Catholic Studies

Catholic Studies: Self-Designed Major, Self-Designed Minor

From its biblical origins to today’s global realities, Catholicism continues to impact and transform humanity. Through the Catholic Studies Program, you can enter the intellectual life of the Church, its social teachings and rich cultural heritage, gaining a highly focused Jesuit and Catholic perspective on the arts, sciences, humanities, law, medicine, politics, and business.

Catholic Studies offers a rigorous, interdisciplinary approach to Catholic society and culture. You can design your own major or minor across multiple disciplines to pursue a curriculum that suits your interests and passion. Engaging with individual advisors and expert faculty in classics, English, history, World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, philosophy, religious studies, sociology, and visual arts, you can enrich your personal and career goals with the strength of purpose and moral formation that come from Catholic learning.

Program Highlights

Students are exposed to a broad range of topics such as:

the philosophy of religion
Catholicism in the U.S.
ancient Greek philosophy
Latin American history
modern religious movements and
Jesuit history

Catholic Studies News

Lee Oser, professor of English, presents his newest novel "Oregon Confetti."

English Professor Challenges Literary Norms in New Catholic Novel

“You write about what you know,” says Lee Oser, professor of English, about writing his newest novel, “Oregon Confetti” (Wiseblood Books, 2017). As a former musician in Portland, a professor of English and a committed Roman Catholic, Oser combines his …

Religious Studies Professor Discusses Pope Francis’ New Stance on Capital Punishment

Pope Francis’ declaration that the death penalty is “contrary to the Gospel” and “inadmissible,” points to his larger emphasis on mercy, said Mathew Schmalz, associate professor of religious studies, in an interview with Austrian station Radio FM4. “Well it is …

Holy Cross Academic Conference 2017 to Showcase Student Work

As the academic year nears its end, more than 350 students will present the results of their independent work in the performing and visual arts, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences at the 2017 Academic Conference, taking place across campus …