The Catholic Institute of Technology

The Catholic Institute of Technology opened in fall 2024 in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, and has a mission to form the next generation of “saints, scholars, and scientists.” CatholicTech embraces the integration of faith and science—something hard to find in universities today that offer STEM degrees.

At CatholicTech, students can major in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer science, biology or physics. Students take four courses in Catholic theology and four courses in philosophy, amounting to a minor in theology and philosophy.  The theology and philosophy requirement is reduced for students who have already earned an undergraduate degree at a Newman Guide Recommended college and are working toward a second bachelor’s degree in engineering or science as a part of the “Cardinal Newman Fellowship.” The Fellowship is an innovative program that allows Newman Guide graduates who are accepted in the program to participate in work-study at CatholicTech and have their tuition and room and board costs covered.

At CatholicTech, all Catholic theology and philosophy courses are taught by priests or religious. One hundred percent of students and faculty are Catholic. All faculty and other university employees make the Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity.

Daily Mass is held on campus at a time when no classes are scheduled, and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confession are scheduled weekly. CatholicTech hosts annual retreats and pilgrimages for all students, taking advantage of the rich spiritual opportunities around Italy. Students also have the opportunity to experience historic events in the life of the Church, such as canonizations and papal Masses.

Student residences are single-sex with no opposite-sex visitation to private rooms. CatholicTech’s building has one wing for males and one for females, with common spaces and classrooms separating the two wings.

What we really like:

With its location in Castel Gandolfo, the opportunities for Catholic students are second to none. Students live just minutes from the Vatican Observatory and the Pope’s summer residence, and St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome is just a 30-minute drive. For the adventurous Catholic student who would like to study and live abroad, CatholicTech is an excellent option. The Church and society will be strengthened by graduates who are faithfully Catholic engineers and scientists.