Catholic University of America Top Questions

The course load at CUA is very tough but the ability to meet with professors helps make it much more bareable. The class sizes are small, even in the bigger majors, which allows students and faculty to be on personal levels. You will never feel like another face in the crowd, or a small fish in a big pond. All the students at CUA work very hard and want to be involved both on and off campus in organizations, internships, and jobs that have to do with their major. Not only do we learn about the things we will need in our chosen profession, but we learn how to be professional and responsible. The school works hard to ensure that we are not only being good students, but good citizens and catholics as well. Even though the work is tough, it is easy to be involved on campus in either organizations or athletics. You have the true college experience of work and play.

The academics at CUA are great! Small class size was a huge contributing factor when I chose to come here. Classes under 40 people allow for the professors to know my name. They also allow for discussions, which I learn better from. My favorite class I have taken so far would be Families and Society. The topic was very interesting, and the teacher did a great job conveying information to us. My least favorite class would be Faith Seeking Understanding, which was the freshman level Theology class we are required to take. My teacher, though a nice man, was not a good teacher and it was a very dull class. Being a Sociology major has allowed me to have a liberal arts education, but to also learn for my major. The curriculum at CUA contributes to having very well-rounded students. Being well-rounded is very important to me and I think it will help get a job once I graduate!

From my experience so far, the academics have been pretty strong. Because it is in DC, near Capitol Hill, the politics program is very popular and has good connections for internships in the city. All the majors, for the most part, seem to be challenging enough, but not overwhelming.

The curriculum for most courses at CUA are very challenging and intense. The teachers also take attendance and after a certain amount of absences will result in you having a lower grade. Do not go to this school if you just want to party and not receive an education because it will not help you at CUA

Speaking from the perspective of a political science major, the politics department is very strong. All of the professors offer something different and have a refreshing style of teaching. Studying for classes is at a high near mid-terms and finals and is sort of more laid-back otherwise. I have found a lot of students neglect reading which pins class participation on select students, but if you do the reading--you typically do very well. Unfortunately, you have to take four philosophy courses and four theology courses as student in the arts and sciences. However, there are many courses to choose from and you knock out 3 of the 8 during your freshman year through your learning community (learning communities are a great aspect of the school). I think investing a strong amount of time and energy into your classes--the academic education you receive is close to if not equal to George Washington and American University. But I emphasize that it comes at a high cost unless you have scholarships.

Overall the classes are pretty easy. Many of the teachers are grad students who seem too busy to focus on actually teaching a class. While this leads to easy A's it's distressing to know that I learn so little when this school it about 40K/yr.