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 meets undergraduate requirements for diocesan priesthood. The degree provides the intellectual formation for men admitted to Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, where they complete complementary programs of spiritual, pastoral and human formation.

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 and the Coalition 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 or HiSET.

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
• All academic records must include an English translation. An official course-by-course transcript evaluation may be required and accepted.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

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 2025, 99.6% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $517 million in aid University-wide.

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

This roadmap is just one example of a semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. There are other plans students can and do take. The plan of study for each particular student is established in consultation with each student’s academic advisor; this roadmap does not replace academic advising appointments.

Roadmap notes:

• This Roadmap assumes full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
• Courses/Milestones marked with an “!” are critical and must be completed in the semester listed in the Roadmap to ensure a timely graduation.
• Course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

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