Department of Economics, Education, and Sociology

Professor Emeritus	Maria Sophia Aguirre; John J. Convey, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Professor; Martha Cruz Zuniga; Sandra L. Hanson; Sarah M. Pickert; Merylann J. Schuttloffel; Shavaun Wall, Euphemia Lofton Haynes Professor; Ernest Zampelli
Professor	Brandon R. Vaidyanathan
Associate Professor	Richard Gallenstein
Assistant Professors	Hannah Chesterton; Laurie DeRose; Chelsea Rae Kelly; Chy McGhee; Anika Prather
Clinical Instructor	Sister Marirose Rudek
Associate Research Professors	Angela McRae; D. Paul Sullins
Lecturers	Salih Alexander; Emmanuel Asguet; Kathleen Brown; Stephen Cranney; Jonathan Froehlich; Paul Hodos; Kevin Kane; Charlotte Lopez-Jaufrette; Behdad Nowroozi; Román Ortiz; Sammy Perez; Guillermo Rivero Figueroa; Tess Starman; Christopher Tamborini Helga Treichel; Olga Uritskaya

The Department of Economics, Education, and Sociology, a scholarly community of faculty and students, broadly explores the social sciences in support of the Catholic and academic mission of The Catholic University of America.

Economics Faculty

The Economics Faculty is committed to the advancement of the science of Economics by contributing to its theory and empirical application with rigor and innovation in a variety of fields. It recognizes that the human person is at the center of the economy, and that economics is at the service of humanity. In line with the mission of The Catholic University of America, it seeks to discover and impart the truth through excellence in teaching and research. Our programs equip students with expertise in economic theory and its applications in a variety of fields including microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, energy, development, finance, and public policy in the US and the global economy. Our undergraduate programs are taught by expert faculty, and prepare students to think critically and analytically while rigorously engaging economic tools and ethical principles.

Economics professors are experts in their fields and are eager to work with students. Students will learn the most advanced economic theories, data analysis skills, and best practices in our three undergraduate majors: B.A. in Economics, B.S. in Economics, and B.S. in International Economics and Finance-Honors.

Bachelor of Arts in Economics

The requirements for the major can be found at Economics - Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Bachelor of Science in Economics

The requirements for the major can be found at Economics - Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Bachelor of Science in International Economics and Finance

The requirements for the major can be found at International Economics and Finance - Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

This demanding concentration is designed to provide students with proficiency in economic theory and policymaking as they relate to the workings of the international global economy while providing a solid financial background. Students enrolled in this program are required to maintain a GPA of 3.5 or above, and to meet the academic criteria of honors students. This is an honors major; students may or may not also be part of the University Honors Program. To earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in International Economics and Finance-Honors, students must complete 22 courses.

Minor in Economics

The requirements for the major can be found at Economics - Minor

Notes

If a student pursuing a minor in any business program and who has already taken ECON 100, decides to pursue the full major program, that student must take ECON 101 and ECON 102 as required by the major.

ECON 100 does not count for an Economics minor.

*ECON 241 and ECON 242 require MATH 111 / MATH 121 (Calculus I) and MATH 112 / MATH 122 (Calculus II).

Minor in Big Data for Economics

The requirements for the minor can be found at Big Data for Economics - Minor

Education Faculty

The Education Faculty recognizes the important role of education in shaping humanity, the world, and the future. The teacher education program functions within this community to prepare educators for Catholic, private, and public schools. The Department of Education offers major programs designed to prepare classroom teachers in Elementary Education (1-6), and Secondary Education (7-12) for English, Mathematics, and Social Studies subject areas.

Graduates of Catholic University's teacher education programs are eligible to apply for a Standard Teaching Credential or Endorsement through the Office of the State Superintendent of Education of D.C. Program candidates are responsible for completing the Standard Teaching application to obtain their credential from OSSE. The complete list of requirements and fees can be found on the OSSE website page Standard Teaching Credential. In addition, OSSE participates in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement. This organization facilitates the ability of Educators to transfer their teaching credentials to states and territories participating in the network. Candidates should check this listing on the NASDTEC website for a full list of participating US States and Territories. Additional coursework or professional exams may be required for obtaining a teaching credential in another state or U.S. territory.

Teacher Education Program

The overall purpose of teacher education at The Catholic University of America is to empower candidates with the knowledge, skills, dispositions, and reflective qualities essential for educators to thrive in their professional practice in PK-12 school contexts. By developing a reflective, problem-solving orientation toward teaching and education writ large, our programs foster development of educators who strive to continuously improve their instructional practice and professional dispositions to better serve their school communities.

A program of studies in education includes the basic general education and professional courses required by external accreditation agencies as well as meeting the standards of best practice in the field of education more broadly. The programs are designed to provide candidates with opportunities for study in the liberal arts and sciences, educational foundations, learning theories, and teaching methods with internship experiences across a four-year sequence. Attention is also given to curricular and instructional strategies for exceptional students, meeting the needs of culturally and economically diverse student populations, and the skills needed to engage with the ever changing technological demands of our society.

The Teacher Education Programs at Catholic University have been accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) since 1975. The most recent CAEP site visit was in the Fall of 2021 and the Department remains fully accredited. The next CAEP accreditation visit is scheduled for Fall 2028. Additional external accreditation is required through the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) of DC, and the Department programs are currently recognized by this agency.

Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies

The requirements for the major can be found at Education Studies - Bachelor of Arts (B.A.).

This program does not lead to a teaching license. The Education Studies program provides majors the skills they need for employment in a variety of settings. These settings include local, state, or federal government education positions; industry and/or trade association education positions; or education positions in hospitals, museums, foundations, professional associations, or charitable organizations. This is the most flexible undergraduate major offered by the Department of Education at The Catholic University of America. Each program of study is designed by the candidate and the candidate's adviser to satisfy the wants of the candidate, and his or her hopes for employment upon graduation.

The Education Studies Program informs majors who want to work with or for children in non-school settings. It prepares majors to understand the ways schools function and to gain firsthand knowledge of how outside agencies may enhance or impede the work of schools. Candidates majoring in Education Studies gain knowledge enabling them to be informed citizens and parents who understand how to interact constructively with schools. Through its several foci, this program may also teach majors how to enter, manage, or begin businesses related to education; how to design educational products; or how to obtain employment in educationally related mass media, including public relations, advertising, or print journalism. Education Studies majors can also focus on education issues relevant to the workplace or the United States justice system or those of concern to special populations.

Each candidate’s program must be approved by the coordinator of Education Studies; every program will contain at least one special focus. Advising about focus and course selection will take into consideration the candidate's personal needs and career goals. Usually, candidates enroll in one or more semesters of practicum or internship that serves to draw together their coursework in a culminating experience that serves to acquaint candidates with the real world of work.

In order to be accepted as an Education Studies major, candidates must have at least a 2.3 cumulative average and must apply to and be accepted by the Department of Education. Application forms for admission to this program are obtained from the department. Candidates whose grade point average falls below 2.0 may be dropped from this major.

Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education

The full requirements for the major can be found at Elementary Education - Bachelor of Arts (B.A.).

• General education requirements (philosophy, theology and religious studies, humanities, language/literature, behavioral/social sciences, math/natural sciences) are those of professional programs, which differ from the University’s general requirements for the liberal arts curriculum

• A sequence of education courses including a 9 credit hour, full-time, 15-week Supervised Student Teaching Internship and a 3 credit hour Student Teaching Seminar Course (EDUC 400 and 401 for all majors) during the senior year. Candidates complete an Action Research Project during their seminar course which serves as the capstone for the program.

• Application to the Director of Student Experience and Licensure must be made in the second week of the semester prior to student teaching. Candidates may not take more than one other course while student teaching.

Bachelor of Arts in English Secondary Education

**Admission to this program is currently suspended.**

The full requirements for the joint major can be found at English Secondary Education - Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). This major is currently closed to new students.

• A sequence of subject area and education courses are required for the joint degree. This includes a 9 credit hour, full-time, 15-week Supervised Student Teaching Internship and a 3 credit hour Student Teaching Seminar Course (EDUC 400 and 401 for all majors) during the senior year. Candidates complete an Action Research Project during their seminar course which serves as the capstone for the program.

Bachelor of Arts in History Secondary Education

**Admission to this program is currently suspended.**

The full requirements for the joint major can be found at History Secondary Education - Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). This major is currently closed to new students.

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Secondary Education

**Admission to this program is currently suspended.**

The full requirements for the joint major can be found at Mathematics Secondary Education - Bachelor of Science (B.S.). This major is currently closed to new students.

Minor in Elementary Education

The requirements for the minor can be found at Elementary Education - Minor

Arts & Sciences majors can minor in Elementary Education. In order to earn a minor in Elementary Education, students must declare the minor in Elementary Education using the form found on the department website.

Minor in Secondary Education

The requirements for the minor can be found at Secondary Education – Minor

Arts & Sciences majors can minor in Secondary Education. In order to earn a minor in Secondary Education, students must declare the minor in Secondary Education using the form found on the department website.

Minor in Education Studies

The requirements for the minor can be found at Education Studies – Minor

Arts & Sciences majors can minor in Education Studies. In order to earn a minor in Education Studies, students must declare the minor in Education Studies using the form found on the department website

Requirements

Initial Acceptance to the Teacher Education Program

• Completion of the teacher education application and submission of a personal statement by April 1 of the sophomore year.

• A 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

• A 3.0 GPA in the major. For secondary education candidates, the GPA is based on major requirements and any additional courses required for licensure.

• Two education faculty letters of recommendation (from sophomore level education faculty). For secondary education candidates, one of the letters of recommendation must be written by a faculty member in the major department.

• A passing score on each part of the Praxis/CORE tests in reading (156), writing (162), and mathematics (150).

• Successful completion of specified requirements, such as key assessments and various assignments during field experiences (e.g., tutoring journals and observation papers).

• If almost all the admission requirements are met, the Teacher Education Committee may allow the candidate to enter the program on a provisional basis for one semester. If the candidate does not meet all the requirements by the end of the provisional semester, the candidate will be denied admission.

Continuance and Application for Student Teaching

• A 3.0 cumulative grade point average and a 3.0 in the major in every semester. If the candidate's GPA drops below the established minimum of 3.0 cumulative and 3.0 in the major after admission to Teacher Education, the candidate will be placed on probation for one semester, in which time the candidate must attain the required GPA. Candidates cannot student teach without attaining the required GPA. Also, approval to student teach is not automatically granted upon completion of academic requirements. If weaknesses or deficiencies are noted in subject matter knowledge, pedagogy, communication, interpersonal skills, or dispositions, the Department may put the candidate on probation and require the candidate to take additional coursework, do an additional practicum, or obtain personal counseling. Each candidate is allowed to have only one provisional and one probationary semester.

• Early childhood, elementary, and secondary education candidates must take the appropriate PRAXIS II content test before student teaching.

• Successful completion of specified requirements, such as key assessments and various assignments during field experiences (lesson plans, thematic unit, and satisfactory grades in methods courses). A C- minimum is required for all education courses as well as general education/ Liberal Arts requirements to be eligible for a license.

Graduation

• A grade of at least C- in each course required for licensure. Successful completion of the teacher education program (i.e., education courses, courses in the major, courses related to the major).

• Successful completion of field experiences and specified requirements, such as key assessments and various assignments during field experiences (e.g., Action Research Paper, student teaching evaluation).

• Completion of electronic portfolio, which is also presented to the Education faculty.

• Completion of the Praxis II Content Area Exam (Note: Elementary Education requires all 4 subject area exams).

Application for Standard Teaching Credential and Endorsement Requirements

These requirements are determined by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education of DC, not the Catholic University Education Department. Candidates should review these requirements on the OSSE Website as they are subject to change.

The following is a general overview of the requirements to apply for a Standard Teaching Credential for quick reference:

• Approved Program Completer Verification Form

• This form is completed by the Education Department, and a PDF copy will be provided to you for submission to OSSE.

• Identity History Summary Check (IHSC) (See list for providers)

•Complete required Praxis Basic Skills Exams

• You already completed the requirement to be admitted to CUA’s program.

• Complete required Praxis Content and Pedagogy Exams

• List of Required Praxis Exams by Subject Area

• You must take the Subject Content Exam for CUA’s program completion requirements.

• The Principal of Learning & Teaching (PLT) exam is also required for credentialing.

• Official Transcripts from Catholic University of America

• Submit a Transcript Request when available after the end of final semester. You will need a copy of your final transcript with the degree conferred confirmation to submit with your application

• Pay all applicable fees (For most credentials the application fee is $50)

Transportation Responsibility

Transportation to and from agencies or schools used for practicum, student teaching, and any other field experiences is the personal responsibility of the candidate.

Sociology Faculty

The undergraduate program in Sociology, like its graduate equivalent, is organized around four principal areas:

1. Crime and Justice Studies, offering courses on the sociology of crime and punishment; criminological theory; the sociology of law; international crime and terrorism; global threats and threat management; surveillance and penology; sociology of organizations and law enforcement; and potential social impacts of crime and justice prevention programs;

2. Global and Comparative Processes, offering courses on globalization involving immigration, family, race/ethnicity, and gender; political and religious change, civil society and social justice; and comparative analyses of contemporary societies;

3. Public Policy Analysis, offering courses on inequality and poverty eradication; educational and family institutions and policies in a comparative context; ethnicity and race as major forces that hold society together or split it apart; urban America; disability, sports, and gender policies; as well as economic sociology and social change;

4. Health, Society, and Policy, offering courses in medical sociology; healthcare policy; social inequalities in health; families and society; and the relationship between religion and mental health.

In each of these areas, courses draw from the sociological tradition as well as Catholic Social Teaching. Students receive basic training in research methods and social theory. Undergraduate education in sociology or criminology serves as an excellent conduit to professional positions in law enforcement, public policy, and social research, as well as preparation for successful application to law schools, graduate programs in sociology and social work, and professional schools.

We offer one 4+1 program enabling qualified students to earn a B.A and an M.A. in sociology program in five years. The department offers two merit honors. Students who earn a GPA of 3.2 or higher in sociology courses are nominated for the Alpha Kappa Delta international honor society. The graduating senior with the highest GPA in Sociology is awarded the William Joseph Kerby Award.

Every student majoring in sociology or criminology will be assigned a major adviser who will assist the student in making curricular choices to suit particular educational goals, and who must approve each semester's course selections. Students may elect one or two semesters of Independent Research (SOC 493, SOC 494) in order to provide individually tailored programs. Advisers may approve related courses in other departments as part of the twelve courses required for the major in sociology. Up to six hours may be earned in supervised internships (SOC 495). All students are required to pass a senior comprehensive examination (SOC 498) or must complete a senior thesis (SOC 496).

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

The requirements for the major can be found at Sociology - Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Bachelor of Arts in Criminology

The requirements for the major can be found at Criminology - Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

The criminology major investigates the causes and implications of crime in societies and preventive strategies that could control such social behavior. The Sociology Department approaches the study of crime from an evidence-based and Catholic social justice perspective. The program takes advantage of the considerable expertise the Department of Sociology already offers, the resources of the Washington, D.C., Consortium of Universities, and the location of our university to provide students with a unique course of study about the effects of criminality in our society today.

Minor in Sociology

The requirements for the minor can be found at Sociology - Minor

The Sociology minor allows students from other disciplines to gain a foundation in sociological research and an introduction to evidence-based interpretations of contemporary social problems.

Minor in Criminology

The requirements for the minor can be found at Criminology - Minor

The interdisciplinary Criminology minor allows students to gain a foundation in criminological research and an introduction to evidence-based interpretations of contemporary issues regarding crime. Course requirements apply only to non-Sociology majors. Students majoring in sociology consult with their academic advisor to select four interdisciplinary electives from outside the department.

Minor in Health, Society, and Policy

The requirements for the minor can be found at Health, Society and Policy - Minor

The Health, Society, and Policy minor is an interdisciplinary minor focusing on understanding health as a social phenomenon, paying special attention to healthcare systems and public health policy development and implementation. Course requirements apply only to non-Sociology majors. Students majoring in sociology consult with their academic advisor to select four interdisciplinary electives from outside the department.