Doctor of Education in Catholic Social Thought in Practice

Discover transformative leadership integrating faith and professional growth

In partnership with the Franciscan School of Theology (FST), the EdD in Catholic Social Thought in Practice provides a pathway for leadership preparation and professional development opportunities for those serving in Catholic healthcare, education, social services, chaplaincy, mental health ministry, healing ministry and within dioceses.

Units

Years to Complete

Accessible format

Online with annual in-person residencies

In-person residencies

Hosted at San Luis Mission Retreat Center in Southern California (food and lodging included)

^{Note: FST, part of the University of San Diego, is authorized to enroll students in specific U.S. states and territories due to state authorization requirements and a religious waiver, specifically for their online degree programs. It shall be authorized in the states where FST is currently authorized, which includes all U.S. States except Alabama, Alaska, Connecticut, D.C., Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island and Wyoming.}

Our academic partnership with the

Franciscan School of Theology

FST's mission is to prepare women and men for professional ministry in the Roman Catholic Church, for careers in theological education and for living a life dedicated to solidarity with those on the margins of society and the Church in the knowledge of Christian faith.

Guided by the life and witness of Saint Francis, FST draws on the theological tradition he inspired. The school sought affiliation with USD in part to develop inter-disciplinary leadership education that serves the contemporary church.

FST’s curriculum is grounded in the Franciscan intellectual tradition, which provides practical wisdom for love of God and neighbor, inspired by the example of Saint Francis. Over its 800-year history, this tradition has enriched Catholic social thought through its inquiry and praxis.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to make a meaningful impact in their communities by:

Integrating

Integrating Catholic social thought and spirituality into personal and professional life and leadership practice

Applying

Applying Catholic social thought for the leadership of organizations, program design and assessment

Generating

Generating original interdisciplinary research findings to advance the Catholic identity and mission of organizations

Who is this

EdD in Catholic Social Thought in Practice for?

The program is intended for...

Leaders looking to grow their impact while continuing to serve as staff at a Catholic university, Catholic high school or Catholic K-8 school

Leaders committed to exploring and applying Catholic social thought in practice

A desire for leadership development with a Catholic lens

Non-clergy lay leaders aiming to advance professionally in Catholic institutions

Financing Your Education

All students have a right to an education, regardless of income or circumstance. Over 60% of our students rely on financial assistance to cover part of their educational expenses.

The tuition rate is for the 2025–2026 academic year. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Units

$1,748

Tuition per unit

$78,660

Estimated total tuition

Financial Aid

The EdD in Catholic Social Thought in Practice is offered through a tailored tuition model that reflects our commitment to advancing Catholic education and supporting leaders in faith communities.

In addition to external funding resources, SOLES students may be eligible for various forms of financial assistance, including scholarships, grants, fellowships and discounts.

Explore Financial Aid and Scholarships

Residency Experience

Each day includes seven hours of contact time, along with intentional opportunities for community building, faith sharing and prayer. Residencies take place at the Mission San Luis Rey Retreat Center in North San Diego County, the former home of FST, now serving as a satellite campus. The setting offers a peaceful, reflective environment that deeply supports the program’s purpose and spirit.

January Residencies

Weeklong immersive experiences
Includes in-person orientation to spring courses
Courses bracketed by online learning before and after the residency

May Residencies

Weekend immersive experiences
Culminates in a Student Research Symposium

EdD in Catholic Social Thought in Practice

Meet our faculty

Professor of Practice and Academic Director

Wendell Callahan, PhD

Dr. Callahan holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology, with a specialization in experimental psychopathology, from the University of California San Diego and San Diego State University.

He is a distinguished psychologist and counselor educator with a profound commitment to integrating mental health awareness within Catholic communities. Dr. Callahan's extensive experience in this area has informed his holistic approach to mental health ministry, emphasizing the importance of compassion, education and community support.

He co-edited the book Catholic Mental Health Ministry: Guidelines for Implementation, which was presented to Pope Francis during a Vatican meeting focused on mental health and the Church's role in supporting those in need.

In addition to his academic and administrative roles, Dr. Callahan actively engages with the broader Catholic community through workshops and presentations. He has been a featured speaker at events such as the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, where he shared insights on implementing mental health ministries in parish settings. His work exemplifies a compassionate and informed approach to mental health, rooted in Catholic values and dedicated to serving those in need. Questions? Contact Dr. Callahan at cimhm@sandiego.edu.

Associate Professor and Academic Director

Keith Warner, OFM, PhD

Keith Warner, OFM, PhD, is a practical social ethicist in the Franciscan tradition, researching the role of ethics and spirituality in the transformation of people and social structures. He teaches moral theology, Catholic social thought and Franciscan philosophy, and has written, taught and presented internationally on Franciscan eco-spirituality in the encyclical Laudato si’.

During his two decades at Santa Clara University, he designed and led a global action research fellowship in social entrepreneurship and designed leadership formation programs for the Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa, a network of 30,000 East African Catholic sisters, to transform subsistence farms into social enterprises. He also designed and led the Franciscan Journey Institute, a program of Franciscan philosophy as a way of life, structured by Bonaventure’s Itinerarium Mentis in Deum.

A longtime member of the Commission on the Franciscan Intellectual-Spiritual Tradition, Brother Keith is currently researching the globalization of the Franciscan charism since Vatican II. Questions? Contact Brother Keith at keithwarner@sandiego.edu.

USD and FST are accredited by WSCUC

The EdD in Catholic Social Thought in Practice is included in the accreditation status of both institutions

Questions?

Connect with the Office of Admissions and Outreach team to learn more information about SOLES master's and doctoral programs. Additional information for international applicants is also available.

Schedule an Advising Appointment Request for Information