Catholic University of America | Northeast Washington

The Catholic University of America (CUA), located in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, D.C., is a prestigious private institution known for its rich heritage as the national university of the Catholic Church in the United States. Founded in 1887 with its first classes held in 1889, it holds the distinction of being the oldest Catholic university in the country. Established with the support and vision of the U.S. Catholic bishops and approved by Pope Leo XIII, CUA was conceived as a center where Catholic intellectual tradition and academic rigor would come together to foster faith, scholarship, and service.

Campus and Location

CUA’s campus spans approximately 176 acres in the northeastern section of Washington, D.C., known as the Brookland neighborhood, sometimes called "Little Rome" due to the concentration of Catholic institutions in the area. The campus is notable for its spacious, green grounds, historic and modern architecture, and a peaceful collegiate atmosphere. It includes 48 major buildings, ranging from academic halls to residence facilities, libraries, chapels, and recreational spaces.

The university is easily accessible via the Brookland–CUA Metro station on the Red Line, offering convenient transportation links to downtown Washington, D.C., and other major hubs. This proximity to the nation’s capital allows students valuable opportunities for internships, cultural experiences, and engagement with government, religious, and nonprofit sectors.

Academic Programs and Research

CUA offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, boasting over 250 degrees across undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. These programs are organized into 12 schools and colleges, including:

The School of Theology and Religious Studies, a flagship department emphasizing Catholic theology, pastoral ministry, and interfaith dialogue.

The Busch School of Business, focusing on ethical leadership and innovation.

The School of Engineering, blending technical education with ethical and social responsibility.

The School of Architecture and Planning, one of the few Catholic institutions offering this specialty.

The School of Nursing, which integrates healthcare training with compassionate service.

The university is classified as an R1 research institution, denoting the highest level of research activity. It actively promotes cutting-edge inquiry, including emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence and data science, reflecting a commitment to both tradition and innovation. Faculty and students engage in interdisciplinary research that often intersects with social justice, ethics, and Catholic social teaching.

Faith and Mission

As the national Catholic university, CUA’s mission centers on integrating faith and reason, aiming to nurture the full development of the human person intellectually, morally, and spiritually. The university fosters a vibrant campus ministry and spiritual life with daily Masses, retreats, service opportunities, and a chapel at the heart of the campus - the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, located just adjacent to the university grounds.

CUA promotes a holistic education where academic excellence goes hand in hand with spiritual growth. It emphasizes the Catholic intellectual tradition while encouraging openness to diverse perspectives. The university also actively participates in environmental stewardship and social responsibility programs, including the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, which aligns with Pope Francis’s call for care of creation.

Student Life and Community

CUA supports a dynamic student body with over 100 student organizations covering cultural, academic, religious, service, and social interests. These include cultural groups such as the Filipino Organization of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) and the Student Organization of Latinos (SOL), reflecting the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Athletics and recreation also play a role in campus life, with NCAA Division III teams competing in various sports. The campus offers modern facilities for fitness, study, and social gatherings, fostering a supportive and engaging environment.

Facilities and Services

The university boasts extensive facilities, including modern classrooms equipped with advanced technology, research labs, libraries with vast collections, and residential halls designed to accommodate a vibrant community. On-campus resources include career services, counseling, health services, and spiritual counseling, ensuring comprehensive support for student development.

Historical and Cultural Significance

CUA’s founding was a landmark in American Catholic education, designed to create a learned clergy and laity capable of contributing meaningfully to society. Over its history, the university has educated numerous notable figures in politics, theology, science, arts, and social justice. Its connection to the Catholic Church gives it a unique role in the national religious and educational landscape.

Summary

The Catholic University of America is a distinguished institution that uniquely blends rigorous academic programs with a deep Catholic identity. Its expansive campus in Washington, D.C., offers students an environment where faith, intellect, and service converge. With a wide array of programs, active research, rich spiritual life, and diverse community, CUA stands as a center for forming leaders committed to truth, justice, and the common good, rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition and responsive to contemporary challenges.