Welcome to Catholic University of America

This is the accessibility version designed specifically for users needing extra accessibility features.
Feel free to check out the original experience here.

Office of Admission- Father O'Connell Hall

Tour stop audio transcript

Welcome to The Catholic University of America, a national research university with a global reach, located in Washington, D.C. Your tour begins here at Father O'Connell Hall, a magnificent building that houses our Office of Undergraduate Admission, Craves Family Alumni Center, Office of Student Financial Assistance, and Enrollment Services. In case this is your first visit, here are some tips to help you get started: -To jump to the next destination, select the "Next" button on the right side of your screen. -Or, if you already know where you want to go, simply select that location from the list on the sidebar OR directly on the map below. -And remember to explore each destination in more detail by clicking the interactive icons included throughout each location.

University Lawn

Tour stop audio transcript

Stretching out in front of you is University Lawn. Throughout our tour, you will see nearly all 176 acres of our campus. Many of these are beautiful green spaces like the Lawn, which is a favorite among students for lounging with friends, working outside, or just soaking up some sun. In the background is the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Although the Basilica is officially separate from Catholic University, it adjoins campus and is part our students' journey, which begins on the Basilica's steps with freshman convocation and ends on them with graduation.

Mullen Library

Tour stop audio transcript

The John K. Mullen of Denver Library houses 1.3 million volumes and includes plenty of individual and group study spaces, tutoring centers, access to computer and digital arts labs, the librarian research desk—which is a great resource open to all students—and more. In addition to checking out books from the library, students can also check out laptops, movies, and board games. Catholic University also participates in the D.C. Consortium, which gives our students access to libraries in D.C. at other universities and archives.

Przybyla Student Center

Tour stop audio transcript

The *Przybyla* Center—known around campus as simply "The Pryz"—is the student union and the heart of campus life. It's home to many clubs and organizations, the Cardinal Shop and Bookstore, Murphy's Pub and several dining options, and a Starbucks coffee shop. The Pryz also hosts the Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) and the Office of the Dean of Students. DSS provides a number of services at no extra cost to any student who may have a disability. The Office of the Dean of Students serves as a network to help support students with various academic, social, or health concerns.

Opus Residential Hall

Tour stop audio transcript

Opus Hall offers upperclassmen a vibrant, community-centered living experience. Its suite-style (5-person) accommodations provide the perfect blend of privacy and shared spaces, which include kitchens, lounges, and laundry facilities. The building also has a private Eucharistic Adoration Chapel. With a contemporary design that complements the University's signature "collegiate gothic" architecture, Opus Hall's modern, fully furnished suites allow residents to customize their spaces to reflect their personal style. The hall is just steps away from St. Vincent's Chapel, the DuFour Athletic Center, Kane Fitness Center, and Aquinas Hall, providing convenient access to faith, fitness, and academics.

Centenial Village - Residence Life

Tour stop audio transcript

This is Centennial Village, a popular residential community for our freshmen and sophomore students. Catholic University students have a three-year, on-campus residency requirement, and underclassmen have two primary housing options: community style housing and suite style housing. At Centennial Village, suite-style housing comprises two double rooms connected by a jack-and-jill bathroom, forming a mini-suite of four students. Students can pick which style of housing they prefer as part of room selection. Roommate selection is done through a lifestyle survey that matches students with similar personalities, but students are also able to request their own roommates! Resident assistants live in every hall, and they are a great resource for students.

North Residential Neighborhood

Tour stop audio transcript

Our second cluster of residence halls is called North Neighborhood 2 and is largely community style housing. Community style housing primarily features double rooms branching off a hallway with a large, communal bathroom that is shared by residents of that floor. The hallways and bathrooms are cleaned seven days a week by housing staff. *Regan*, Ryan, and Flather Halls and most of Gibbons Hall are built in this style. The other buildings in this neighborhood—Millenium North, Millenium South, and Opus Halls—are sophomore and upperclassman apartment style residence halls.

Brookland Metro Stop

Tour stop audio transcript

Catholic University has its own Metro Stop, the Brookland/CUA stop on the Red Line. It's just a few stops away from Union Station, Chinatown, the Capitol Building, and the U.S. Supreme Court, and it provides our students easy access to one of the most important and dynamic cities in the world. Students use this convenient and eco-friendly mode of transport to take full advantage of the nation's capital as they head into the city for internships, jobs, a fun day downtown, a picnic on the National Mall, or to explore the life and culture of surrounding neighborhoods.

Maloney Hall- Business

Tour stop audio transcript

Maloney Hall is home to the Busch School of Business. The school offers two undergraduate degrees in eight business specializations, as well as an Exploratory/Undecided pathway that allows students who have not decided on a specialization to wait until the end of their sophomore year to declare their official major. The Busch School is committed to forming virtuous business leaders who become a force for good in society.

Conway School of Nursing

Tour stop audio transcript

The Conway School of Nursing educates students for more than a nursing job; it prepares them for a vocation. Located in our new nursing and science building—complete with a state-of-the-art simulation and virtual reality environment—the school focuses on teaching compassionate care and healing to patients as whole human persons. Our nursing school has partnerships with all major hospitals in the Washington, D.C. area, and it guarantees clinical placements for our nursing students.

Pangborn Hall-Engineering

Tour stop audio transcript

Pangborn Hall is home to the School of Engineering, which brings cutting-edge research into the classroom and educates students to be principled leaders who will use their skills to serve others. The school offers programs leading to a Bachelor of Engineering degree in biomedical, civil, electrical, environmental, or mechanical engineering, and a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science. There is also an Engineering Undecided/Exploratory pathway for those students who may not have had a chance to explore different specializations within engineering. Catholic University also offers a popular dual bachelor's degree in architecture and civil engineering.

Columbus School of Law

Tour stop audio transcript

The Columbus School of Law, ranked 94th in U.S. News & World Report's 2024 "Best Law Schools" edition, offers an outstanding legal education. Catholic Law excels in preparing students for legal practice, focusing on critical legal analysis, writing, and oral advocacy. Students benefit from the school's collegial atmosphere, expert faculty, and connections in the nation's capital. With hands-on learning through clinics and externships, Catholic Law ensures students graduate ready for impactful legal careers. Since 1897, Catholic Law has welcomed students of every faith and background — teaching, guiding, and assisting their transformation to becoming some of America's best legal practitioners.

Crough Center for Architecture

Tour stop audio transcript

The *Crough* Center houses our School of Architecture and Planning, which draws on centuries of design wisdom and inspiration from classical to emerging styles to build planned environments and sustainable spaces. The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies; it also offers a dual bachelor's degree in architecture and civil engineering, in conjunction with the School of Engineering. The School of Architecture hosts one of the nation's few Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure programs, and it also has a broad network with connections to nearly every large American architectural firm that has offices in the area.

McMahon Hall

Tour stop audio transcript

McMahon Hall is home to our School of Arts and Sciences, the First-Year Experience program, Global Education and CUAbroad, and the University Honors Program. Remarkably, 30-40% of our students study abroad. The University's flagship study abroad program is in Rome, but students participate in many other programs hosted all over the world, some specific to majors and some open to anyone. Some even include internships that you can complete abroad!

Garvey Hall - Dining

Tour stop audio transcript

Located at the heart of campus, Garvey Hall is the University's new dining commons. It connects the center of residential life with the center of student life and is a prime example of Catholic University's commitment to constantly improving the student experience. Our Center for Academic and Career Success (CACS) is housed here too. *CACS* provides guidance, resources, and support to help guide you to academic and career success. Whether you need help forming an academic plan, exploring a career, or connecting with employers, our integrated advising approach provides individual support from Day One of your career at Catholic.

Solar Farm

Tour stop audio transcript

The West Campus Solar Array was unveiled in June 2024 as the region's largest urban, ground-mount solar array, and it exemplifies the University's dedication to pioneering sustainable energy solutions. With a capacity to produce 10,000 MWh of renewable energy annually, the solar facility benefits both the campus and the local community. The array will also provide clean energy savings to more than 1,200 subscribers within the community.

O'Boyle Hall - Counseling Center

Tour stop audio transcript

O'Boyle Hall is home to our psychology and English departments. Catholic University offers both a Bachelors of Arts and a Bachelors of Science degree in psychology, and a major in psychological and brain sciences. The English department offers a Bachelors of Arts in English as well as joint academic programs with our Department of Education. Also located in O'Boyle Hall is the University Counseling Center, which offers each student 45 free counseling sessions with licensed therapists, should they need the support. Group therapy options that have no participation limit are also available.

Kane Health Center

Tour stop audio transcript

The Kane Health and Fitness Center is the main health center on campus. Located between Centennial Village and North Neighborhood, it is easily accessible to all of our on-campus residents. Our Student Health Services has both a physician and a nurse practitioner on staff and on call 24/7. Students who have any medical needs can walk in or make an appointment. The Kane Fitness Center is one of two campus fitness centers. It has cardio equipment and free weights and offers free fitness classes so you can stay in shape while you pursue your studies.

Hartke Theater

Tour stop audio transcript

*Hartke* Theater complex is a LORT-level theater that can seat 590 patrons. Within Hartke are four performance spaces: Hartke Theatre, The Hartke Studio, the Callan Theatre, and the Lab Theatre. The Benjamin T. Rome School of Music, Drama, and Art hosts more than 200 performances each year. The building also houses dedicated scene and costume shops.

Ward Recital Hall -Music

Tour stop audio transcript

Ward Hall houses the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music, Drama, and Art. The Rome School was founded as the only school of its kind in Washington, D.C., and enjoys a tremendous reputation in the city and beyond. Ward Hall has classrooms, practice rooms, rehearsal halls, a recording studio, a dance studio, a library, instrument and equipment storage, and a recital hall. You do not have to be a student in the Rome School of Music, Drama, and Art to audition for any of the shows or music groups that perform here or to use any of the school's resources.

Caldwell Hall -Chapel

Tour stop audio transcript

Caldwell Hall is home to the School of Theology and Religious Studies, the School of Canon Law, and the Office of Campus Ministry. Campus Ministry supports the University's vibrant faith and ministry programs, including Resident Ministers, campus masses, Gratia Plena, and Habitat for Humanity, to name just a few! At Catholic University, we celebrate our Catholic identity and ensure that students have ample opportunities to grow in their faith. While 80% of our students are Catholic, we welcome students of all faith traditions and all who seek to deepen their relationship with God and others in friendship and love.

Angels Unawares

Tour stop audio transcript

Angels Unawares was cast at the request of Pope Francis as a memorial to the experience of migrants and refugees throughout history and as a reminder of our Christian calling. The original sits in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican. Currently, this is the only replica in the world. It connects us to Rome and thus the Universal Church. Inspired by Hebrews 13:2, which states, "Be welcoming to strangers, many have entertained angels unawares," the work reminds us of our calling to welcome and educate all people for a higher purpose, to love God and our neighbor, to welcome the downtrodden and the stranger, to become saints, to love.

Monroe Street Market- Off Campus Housing

Tour stop audio transcript

On the south end of campus is Monroe Street Market, which is a joint project between the University and private developers. This bustling mixed-use development has revitalized the Brookland neighborhood and is home for many upperclassmen and university staff. Popular restaurants there include Busboys & Poets, Chipotle, Potbelly, &pizza, Brookland Pint, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, and Starbucks. Monroe Street Market also boasts independent artist studios, a Saturday farmers market, and more!

Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames