Intellectual

University of St. Thomas Core Requirements (4 credits each). Students need 129 credits to graduate:

• First Year Experience
• Theology 100
• Two semesters of a foreign language
• English 121
• Math 100 and 101 OR Calculus 1
• Lab Science
• History
• Social Scientific Analysis
• Fine Arts
• Integration Humanities
• Diversity/Inclusion/Social Justice
• Global Perspectives (fulfilled by courses in Rome or Theology 221 Old Testament)
• Signature Work (fulfilled by Catholic Studies 301 or Philosophy 300)

• Catholic Studies 201 The Catechism of the Catholic Church (second year, fall semester)
• VIRTUS Program (to be completed first week in seminary)
• Catholic Sexual Ethics Seminar (first January Term)
• IDSC 284 Teaching Religious Education - Theological Field Education (2 credits)
• IDSC 296 Intensive Spiritual Growth Program - Retreat (2 credits, second January Term)
• IDSC 395 Intro to Pastoral Ministry - Theological Field Education (2 credits)

The University of St. Thomas requires two semesters of a foreign language or its equivalent. Seminarians are required to take two semesters of Latin, unless their diocese wishes them to study Spanish. A Latin major requires eight additional courses, including one for which seminarians can get double credit. A Latin minor requires four additional courses, including one for which seminarians can get double credit. This double credit course is in the Philosophy department. A Spanish major requires eight additional courses. A Spanish minor requires five additional courses.

University of St. Thomas Class Finder

Academic Expectations

• Meet with the SJV Director of Academic Formation at least once each semester, or more as needed
• Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better
• Strive for 40 academic hours per week of class and study time
• New seminarians log and submit their hours each week to their Formation Director and the SJV Director of Academic Formation for the first semester
• Punctual attendance at all classes
• Strive for academic excellence according to one’s ability
• Maintain a schedule of 16-18 credits per semester
• Refrain from using seminarian status for special considerations from professors or university staff
• Always treat university faculty and staff with respect
• Maintain academic integrity

University of St. Thomas Undergraduate Policy Book

All Saint John Vianney Seminary students major in Philosophy:

• 110 The Person and the Good (SJV-only section, to prepare men with the groundwork needed for their subsequent philosophical studies)
• 214 Ethics (SJV-only section, to prepare men for their future ministry as pastors, confessors and spiritual directors)
• 220 Logic
• 200 Ancient Philosophy
• 202 Medieval Philosophy
• 304 Modern Philosophy
• 306 Contemporary Philosophy (Offered both at UST and in Rome)
• 365 Natural Philosophy and Metaphysics
• 380 Epistemology
• 460 Philosophy of God

The philosophy department at the University of St. Thomas collaborates with SJV to provide more than 40 credit hours of coursework in the Thomistic and Aristotelian tradition. It also provides the men various opportunities to attend conferences, submit papers, give presentations, and stretch their understanding of the course material. 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.

University of St. Thomas Class Finder

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 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.

More than 90 percent of SJV seminarians participate in the highly regarded Catholic Studies in Rome Program. 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. Many seminarians have been privileged to serve Mass for the Holy Father at St. Peter's Basilica. All course credits and financial aid packages are fully transferable.