Catholic Distance University (CDU) is a private online Roman Catholic university based in Charles Town, West Virginia. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate programs. CDU's programs aim to meet the goals set out in the Ex Corde Ecclesiae issued by Pope John Paul II regarding Catholic colleges and universities. CDU was the first Catholic institution to offer an MA in Theology completely online. Several Catholic dioceses partner with CDU to help train their catechists. History Catholic Distance University was established in 1983 in the Arlington diocese by Bishop Thomas Jerome Welsh. In 2015, the university relocated its headquarters to Charles Town, West Virginia, as part of its strategic vision. CDU offers an accredited bachelor's degree completion program in theology, a master's degree in theology, a master's degree in theology and educational ministry, graduate certificates, an undergraduate certificate, a catechetical diploma, and a variety of catechetical certificates. The university's programs are offered completely online; CDU launched its online campus in 2005. According to Georgetown University's Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, in the academic year 2007–2008, CDU was the top Lay Ecclesial Ministry Program by number of enrollments. Presidents In 2003, Bishop Paul Loverde became the university president as Bishop Thomas Jerome Welsh, the university's founder, became chairman emeritus. Bishop Loverde was succeeded by Marianne Evans Mount in 2008. Bishop Thomas Jerome Welsh (1986–2003) Bishop Paul Loverde (2003–2008) Marianne Evans Mount: (2008–present) Academics Catholic Distance University currently offers the Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, and Master of Arts. It also offers graduate certificates and non-degree programs. All of the degree programs and certificates focus on religious topics such as theology, ministry, or church history. Accreditation and affiliations The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission authorized Catholic Distance University to operate as a degree-granting institution of higher education in West Virginia. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia certifies CDU to operate in Virginia as an out-of-state private, non-profit degree-granting institution. It is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission and the Higher Learning Commission with its Graduate School of Theology accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. In March 2015 the university was also approved for membership in the International Federation of Catholic Universities on the recommendation of Catholic University of America and Australian Catholic University. Notable faculty and alumni Clayton Fountain, federal prisoner serving a life sentence who converted to Catholicism in prison References External