Catholic Distance University
American online Catholic university
Catholic Distance University (CDU) is a private online Roman Catholic university based in Charles Town, West Virginia.[1] A number of Catholic dioceses partner with CDU to educate those serving in parish ministry.[2]
History
Catholic Distance University was established in 1983 in the Arlington diocese by Bishop Thomas Jerome Welsh.[3] In 2015, the university relocated its headquarters to Charles Town, West Virginia, as part of its strategic vision. CDU offers an accredited bachelor's degree program in theology, a master's degree in theology, a master's degree in theology and educational ministry, graduate certificates, undergraduate certificates, a catechetical diploma, and a variety of catechetical certificates. In fall 2023, the university began offering an AA degree in Liberal Arts taught completely in Spanish. As of Fall 2023, CDU is the only emerging Hispanic-serving institution of higher education in the state of West Virginia. The university's programs are offered completely online; CDU offered its first online program in 2000.[4] According to Georgetown University's Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, in the academic year 2007–2008, CDU was the top Lay Ecclesial Ministry Program by number of enrollments.[5]
Presidents
In 2003, Paul Loverde became the university president as Thomas Jerome Welsh, the university's founder, became chairman emeritus. Loverde was succeeded by Marianne Evans Mount in 2008.[6]
- Thomas Jerome Welsh (1986–2003)
- Paul Loverde (2003–2008)
- Marianne Evans Mount: (2008 – June 30, 2023)
- Maria Sophia Aguirre (July 1, 2023–Present)
Academics
Catholic Distance University currently offers the Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, and Master of Arts. It also offers undergraduate and graduate certificates and non-degree programs. All of the degree and certificate programs focus on theology, liberal arts, philosophy, Catholic social teaching, and related subjects.
Accreditation and affiliations
The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission authorized Catholic Distance University to operate as a degree-granting institution of higher education in West Virginia. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission with its Graduate School of Theology accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.[6]
In March 2015 the university was also approved for membership in the International Federation of Catholic Universities on the recommendation of Catholic University of America and Australian Catholic University.[7]
References
- ^ "The Catholic Distance University". Thenewmanguide.com. 2009-10-23. Retrieved 2012-06-12.
- ^ Catholic Online (2011-03-27). "Arlington Diocese partners with Catholic Distance University – Prwire – Catholic Online". Catholic.org. Retrieved 2012-06-12.
- ^ Flach, Mike. "Diocese's founding bishop remembered for personal touch – The Arlington Catholic Herald". Catholicherald.com. Archived from the original on 2011-03-07. Retrieved 2012-06-12.
- ^ "CDU History". Cdu.edu. Archived from the original on 2012-03-25. Retrieved 2012-06-12.
- ^ Gautier, Mary L., Ph.D. (April 2008). "Catholic Ministry Formation Enrollments: Statistical Overview for 2007–2008" (PDF). Washington, DC: Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, Georgetown University. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-03-31. Retrieved 2012-12-15.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ a b "CDU History". Catholic Distance University. Archived from the original on 9 September 2017. Retrieved 9 September 2017.
- ^ "2015 Annual Report". Catholic Distance University. Archived from the original on 9 September 2017. Retrieved 9 September 2017.
External links
- Official website
- v
- t
- e
The Newman Guide to Choosing a Catholic College Catholic universities and colleges in the United States
- Aquinas College
- Ave Maria University
- Belmont Abbey College
- Benedictine College
- Catholic Distance University
- Catholic University of America
- Christendom College
- Franciscan University of Steubenville
- Holy Apostles College and Seminary
- John Paul the Great Catholic University
- Thomas Aquinas College
- Thomas More College of Liberal Arts
- University of Dallas
- University of Mary
- University of St. Thomas
- Walsh University
- Wyoming Catholic College
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