Church and World

A Catholic and Jesuit institution, Georgetown is home to a range of initiatives, centers, and programs that address the Catholic intellectual tradition and the role of the Church in the world.

The Theology Department offers a range of courses on the Catholic tradition, and the university’s Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life involves faculty, students, and the wider community in its events and programs. Through the Center for the Applied Research in the Apostolate, Georgetown supports inquiry into the challenges facing the Church, nationally and internationally. Additionally, the University’s Campus Ministry and Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching, and Service engage faculty, students, and staff in the Ignatian tradition of contemplation in action.

Featured News

All News

Pope Francis smiles and waves from the Popemobile

SFS Prof. Drew Christiansen, S.J., Comments on Pope Francis' Response to Cuban Protests

Rev. Drew Christiansen, S.J., a School of Foreign Service professor and senior fellow at the Berkley Center of Religion, Peace, and World Affairs, told National Catholic Register that Pope Francis' restrained response to Cuban protests is intended to promote religious liberty and nonviolence.

SFS Professor Drew Christiansen, S.J., Comments on Pope Francis' Response to Cuban Protests

Jesuit Professor Releases Memoir on Connections Between Life as an Academic and a Priest

Kim Daniels Discusses Sr. Nathalie Becquart's Vatican Appointment on the TODAY Show

Select Academic Programs

Ph.D. in Theological and Religious Studies

The Department of Theology sponsors this Ph.D. program with religious pluralism as a central focus. Students comparatively examine at least two major religions with respect to theology, ethics, and culture.

Major in Theology

Georgetown's Department of Theology sponsors this major for undergraduates. Students have four options for concentration: Christian theology, religious ethics, biblical studies, and religious studies.

Minor in Catholic Studies

The Minor in Catholic Studies allows students to engage the richness of the Catholic intellectual and cultural tradition with the various dimensions of human existence such as the arts, sciences, humanities, law, medicine, politics, business, and economics.

Select Centers, Institutes,
and Research Programs

A hand holds a U.S. flag, a Vatican flag, and a rosary

Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public LifeGeorgetown Unit

The Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life is an effort to promote dialogue on Catholic social thought and national and global issues, build bridges across ideological lines, and encourage a new generation of Catholic leaders to see their faith as assets in pursuing the common good.

Stained glass windows in the Dahlgren Chapel of the Sacred Heart

Center for Applied Research in the ApostolateGeorgetown Unit

The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate is a Georgetown-affiliated research center focusing on the American Catholic Church. It aims to increase the Church's self understanding, to serve the applied research needs of Church decision-makers, and to advance scholarly research on Catholicism.

Children stand with a CSJ student volunteer

Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching and ServiceGeorgetown Unit

Established in 2001, the Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching and Service is a center for service-based scholarship and community outreach in pursuit of the common good.

Upcoming Event

October 07

Who Is My Neighbor?

See All Events

Past Event

September 16

Moral Principles, National Priorities, Budget Choices

Watch the Video

See All Events

Past Event

August 30

Faith in Action: The Catholic Church’s Global Education Footprint