The Catholic university is a place where the deepest aspirations of the human person and the human community are of utmost importance. We often speak of our Catholic Intellectual Tradition – a founding principle of the academic experience at SHU. It is a mindset that compels great thinking, innovative proposals, a supportive community and a strong belief in diversity – including, of course, religious diversity across our campus.

At Sacred Heart University, we recognize and fully embrace the fundamental need for service to others.  Our Catholic tradition understands service to the world around us as a core element of what it means to be human. The more generous and compassionate people become, the more fully alive and more human they are. If we are to engage our world and shape its future in light of what we believe, we need to recognize and respond to the signs of our times. In addition, we must seek out all the best resources for meeting each of the many needs we discover.

Our landmark centers – from Catholic Thought, Ethics & Culture to Christian-Jewish Understanding to Mission Education & Reflection to Center for Spirituality and Ministry and beyond – provide lively discussion groups, lectures and curricula on modern questions. A true leader in Catholic education today, SHU also spearheads important national conferences and publications on exactly what it means to be a Catholic university in the 21st century – and what it means to students.

Ultimately, we believe our tradition makes SHU the ideal setting for reflection on self, society, career, ethics and a balanced life – and assures the tools to explore and expand.