The Catholic University of America

General Information

History and Mission
 

CUA's Metropolitan School of Professional Studies (MSPS) was established as University College in 1979 by the Board of Trustees to extend the educational resources and programs of the university to adult students wanting to pursue academic and professional credentials. MSPS regards its service to adult students as a special part of The Catholic University of America's overall educational mission.

Individual programs are designed with a maximum of flexibility to meet the special needs of adult students, while classes are offered in accelerated, evening, and online formats to accommodate the schedules of working adults. MSPS also works with business and professional groups to meet the professional updating and certification needs of their members.

CUA's Metropolitan School of Professional Studies offers many advantages:

  • Academic programs leading to bachelor's and master's degrees from an internationally recognized research university.
  • Faculty that includes practicing professionals who can relate theory to the practical needs of working professionals.
  • Flexible degree and certificate programs designed to meet the students' individual needs, either part-time or full-time.
  • Classes that meet evenings and/or online for those who work during the day.
  • Complete access to the Internet, technology and library resources, recreational facilities, and more, for every enrolled student regardless of full-time or part-time status.
  • Streamlined admission and advising tailored to the needs of students.
  • Assistance locating financial aid to help with tuition, books, and other expenses.
  • Flexible transfer Credit Policy -
    • We accept up to 84 transfer credits from other accredited colleges and universities
    • The American Council on Education recommendation for credit for service in the armed forces and business/professional training
    • Credit for CLEP, DANTES and other examination programs
  • CLEP exams given on-site to speed your progress toward a degree.
  • Convenience of a Metro stop on the "Red Line" at Brookland/CUA, right across the street from our office, and ample on-campus parking.

Goals
 

MSPS seeks to prepare the individual to function as an informed, practical, knowledgeable, and morally alert member of American society. MSPS therefore has the following goals:

  1. To provide programs of instruction grounded in the liberal arts.
  2. To provide an education program which places the pursuit of professional excellence within the context of human, social, and religious values.
  3. To provide instructional designs which emphasize the possibilities for applying academic learning to the solution of professional and social problems.
  4. To afford students sufficient concentration in a selected field or in related fields of study to further each student's particular professional interests.
  5. To provide class formats, schedules, and, where necessary, financial assistance, designed to assist working adults to progress steadily toward completing their degrees.