Our Story

About the University

Our Foundation

A University Built on Mission

American University Saint Joseph was founded on the conviction that quality ministerial formation should be accessible, internationally recognized, and anchored in the theological tradition.

We are a distance-education institution committed to forming ministers, pastoral leaders, catechists, and ecclesiastical agents who serve their communities with intellectual depth, spiritual integrity, and professional competence.

Our students are working ministers and pastoral agents who seek deeper formation — without interrupting their ministry or relocating from their communities.

University academic library
Our Commitments

Mission, Vision & Values

Our Mission

To provide quality, accessible, and internationally oriented ministerial formation grounded in theological values — forming ministers and leaders who serve their communities with integrity, competence, and faith.

Our Vision

To become a leading institution of distance ministerial formation, recognized for the depth of our theological tradition and the global reach of our ministers' service.

Our Values

Academic excellence, intellectual honesty, faith-informed formation, service to others, accessibility, and the dignity of every person — guiding every dimension of our institutional life.

Why Choose Us

The Saint Joseph Difference

American Standards

Degrees awarded under United States academic frameworks — internationally recognized quality and rigor.

Fully Online

Complete your formation from anywhere — no campus residency required, no career or ministry interruption.

Theological Tradition

Every program reflects a commitment to the theological tradition, theological depth, and ministerial vocation.

"The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight."
— Proverbs 4:7

Ready to Begin?

Become part of a global community of ministers and pastoral leaders at American University Saint Joseph.