". . . acquire the necessary knowledge of philosophy and of the human sciences." -Ratio Fundamentalis #66

Men of the Church

Philosophy
Professors in the philosophy department are eager to help SJV seminarians develop a love for truth and a framework for understanding reality that will serve them well whether they are called to the priesthood or another vocational path.

Catholic Studies
In addition to the required major in Philosophy, more than 90 percent of SJV seminarians earn a second major in Catholic Studies. The Department of Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas (UST) is the oldest and largest program of its kind. Since 1993, Catholic Studies has offered students the opportunity to encounter the Catholic intellectual tradition in its richness and breadth.

Catholic Studies courses integrate such disciplines as Theology, Philosophy, Literature, History, and Art, and are taught by faculty deeply committed to the encounter of faith and reason.

The Rome Experience
Most SJV seminarians participate in the highly regarded study abroad program in Rome. They study with distinguished faculty at the Dominican Pontifical University of St. Thomas (the Angelicum) for a semester while living at the Pontifical Irish College under the care of an SJV priest formator.

Many seminarians have been privileged to serve Holy Mass for the Holy Father at St. Peter's Basilica. All course credits and financial aid packages are fully transferable.