/Institutions/Catholic-University-of-America/json/2026-2027/Undergraduate-Announcements-local.json

/Institutions/Catholic-University-of-America/json/2026-2027/Undergraduate-Announcements.json

Undergraduate Announcements > School of Professional Studies > History and Mission

History and Mission

History

Catholic University's School of Professional Studies (SPS) was established as University College in 1979 by the Board of Trustees to extend the educational resources and programs of the university to adult students wanting to pursue academic and professional credentials. SPS has a long history of serving adults with programs that integrate a values-based, liberal arts foundation with majors that are application-oriented and focused on professional career tracks. The school offers master's degrees, bachelor's degrees, associate's degrees, and certificates in Washington, and in 2021 began offering a bachelor’s degree in management in Tucson, Ariz.

Mission

SPS regards its service to nontraditional students as a special part of The Catholic University of America's overall educational mission. Reflecting the tradition and educational values of the university, the bachelor's degrees are based on a strong core component of study in the humanities and social sciences. Individual programs are designed with maximum flexibility to accommodate the various schedules of adult and nontraditional students. Courses adhere to the academic standards of the university while being offered in evening, accelerated, and online formats.