Catholic International University


Catholic International University is a private online Roman Catholic university based in Charles Town, West Virginia. A number of Catholic dioceses partner with CatholicIU to educate those serving in parish ministry.

History

Catholic International University was established in 1983 in the Arlington diocese by Bishop Thomas Jerome Welsh. In 2015, the university relocated its headquarters to Charles Town, West Virginia, as part of its strategic vision. Catholic International is recognized as authentically Catholic by the Cardinal Newman Society, and offers a variety of accredited bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, as well as an early college program. In fall 2023, the university began offering an AA degree in Liberal Arts taught completely in Spanish. As of Fall 2023, CatholicIU is the only emerging Hispanic-serving institution of higher education in the state of West Virginia. The university's programs are offered completely online; CatholicIU offered its first online program in 2000. According to Georgetown University's Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, in the academic year 2007–2008, CatholicIU was the top Lay Ecclesial Ministry Program by number of enrollments. In 2023, Catholic International was ranked as offering one of the best online Theology degrees by Forbes Advisor
In January 2024, the university changed its name to Catholic International University to reflect its goal of expanding its reach beyond the United States, particularly to Latin America and Italy.

Presidents

In 2003, Paul Loverde became the university president as Thomas Jerome Welsh, the university's founder, became chairman emeritus. Loverde was succeeded by Marianne Evans Mount in 2008.
  • Thomas Jerome Welsh
  • Paul Loverde
  • Marianne Evans Mount:
  • Maria Sophia Aguirre
Dr. Aguirre is a seasoned economist and academic leader with over 30 years of experience in teaching, research, and program development. She has held key leadership roles at The Catholic University of America, launched successful graduate programs, and served as a Fulbright scholar. With a Ph.D. in Economics from Notre Dame, she has advised the U.S. government, represented the Holy See internationally, and testified before Congress. Her work focuses on Integral Economic Development, a people-centered approach to economics that highlights the role of the family and social relationships. Her global collaborations have improved lives in developing nations, and most recently, she has applied IED to emerging technologies like AI and virtual reality.

Academics

Catholic International University currently offers the Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, and Master of Arts. It also offers undergraduate and graduate certificates and non-degree programs. All of the degree and certificate programs focus on theology, liberal arts, business, emerging technologies, Catholic social teaching, and related subjects.

Accreditation and affiliations

The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission authorized Catholic International University to operate as a degree-granting institution of higher education in West Virginia. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission with its Graduate School of Theology accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.
In March 2015 the university was also approved for membership in the International Federation of Catholic Universities on the recommendation of Catholic University of America and Australian Catholic University.