evening, or nighttime is really important to completing their coursework in a timely manner."