Philosophy for Ministry, B.A. (Archdiocesan)

Saint Louis University's Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy for Ministry, offered through the College of Philosophy and Letters, includes an archdiocesan concentration that is designed to meet the undergraduate requirements for ordination to diocesan priesthood. The B.A. provides the intellectual formation for men who have been admitted to Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, where they complete the seminary’s programs for spiritual, ministerial and personal development.

Curriculum Overview

The archdiocesan concentration in SLU’s Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy for Ministry is centered around a 37-credit major in philosophy for ministry, complemented by 28 credits in theology, Catholic studies and ecclesiastical Latin. The degree requires 51 credits in general education. The program requires a minimum of 120 credits for graduation.

Careers

The archdiocesan concentration in SLU's Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy for Ministry provides students with the philosophical, theological, language and other general undergraduate requirements for advancing toward ordination, as approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and set forth in the Program for Priestly Formation.

Admission

Admission requirements for each diocese in the areas of academic achievement, personal character and spiritual ideals must be met. 

Admission Requirements

Begin Your Application

Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. 

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken post-secondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

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Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
• Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

Saint Louis University makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

1. Graduates will be able to analyze and evaluate arguments.
2. Graduates will be able to identify similarities and differences among major thinkers and ideas that have shaped the history of Western philosophy.
3. Graduates will be able to analyze the relationship between faith and reason.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a minimum 2.00 grade point average (GPA).

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

For further information on scholarships available to seminarians, contact Kenrick-Glennon Registrar Catherine Hayek at hayek@kenrick.edu.