In partnership with the Theology and Religious Studies (THRS) Department and the Office of University Ministry, those awarded the scholarship will continue their engagement and servant leadership at USD through programs offered by the Office of University Ministry. In addition, these students will build their Catholic theological foundations by enrolling in a pathway to receive a certificate in Catholic Theology and Ministry through courses offered by the THRS Department.
See the link to the Certificate here and dropdown descriptions below for more information.
This annual, renewable financial need-based scholarship is available to Catholic students who have demonstrated consistent engagement and servant leadership in their parish, school, and community. To be eligible, students must be admitted to the university and invited to complete a short scholarship application. They must also have a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), California Dream Act, or USD Dream Act on file with the USD Office of Financial Aid.
If you have any questions, please contact Kenny Van Tilburg at kvantilburg@sandiego.edu.
$5,000
amount awarded each year
20
Incoming students eligible
UM Scholars 4- Year Track*:
- 3-unit course: THRS 137 - Thinking Catholic: The Development of Catholic Faith and Practice*
- 1-unit practicum: THRS 137P - Catholic Ministry Practicum through University Ministry
*THRS 137 fulfills the lower division THRS requirement of the core curriculum.
- 3-unit course: THRS 337- Catholic Faith and Interreligious Dialogue*
- 1-unit practicum:THRS 337P - Catholic Ministry in a Pluralistic Society Practicum through University Ministry
*THRS 337 fulfills the upper division THRS requirement of the core curriculum.
- 3-unit course: THRS 335 - Catholic Social Thought*
- 1-unit practicum: THRS 335P - Catholic Faith and Social Justice: Practicum through University Ministry
*THRS 335 fulfills the FETI (Ethical Inquiry) requirement of the core curriculum.
*This program is designed to complement and fulfill the already-existing requirements of the CORE Curriculum. Being awarded this scholarship should not add extra course requirements to a student’s schedule. In addition, involvement in University Ministry is not contingent upon receiving this scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
The UM Scholarship is by invitation only based on criteria and parameters that come from the student’s application to the university. It is available to Catholic students who have demonstrated consistent engagement and servant leadership in their parish, school, and community. To be eligible, students must be admitted to the university and are invited to complete a short application.
Yes. The UM Scholarship is a financial need-based scholarship. To be eligible, students must have a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), California Dream Act, or USD Dream Act on file with the USD Office of Financial Aid.
No. Getting involved in University Ministry is not contingent upon being a UM Scholar. The programs in University Ministry are offered to the entire student population. The UM Scholarship is housed in the office of University Ministry, as well as the Theology and Religious Studies Department, as a formation program and pathway towards receiving a Certificate in Catholic Theology and Ministry.
No. The certificate pathway is designed in a way to complement and fulfill the already-existing requirements of the core curriculum. Being awarded this scholarship should not add extra course requirements to a student’s schedule. When it comes to the three courses of the certificate, THRS 137 fulfills the lower division THRS requirement, THRS 337 fulfills the upper division THRS requirement, and THRS 335 fulfills the Ethical Inquiry (FETI) requirement.
A certificate is an academic program that provides specialized training or professional development in a specific field, which can be completed in a shorter timeframe than a degree or minor.
For the UM Scholarship, the Certificate in Catholic Theology and Ministry provides students with a theological foundation through a scaffolded set of three 3-unit courses in Catholic theology and ethics. Each 3-unit course is integrated with ministry and justice work through a corresponding 1-unit practicum course.
Invitations to apply will be sent to the email address the university has on file about 7-10 days after the student is admitted to the university. As mentioned in the above dropdown, the scholarship is by invitation only.
Hear from Previous University Ministry Scholars
Being a UM Scholar has allowed me to really take my faith journey to a whole new level. It has allowed me to connect with so many wonderful people who are driven and passionate about their faith and it is truly heartwarming and inspiring. Being a UM Scholar has allowed me to join a wonderful community that has Christ in the center of it and because of it I have made many lifelong friendships that are joyful and beautiful.
What I appreciate most about being part of UM Scholars is the passion, the drive, the responsiveness, awareness, compassion, and authenticity that exists within all UM Scholars. UM Scholars are all very diverse and unique from one another; but one thing we all share is our love for change, for our beliefs, and for our community. This is what makes being part of UM Scholars, not a commitment, not just an organization, but a family.