Catholic Theological Union

Welcome to Catholic Theological Union. The opportunities here for learning, friendship, and spiritual nourishment are many and varied. Our graduate school of theology and ministry is, indeed, a very vibrant place.

Our students enjoy the opportunity to study with an internationally acclaimed faculty and use the resources of our superb theological library. Our lively community of faith and learning comprises men and women, religious and lay, from around the globe. This diversity brings a richness to the CTU experience that is quite special. Our commitment to interreligious dialogue, exemplified by our unique programs in Jewish and Islamic studies, further establishes CTU as a leader in reconciliation and peacemaking efforts among people of faith. A charter member of the Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS), CTU students have open access to hundreds of courses across various Christian denominations, and we are blessed by a strong academic alliance with Chicago’s DePaul University, which affords our students additional educational opportunities.

Our school was founded in 1968. Inspired by the expansive vision of the Second Vatican Council, three religious orders took a risk and closed their individual seminaries located in rural settings in order to form a union situated in a dynamic urban environment. Today, we prepare candidates to the priesthood from some 24 religious communities, and provide pastoral and theological training for women religious and lay women and men.

The mission of Catholic Theological Union is to prepare effective leaders for the Church, ready to witness to Christ’s good news of justice, love and peace.

Impelled by the good news of Jesus Christ, CTU, with its intercultural, ecumenical, and interfaith partners, will be a transformative force in the Church and world for affirming human dignity and the sacredness of God's creation.

There’s nothing like a rich tapestry of 9 million people to provide opportunities for diversity, engagement and cultural enrichment. Through CTU, you will be instantly connected to ministries across the Chicagoland area, and our Hyde Park neighborhood is the ideal location to connect with faith-inspired individuals and communities.

When you come to CTU, you’ll become a part of the community’s “Hyde Park Cluster,” encompassing the Divinity School of the University of Chicago, Chicago Theological Seminary, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, McCormick Theological Seminary, and Bexley-Seabury Seminary. Your studies will be greatly enhanced by access to these world-class resources.

Catholic Theological Union has a rich tradition of academic excellence and of preparing men and women for a life of ministry and service. CTU degrees are fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).

Catholic Theological Union offers a wide variety of certificate programs for students who wish to specialize in their theological education or prepare for service in new ministries. We also offer Distance Learningoptions.We offer Special Programs for the Formation and Direction for Ministers in the Church, and for the Formation, Enrichment and Practicum for CTU Degree Candidates.

Since 1982, CTU has been serving the Hispanic Church of the United States by offering courses, programs and events that prepare lay and ordained ministers to work with the Latin@ Catholic community in the U.S. and around the world.

The CTU Admissions staff is ready to help all potential students navigate the application process from first inquiry to the first day of class. We work diligently to answer all your questions, with speed, professionalism discretion, and confidentiality.

Join with students from all walks of life and corners of the globe who flourish in the richness of the Roman Catholic tradition, teaching, and practice that is at the core of our mission. Academic programs at CTU are open to all qualified students who wish to prepare for ministry or desire to study theology for personal or professional growth.CTU welcomes the international student into our diverse community. We look forward to the rich experiences that you bring and contribute to the entire student body, faculty, and staff.

Considering the total cost of studying at CTU is a critical component in the decision to study here. We ask that the applicant allocate enough time between applying to CTU and when he/she wishes to start taking classes at CTU due to the visa application process.The amount of time needed to secure a visa can vary depending upon the applicant’s home country. We recommend applying at least 6 months before an applicant hopes to start classes at CTU.

At Catholic Theological Union, we work closely with accepted graduate students to assess the availability of need and merit-based aid to lower the cost of their CTU education. Through government loans, scholarship money, and student worker stipends, we are able to assist students with their financial and vocational needs. Approximately 65-70% of our lay students receive financial aid.

The Augustus Tolton Pastoral Ministry Program provides lay men and women full-tuition scholarships for graduate theological study to practicing Black Catholics in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

The Bernardin Scholarship provides graduate theological education to those inspired by and drawn to the vision of Cardinal Bernardin.

The Oscar Romero Scholars Program offers Hispanic lay men and women a full tuition scholarship for a professional graduate degree that prepares them to minister in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The Diocese of Joliet has joined CTU in offering the scholarship program to Hispanic lay men and women within its diocese. The student is responsible for 1/3 of tuition expenses.

The International Women’s Scholarship is available to lay women from developing countries who are seeking credentials for Roman Catholic ministries in their countries.