Rooted in the Church’s mission and powered by modern technology, CatholicIU forms students around the world in truth, vocation and Catholic identity — living out its motto, Gaudium de Veritate (“Joy from Truth”).
“If we are what we should be,” said St. Catherine of Siena, “we will set the world on fire!”
Sometimes “setting the world on fire for Christ” starts right from your own home — or the screen of your computer — thanks to generous Catholic institutions that permeate the online world with truth, goodness and beauty.
“Catholic Distance University started in 1983 as a way to bring the theology of the Catholic Church to rural America,” says Dr. Mark B. Amelang, the Interim Chair of Business and Ecclesial Management at CatholicIU. “It started out by long-distance correspondence through the mail, and eventually moved to email and the internet. As such, we are the original online Catholic university.”
Since then, this beautiful work of academic and theological genius has sought to bring the luminous truths of Catholicism to “all corners” of the world.
“By June 2024, we had added so many new programs and expanded to serve students all over the world that a new name was born: Catholic International University,” Dr. Amelang says. “Our strong Catholic core is the foundation of all learning at the university. It enables us as faculty to incorporate our Catholic faith into the subjects that we teach. This is an integrated process that enables students to learn their Catholic faith and then put it into use within actual exercises they learn in the classroom, no matter the subject.”
As such, CatholicIU has a unique vision for its students.
“We educate our students to engage the world through Catholic Social Teaching and change the world around them through the unique educational experience at Catholic International,” Dr. Amelang comments.
When asked why highly-qualified Catholic International University faculty choose to work at this institution instead of others, Dr. Amelang says, “The faculty and staff at Catholic International University are uniquely mission-driven. It is a blessing to bring genuine Catholic education to the world. We are out to improve the lives of others through the teaching of Jesus and the Church. This opportunity is the glue that binds us together and propels us forward.”
Day in and day out, staff members like Dr. Amelang are profoundly encouraged by the students they work with. “The dedication and sacrifice so many of our students exhibit give our faculty and staff a genuine reason to persevere. Serving a diverse global student community is a true blessing.”
In accordance with Church teaching, the university emphasizes the pursuit of higher education from a Catholic perspective.
“Inevitably, we all engage the world around us,” Dr. Amelang remarks. “Our Catholic faith helps us to understand the dignity of every human person and to respect and value one another as we live out our lives through work, family, friends and our communities. This unique Catholic identity allows us to thrive while lifting others up.”
Recently, CatholicIU put a “refreshing face” on the idea of a Catholic liberal arts education by implementing a new program, the Master of Arts in Liberal Arts Education.
“We’ve redefined the traditional Catholic liberal arts degree with a fresh and innovative approach that we call ‘Liberal Arts with a Purpose,’” Dr. Amelang explains. “The degree is the result of an exhaustive study of the liberal arts educational landscape, approached from a genuinely Catholic perspective to both engage the world and prepare students to make a tangible impact.”
By helping students glean the glistening gemstones of an authentic liberal arts education, Catholic IU ultimately draws them closer to Christ, the King of Truth.
“Our program stands out in two key ways,” says Dr. Amelang. “First, it is grounded in the heart of the Church, offering students a curriculum designed to foster a deep, genuine Catholic worldview. This enables them to engage with the world meaningfully and influence others through the lens of faith. “Second, our program includes a vocational component — something many liberal arts programs have lacked —by allowing students to choose minors in areas like business, education, philosophy or theology. These additions provide clear pathways for students to enter the workforce, thrive and live out their calling with purpose.”
Catholic International University’s programs are ideal for eager students of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life. Busy adults find that their online and asynchronous programs are easy to integrate into their lifestyle.
“We believe in our mission to educate students to help them achieve their dreams,” Dr. Amelang says. “We provide a range of study options that include just taking one or two courses, or earning a certificate, a two-year associate’s degree, a four-year bachelor’s degree, or a master’s degree. Each of our programs is designed to help students realize their short-term and long-term objectives.”
The online format also allows young people to pursue an authentically Catholic college education without having to move away from the stability of their home environment.
“This form of education is from the Heart of the Church,” Dr. Amelang says. “It also gives students a sense of peace and security, knowing that the family is there to help and support them as needed. Further, the university offers an Early College Program for high school juniors and seniors who meet specific grade criteria through which 100- and-200-level courses can be taken at a special low price. These three-credit-hour courses can be applied to a degree at Catholic International or transferred to nearly any college or university. In addition, this credit can also be used to satisfy high school course requirements and, therefore, also be taken for ‘dual credit,’ depending on various high school or homeschool regulations.”
“Our pricing is very competitive, without sacrificing our commitment to a quality education,” he says. “We don’t have a big brick-and-mortar campus to pay for and maintain. We are truly non-profit.”
Catholic IU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the same regional accrediting body that accredits institutions such as the University of Notre Dame and the University of Chicago. They are also recommended in the National Catholic Register College Guide and the Newman Guide, and their Graduate School of Theology is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. Forbes Advisor granted them an award for the Best Online Theology Degree for 2024.
For more information about Catholic International University, contact Dr. Mark B. Amelang at [email protected] or 304-825-7512.
