Divine Mercy University Receives Prestigious Newman Guide Recommendation for Faithful Catholic Education

The Cardinal Newman Society has recommended Divine Mercy University (DMU) for inclusion in The Newman Guide, a trusted resource for faithful Catholic education. This recognition establishes DMU as the first Catholic graduate program specializing in psychology and counseling to receive this prestigious recommendation, and one of only seven graduate institutions nationwide to achieve this honor. Kelly Salomon, Vice President of Newman Guide Programs at The Cardinal Newman Society, expressed enthusiasm about the recommendation, stating, "We are thrilled to hold up Divine Mercy University as a model of faithful Catholic education." Salomon emphasized the importance of this recognition for Catholic families seeking quality education that aligns with their values, particularly in a society that often challenges traditional Catholic understanding of the human person.

The Newman Guide's recommendation is based on criteria derived from various Church documents, including guidance from Church councils, popes, Vatican congregations, bishops conferences, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This comprehensive evaluation ensures that recommended institutions adhere to the highest standards of Catholic education. Fr. Charles Sikorsky, LC, President of Divine Mercy University, welcomed the recognition, highlighting its significance for the institution. He noted the university's history of attracting students from Newman-recommended undergraduate institutions, praising these students for their strong foundation in liberal arts and Catholic worldview. Fr. Sikorsky expressed hope that this recommendation would encourage more students to pursue graduate education at DMU, contributing to the formation of mental health professionals grounded in Catholic teachings.

Divine Mercy University, founded in 1999 as the Institute for the Psychological Sciences, offers a range of graduate programs including a Doctoral (Psy.D.) degree in Clinical Psychology, a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Psychology, a Doctoral (Ph.D.) in Counselor Education and Supervision, and a Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling. The university's mission centers on the scientific study of psychology with a Catholic understanding of the person, marriage, and family. This recommendation by The Cardinal Newman Society underscores the growing recognition of the importance of integrating faith and reason in higher education, particularly in fields such as psychology and counseling. It also reflects the increasing demand for educational institutions that maintain a strong Catholic identity while pursuing academic excellence.

The inclusion of Divine Mercy University in The Newman Guide is expected to have a significant impact on prospective students seeking graduate education in mental health fields that aligns with Catholic teachings. This recognition may also influence other Catholic institutions to strengthen their commitment to faithful Catholic education across various disciplines. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, the recommendation of Divine Mercy University by The Cardinal Newman Society serves as a beacon for those seeking to integrate faith and professional training in psychology and counseling. It also challenges other institutions to consider how they can better serve the needs of Catholic students and uphold Catholic values in their educational offerings.