The Jesuits, formally known as members of the Society of Jesus, are an order of priests in the Catholic Church known for their intellectual facility, their broad range of knowledge and interests and their centuries of accomplishment in the field of education. Their founder was St. Ignatius Loyola, a Spanish officer in the 1500s who underwent a spiritual awakening while recovering from a serious battlefield injury and then went on to establish the order.
Loyola College in Maryland is one of 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. The Jesuits are among the great educators, not only historically, but in the world today. A person who graduates from a Jesuit institution earns a degree that commands nationwide and worldwide recognition. The Jesuits have a phrase – "cura personalis," or care of the whole person. While academic work is the central focus of the college years, Loyola’s purpose is to help you develop intellectually, socially and spiritually. Our liberal arts core curriculum is designed to help you obtain a broad and comprehensive background in college. Students are engaged in many ways beyond the classroom. Our intent is to help you develop into a well-rounded person with a well-defined purpose in your life. There are many things about a Jesuit education that are unique including the opportunity to explore the issues of ethics, the emphasis on community service and social justice and the ability to explore your faith. Part of the liberal arts core is a requirement to take an ethics course. Beyond the classroom, the College attempts to create an environment that allows students to explore and discuss questions of values in a variety of settings. Loyola encourages students to put their ideals into action in many ways. Our community service program is extensive, with opportunities to work on a regular basis in Baltimore, to travel with a group of Loyola students to other parts of the country or abroad to engage in service projects during breaks in the school year. These experiences are designed to heighten awareness of social justice issues and the ability society has to address them. Students interested in exploring questions of faith and spirituality will find extensive opportunities at Loyola. Programs sponsored by the Campus Ministry department allow students to worship, to reflect and to participate. The theology requirement in the core curriculum challenges all students to study the ideas and history of religion. The minor in Catholic Studies gives students a greater understanding of Catholicism. back to top | 
