| Catholic Distance University | |
|---|---|
| Motto | Gaudium de veritate |
| Motto in English | Joy from the Truth |
| Established | 1983 |
| Type | Private |
| Religious affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| President | Marianne Evans Mount |
| Academic staff | 38 |
| Students | 300 |
| Location | Hamilton, VA |
| Campus | Online |
| Nickname | CDU |
| Website | http://www.cdu.edu/ |
Catholic Distance University (CDU), located in Hamilton, Virginia, is a private undergraduate and graduate institution that is "in the vanguard of Catholic distance learning."[1] Established in 1983 in the Arlington diocese by Bishop Welsh,[2] CDU offers an accredited bachelor degree in theology completion program, a masters degree in theology, and a variety of catechetical certificates.[3] There are no residency requirements for earning a degree at CDU.
The goal of Catholic Distance University is to provide "accredited education that reflects a commitment to academic excellence."[4] The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia authorizes CDU to grant degrees,[5] and the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) has accredited CDU's degrees since 1986. In 2005, CDU launched its online campus.[6] According to Georgetown University's Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, in the academic year 2007-2008, CDU was the top Lay Ecclesial Ministry Program by number of enrollments.[7]
CDU's programs take their cue from Ex Corde Ecclesiae.[8] CDU is one of the leading providers of Catholic distance education, and was the first Catholic institution to offer an MA in Theology with no residence requirement. Several Catholic dioceses partner with CDU to help train their catechists.[9] The school stays closely connected with the local Catholic bishop, Most Rev. Paul S. Loverde, who is chair of the Board of Trustees.[10]
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