Overview Program Goals Academic Program & More   The Catholic Studies Program is not only a rigorous academic program but is so much more. We currently offer a minor and hope to launch a major program 2011-2012 as well. Academic Programs: The Catholic Studies Major and Minor We offer two academic courses of study: the major and the minor. As an interdisciplinary, campus-wide program, the Catholic Studies minor or major is an excellent complement to any field of study and pre-professional training. What is more, you can "kill two birds with one stone" because our courses often fulfill University of Mary core requirements and core electives, as well as program requirements for other majors and minors. C-average minimum required to graduate with the major or minor. For the Minor in Catholic Studies, students must take 3 foundation courses (100- and 200-level) and 2 advanced courses (300- or 400-level) for a total of 5 courses and a minimum of 18 total credits (11 lower-level credits, 7 upper-level credits). [Learn more about the Minor in Catholic studies] For the Major in Catholic Studies, students must take 4 foundation courses (100- and 200-level) and 5 advanced courses (300- and 400-level) for a total of 9 courses with a minimum of 34 credits (15 lower-level credits, 19-20 upper-level credits). [Learn more about the Major in Catholic studies] Foundation courses include The Great Catholic Adventure, Search for Happiness, Religion and Culture, Benedict: Yesterday and Today, while advanced courses include, Catholic Imagination, Catholicism and the Modern World, Catholicism and America, Great Catholic Figures, special topics electives (e.g. Bioethical Challenges, Pagan Roots of Christianity, Creation and Evolution, etc.), and the senior Integrating Capstone Seminar. More Than a Classroom Experience The Catholic Studies Program is not only a rigorous academic program; it is so much more. We are committed to a high level of faculty-student interaction both inside and outside the classroom, sponsoring and encouraging a full range of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities for students, staff, and faculty: from ultimate frisbee and racquet ball games, to service activities and the March for Life, to art excursions and film discussions, to frequent and regular Mass attendance, Confession, and Eucharistic Adoration. All these provide ample opportunities for you to forge strong, lasting, and virtuous friendships. Central to Catholic Studies life outside the classroom is our weekly Community Night Mass and Dinner. Study Abroad in Rome Catholic Studies strongly recommends participation sophomore year in U-Mary's Rome Campus, where students can experience on-site the way the Church has been a leaven in history and culture in Europe. Rome alumni return to our home campus in Bismarck with a whole new level of passion and understanding. Catholic Studies students receive priority consideration and are strongly encouraged to participate. [Learn more about the Rome program]