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Catholic Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

Catholic Studies offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the intellectual, spiritual, and cultural dimensions of the Catholic tradition. This program examines how Catholic thought has shaped religious doctrine, ethical frameworks, historical developments, and societal institutions across time and geography.

  • Biblical Greek and Hebrew: Study of the original languages of the Christian scriptures, enabling deeper interpretation of sacred texts and their historical context.
  • Catholic Theology: In-depth analysis of core doctrines, sacramental life, and theological reflection within the Catholic tradition.
  • Church History: Examination of the development of the Catholic Church from its origins through major historical movements, councils, and global expansions.
  • Catholic Social Thought: Investigation of ethical principles derived from Catholic teachings, particularly in relation to justice, human dignity, and the common good.
  • Catholic Bioethics: Critical engagement with moral questions in medicine, science, and technology through the lens of Catholic moral theology.
  • Philosophy: Exploration of classical and modern philosophical traditions, especially those foundational to Catholic intellectual heritage, including Aristotelian and Thomistic thought.
  • Latin: Training in the liturgical and scholarly language of the Church, essential for accessing primary historical and theological sources.

Catholic Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)

51
Total Graduates (2023-2024)
6
Universities & Colleges
1
Career Pathways

Catholic Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook

The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Catholic Studies degrees, including Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 11,430 professionals.


National Average Salaries

Occupation Median Salary Salary Range Total Employment Hourly Rate
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1062 $84,290 $51,130 - $164,650 11,430 N/A

Catholic Studies Salary Map by State

Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $61,920 in Florida to $113,070 in California—a 83% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Vermont, and Kansas. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 11,430 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.

Average Salary Range:

Top Universities for Catholic Studies by Graduate Enrollment

Below are the top 5 institutions offering Catholic Studies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Catholic Studies is found at Franciscan University of Steubenville (34 graduates), Saint Louis University (SLU) (5 graduates), Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU) (3 graduates), Ave Maria University (AMU) (2 graduates), and Athenaeum of Ohio (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 51 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.

College Name Award Levels Graduates Location Control Website
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Master's
34 Steubenville, Ohio Private franciscan.edu
Saint Louis University (SLU)
Bachelor's
5 Saint Louis, Missouri Private slu.edu
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU)
Other Award
3 Baton Rouge, Louisiana Private franu.edu
Ave Maria University (AMU)
Bachelor's
2 Ave Maria, Florida Private avemaria.edu
Athenaeum of Ohio
Master's
1 Cincinnati, Ohio Private athenaeum.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Catholic Studies programs

How much can I earn with a Catholic Studies degree?

Salaries for Catholic Studies graduates vary by role and location. Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $84,290 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $113,070 compared to $61,920 in Florida. Approximately 11,430 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.

Which universities have the largest Catholic Studies programs?

Currently 6 accredited institutions offer Catholic Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Franciscan University of Steubenville (34 graduates), Saint Louis University (SLU) (5 graduates), and Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU) (3 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.

What career paths are available with a Catholic Studies degree?

This degree prepares you for roles such as Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 11,430 professionals nationwide.

Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.

Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

Related Philosophy Programs

Explore similar degree programs within the Philosophy field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.