Academics

The Catholic Studies Program at SLU introduces students to the full riches of the tradition, teaching them how to perceive God’s glory in the world and to think with the Church. They practice engaging the culture creatively with the tools of their primary field of study and leave SLU ready to seek the greater glory of God in the worlds of business, education, health, law, engineering and academia.

The Church teaches that “the faithful must learn the deepest meaning and the value of all creation, as well as its role in the harmonious praise of God... [so that] the world may be permeated by the spirit of Christ.” (Lumen Gentium §36)

Bellarmine Seminar

The annual Bellarmine Seminar is a five-day summer seminar on a foundational thinker of the Catholic tradition, taught by a Jesuit professor. Today, Catholic students at many secular universities have the opportunity to participate in vibrant Catholic communities, which offer students many opportunities to grow spiritually. Yet, they receive very little Catholic intellectual tradition formation. These seminars will serve to enhance the intellectual formation of these Catholic students. 

2025 Application

Graduation Honors

Saint Louis University awards three honors each year to graduating seniors in recognition of outstanding contributions to the life of the Catholic Studies Center: the James D. Collins Outstanding Student Award, the Catholic Studies Senior Leadership Award, and the Catholic Studies Senior Service Award. In addition, all students who have participated regularly in the formative program of the Catholic Studies Center are eligible to receive special graduation cords and an icon of our patron, the English Jesuit martyr and Oxford scholar, St. Edmund Campion, SJ.  

James D. Collins Outstanding Student Award

The James D. Collins Outstanding Student Award is the highest honor in the College of Arts & Sciences, recognizing each department's top graduate. A number of Catholic Studies students have been honored with this award.

• Noah Elbert ‘22
• Grant Gottschalk ‘23
• Mady Thompson ‘24

Class of 2024 Awardees