cdu QUick Facts

History: CDU was founded in 1983 as the first catechetical institute in the United States to award the Catechetical Diploma and teach the Catholic faith to adults using distance education. 2008 marked CDU’s 25th year as a Catholic institution of higher learning.

Location: The school’s academic and administrative offices are located in Hamilton, Virginia, about 50 miles west of Washington, DC. CDU students are located in all 50 states and over 60 countries.

Mission: Our mission is to educate adults worldwide in the teachings of the Catholic Church through the techniques and technologies of modern distance education, providing both academic degrees and non-credit adult faith formation.

University Motto: Joy From The Truth, gaudium de veritate

Chairman of the Board: The Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, DD

Contact Information: Our web site can be reached at www.cdu.edu. Contact us at admissions@cdu.edu, 1.888.254.4238 ext. 700 or you can write CDU at 120 East Colonial Highway, Hamilton, VA 20158.

Accreditation: CDU is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), an accrediting agency fully recognized and approved by the U.S. Department of Education, and is certified as a degree granting institution by the State Council of Higher Education of Virginia (SCHEV). The university's catechetical programs are approved by the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy. The USCCB lists CDU as an approved Catholic college and university offering distance education. The university is a Title IV school recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Academic Programs:

• Master of Arts in Theology (39 credits) with concentrations in Ecclesial Service, Sacred Scripture, Philosophy/Theology, and Catholic Culture
• Bachelor of Arts in Theology completion program (36 credits earned at CDU combined with 90 general electives earned at any accredited college or university)
• Catechetical Diploma (36 credits)
• Graduate and undergraduate level courses for students not seeking to earn a degree

Continuing Education Programs:

• Advanced Catechist Certification (11 continuing education courses)
• Continuing education for professional development and adult faith enrichment
  
• Online seminars
• Parish Plans

Residency Requirements: There are no residency requirements for any of CDU’s programs.

Average class size: Classes average 10-20 students.

Tuition Rates:

• MA programs $400/credit
• BA program $258/credit
• Undergraduate Catechetical Diploma $258/credit
• Advanced Catechist Certification $150/course
• Continuing education courses $150/course
• Online seminars $150/course
  

For a complete schedule of tuition and fees

Financial Aid: CDU participates in the tuition assistance programs of all U.S. military services. Program students are eligible to participate in the Sallie Mae private loan programs. Three and four-month payment plans are also available for three-credit courses.
To learn more about financial aid options available at CDU