Theological College is the national seminary of The Catholic University of America, which is a pontifical university conferring both ecclesiastical degrees, accredited by the Holy See, and civil degrees.

Founded in 1917 as the Sulpician Seminary, Theological College was officially established by Vatican decree in 1937 as the seminary of The Catholic University of America. Today, in collaboration with the bishops of the United States and Catholic University’s Schools of Theology and Religious Studies, Philosophy, and Canon Law, we prepare future priests for a life of service to American parishes and dioceses.

We offer a balanced, holistic formation program, focusing on the human, spiritual, intellectual, and  pastoral dimensions of formation. Our men have the benefit of both internal and external advisement in relationships with a spiritual director and a formation advisor, respectively. This process, mandated in the latest version of Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis, allows every seminarian to grow in faith and to be closely accompanied through his personal discernment process.

Theological College is made up of seminarians from 22-28 different dioceses throughout the United States, as well as student priests completing advanced degrees. The variety of backgrounds – of students and faculty alike – provides a richly diverse educational backdrop for growth and discernment in the Theological College community. In the words of one alumnus, “TC is a house with many different rooms, and the doors are always open.” TC is also exceptionally qualified to invite bishops to send ordained priests to Theological College for an additional year to obtain the S.T.L. degree or an additional two years to obtain the J.C.L. degree at Catholic University. Hospitality is offered in the Providence Hall Priests Residence, which provides private rooms with baths as well as common spaces, while the priests are free to participate in the full life of the seminary and to serve in area parishes and at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.