Man in religious robes sitting at table outside

Undergraduate Seminarians and Religious

As an ecclesiastical faculty, the School of Philosophy is canonically authorized to grant the Bachelor of Philosophy (Ph.B.) degree. The Ph.B. program fully satisfies the philosophy requirements for Catholic seminarians as specified in the Program of Priestly Formation, Fifth Edition. To apply for this program, please visit the Undergraduate Admission website.

Undergraduate seminarians and religious are required to submit a letter of good standing to the School of Philosophy. This letter can be sent to philosophy@cua.edu. The letter must come from the applicant’s formation director.

Graduate Seminarians and Religious

There are various programs suited to graduate seminarians, priests and religious. These programs include the Pre-Theology Certificate, Licentiate of Philosophy (Ph.L.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). To apply for any of these programs, please visit the Graduate Admission website. Please also click here for more information on applying for the Pre-Theology Certificate.

All graduate seminarians, priests and religious are required to submit a letter of good standing from their bishop or religious superior to the School of Philosophy. This letter can be sent to philosophy@cua.edu. The letter must come from the applicant’s formation director.


Nota Bene: The Pre-Theology Certificate is not a degree program. The Pre-Theology Certificate was developed by the School of Philosophy, in close collaboration with the School of Theology and Religious Studies. It provides a comprehensive and flexible pre-theological course of studies for candidates for priestly ministry that fully complies with the vision and norms of the Program of Priestly Formation, Fifth Edition. For qualified candidates, the Certificate Program may be combined with studies for the degree of Master of Arts or Licentiate in Philosophy.