Phoenix, AZ
Innovative Academic Partnerships with Arizona State University and the Diocese of Phoenix
The University of Mary is leading the future of Catholic higher education in Phoenix. Since partnering with Arizona State University in 2012, the university’s presence has grown in the Valley of the Sun, offering undergraduate and graduate students courses and degree programs rooted in academic excellence, faith, and purpose. As the region's Catholic academic partner of choice, we serve the community with three innovative initiatives:
Mary College at ASU
This domestic exchange program lets Mary undergraduates experience the courses, resources, and diverse perspectives of a major research university and pursue the Civic Leaders Fellowship for intellectually rigorous leadership formation at ASU's School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership (SCETL). Arizona State University students can complete general studies requirements with Catholic studies courses or even major or minor in Catholic studies on ASU’s Tempe campus.
Nazareth Seminary and the Graduate School of Theology
The University of Mary is also the academic provider for Nazareth Seminary, the official seminary for the Diocese of Phoenix:
- Undergraduate seminarians earn bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and Catholic studies side-by-side with students from ASU and Mary, through the University of Mary faculty on campus in Tempe.
- Graduate-level seminarians pursue a Master of Divinity (MDiv) and Master of Arts (MA) in Theology dual-degree program through our new Graduate School of Theology in downtown Phoenix.
- Other graduate students interested in pursuing a Master of Arts in Theology in Arizona are encouraged to contact the Graduate School of Theology or call 480-290-7047.
Photina Center for Catholic Counseling
Launched in spring of 2026 and named for the woman at the well from the Gospel of John, the Photina Center offers formation and support for Catholic mental health professionals in the Diocese of Phoenix, including:
- Mary’s existing Master of Science in Counseling degree with up to 50% of the coursework provided onsite for employees of the Diocese of Phoenix
- Our Catholic Anthropology for Counselors certificate which forms mental health professionals in the Church’s teachings about the human person made in God image
- Additional professional development and resources for the local Catholic mental health community, assistance with the Diocese of Phoenix's Office of Mental Health Ministry, and co-sponsorship of an annual conference on Catholic Mental Health Ministry.
The Photina Center for Catholic Counseling shares space with the Graduate School of Theology in downtown Phoenix.
