History and Mission
The School of Business and Economics was first established as a department in 1895, a few years after the founding of the University in 1887. The School of Business and Economics was established as a school in 2013, the twelfth school within The Catholic University of America. The school is authorized to award both undergraduate and graduate degrees in business. University accreditation is given by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Additional authorization is extended by Papal authority, given that CUA is a pontifical university, conferring ecclesiastical degrees, which are accredited and certified by the Holy See to three of the University’s schools. The University received its papal charter in 1887 from Pope Leo XIII. CUA initiated membership in AACSB in 2013 and is a member in good standing. In April 2016 we were named the Busch School of Business and Economics, after a major donation from Tim and Steph Busch. In 2019, courses in Economics were relocated back to the College of Arts and Sciences and our school was renamed the Busch School of Business.
In his 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, Pope Leo XIII began the development of what would become a rich framework for cultivating a flourishing society. Inspired by Pope Leo, this framework for societal flourishing - the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church - is the foundation from which we have built the Busch School of Business. Catholic social doctrine offers a thorough understanding of the human condition and provides great insights into how human flourishing may be achieved in this world through effective human relationships. It is summarized in four key principles: human dignity, solidarity, subsidiarity, and the common good. Human dignity insists that there is great worth and equality among all people because each is created in the image of God. Solidarity insists that we are our brother’s keeper in that we have a personal obligation to provide assistance to those in need. Subsidiarity insists that humans have a free will and must be allowed the freedom to exercise it without undue influence by others. Common Good insists that we all direct our efforts toward improving the human condition so that all people may reach their potential more readily and easily. These four principles play a central role in our research, teaching, and service, and in how we treat each other in the workplace.
Mission Statement
Truth through teaching and research excellence in the light of the Catholic faith, promoting business as a force for good.
Vision
Principled prosperity through virtuous free enterprise.