Holy Apostles College & Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut, describes the goal of a Catholic-based philosophy degree as preparing students for careers in ministry, to be teachers of religion and philosophy or to give them a foundation to pursue an advanced degree in the field. Degree seekers study a range of philosophical topics, including Catholic moral philosophy, the philosophy of human nature, ancient and medieval philosophy and Catholic saint and philosopher Thomas Aquinas.
With a degree in pastoral ministry, you are able to work hands-on caring for the needs of a parish or the spiritual needs of an individual. For example, according to the Diocese of Manchester in New Hampshire, pastoral ministers often assist with training church personnel, Mass preparations, coordinating volunteers, preparing parishioners to receive the sacraments of the Catholic Church or providing counseling.
A religious studies degree is designed to increase your knowledge of religion in general and deepen your understanding of theology and the influence of religion on fields such as medicine, law, politics, social work and art, according to Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana.
A degree in Catholic theology opens the door to many careers in the Church, including youth ministry, social justice, parish- and school-based education, counseling, music ministry, Catholic journalism and missionary outreach. It also provides the foundation for you to pursue graduate and doctorate level degrees.
Colleges offering online degrees often post syllabi online and provide online forums for discussions particular to the course. Audio and video lectures also are online. The Catholic Distance University, for example, offers online seminars in which students read or listen to weekly lectures and answer questions asked by the course instructor. Such "courserooms" are available 24 hours, seven days a week and are designed to provide a classroom atmosphere so you can interact with your teachers.
The type of financial aid offered for online degrees varies by Catholic college, but many accept payment plans and private loans through lenders that offer students competitive interest rates. Research what financial aid options best meet your needs. Much of this information can be found on college web sites. Check with your parish or local Catholic diocese to find out if they provide scholarships or tuition assistance for Catholic higher education studies.