A Jesuit education reflects a centuries-old tradition of intellectual inquiry, Ignatian spirituality and a commitment to justice. Grounded in the liberal arts, it’s a humanistic approach that instills curiosity and intellectual flexibility while promoting personal growth and the development of an ethical core.
What is a holistic education?
One of our favorite Latin phrases is cura personalis (care for the whole person)—a core value of Jesuit education. It represents our commitment to a holistic approach and to making sure your college experience is highly personalized.
We believe that college is about much more than your identity as a student. It’s also about who you are beyond the classroom, including your habits, needs and beliefs. We’ll support and encourage your career aspirations, but also challenge you to dive deeper so you can uncover your unique talents and understand what really drives you.
How is a Jesuit education at Canisius transformational?
At Canisius, issues are explored on a deep level. You’ll tackle the big questions about life and death, good and evil, wealth and poverty—and you’ll be supported as you search for answers. You’ll learn how to think, not what to think. You’ll explore an issue from multiple perspectives for a rich understanding. And perhaps most important of all, you’ll be encouraged to reflect on what kind of person you want to be—beyond what kind of degree you plan to earn.
Expansive thinking
Challenge your own assumptions. Appreciate different perspectives. Make connections across disciplines and see the world through a wider lens. Our core curriculum will expose you to diverse subjects, giving you both a breadth and a depth of knowledge. A set of transferable skills—like critical thinking, clear communication, problem-solving, teamwork and collaboration—will help you navigate not only your career path, but all of life’s challenges and surprises.
Immersive learning
Explore hands-on opportunities and enrich your understanding of concepts, both within and outside your major. Engage in learning that goes far beyond the classroom and gets you out into the community—whether that community is halfway around the world or a few blocks from campus. Immersive learning at Canisius will inspire you to go deep, bridging the gap between academic theory and real-life applications.
Being for and with others
Explore issues around faith and social justice through classes on ethics, conversations on campus, and opportunities for service in the community and around the world. You’ll clarify your own values and find ways to put them into action. And you’ll learn how to stand in solidarity with others, especially the poor and the marginalized.
From good to great
Watch our video to learn how a Jesuit education at Canisius can be transformative.
Who are the Jesuits?
Formally known as the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits are a Roman Catholic apostolic order dedicated to the pursuit of truth and knowledge, and guided by a faith that does justice. The order was founded in the 16th century by St. Ignatius of Loyola, a soldier and member of the Spanish nobility whose spiritual conversion inspired him to devote his life to serving others. Today the Jesuits are known throughout the world for their contributions to education and their service on behalf of marginalized communities.
Canisius is proud to be one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States, a prestigious group consistently ranked among the best in the nation, and one of over 200 Jesuit institutions around the globe.