Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Catholic Higher Education in Nashville, TN
Aquinas College is a Catholic institution of higher education rooted in the Dominican tradition. Founded in 1961 by the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia Congregation, we specialize in preparing educators through rigorous academic programs grounded in faith, reason, and service. Our mission focuses on holistic formation for future teachers and ongoing professional development for educators, emphasizing the integration of Catholic values with pedagogical excellence.With a small but dedicated student body, we offer undergraduate degrees in elementary and secondary education, graduate programs leading to teaching licensure, and specialized certificates like Catholic Social Emotional Learning. Our campus fosters a vibrant faith community through regular liturgical events, intellectual engagement, and partnerships that advance Catholic education nationwide.
Services
Undergraduate Degrees
Graduate Degrees
Certificate Programs
Conference Center
Catholic Formation
Details
- Year established: 1961
Highlights and features
- We specialize in Catholic teacher education with 60+ years of Dominican tradition
- Our programs integrate faith formation with professional teaching preparation
- We offer graduate degrees with initial teaching licensure options
- Our faculty combines academic expertise with real-world Catholic education experience
- We host Nashville's premier Catholic conference and retreat center
Associations and certifications
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Services
Undergraduate Education
Our undergraduate programs prepare future educators through BS degrees in elementary education and secondary education specializations. Students receive comprehensive training in pedagogy, curriculum development, and classroom management while integrating Catholic values into their teaching practice. The program emphasizes hands-on experience through student teaching placements and professional mentorship.
Graduate Teaching Degrees
Our MA Teaching programs provide graduate education for aspiring teachers seeking initial licensure in elementary or secondary education. The curriculum combines advanced pedagogical theory with practical classroom application, preparing graduates to meet state certification requirements while maintaining Catholic educational principles in diverse learning environments.
Catholic Formation
We offer spiritual formation programs that integrate Dominican traditions with modern educational needs. Through regular Masses, retreats, and theological studies, students develop their faith while learning to incorporate Catholic values into their professional roles as educators and community leaders.
Conference Center
Siena Hall Conference Center provides 42,000 sq ft of event space with accommodations for conferences, retreats, and workshops. The facility supports faith-based organizations with meeting rooms, dining spaces, and lodging, maintaining strict adherence to Catholic mission requirements for hosted events.
Certificate Programs
Our specialized certificate programs, including Catholic Social Emotional Learning, offer targeted professional development for educators. These programs provide practical tools for classroom application while maintaining alignment with Catholic educational philosophy and contemporary pedagogical standards.
People
Sister Cecilia Anne Wanner
President
Sister Cecilia Anne Wanner, O.P., leads Aquinas College with over 30 years of experience in Catholic education. She oversees academic programs, institutional strategy, and Dominican mission integration while maintaining strong community partnerships that advance Catholic teaching formation.
Questions
What degree programs does Aquinas College offer?
We offer undergraduate BS degrees in Elementary Education and Secondary Education specializations, graduate MA Teaching degrees with initial licensure options, and specialized certificates like Catholic Social Emotional Learning.
Is Aquinas College religiously affiliated?
Yes, we are a Catholic institution in the Dominican tradition. Our programs integrate Catholic values with professional teacher preparation while welcoming students of all backgrounds.
Can lay students attend Aquinas College?
Yes, while Dominican Sisters form our core student body, we welcome qualified lay students who share our mission of advancing Catholic education through faith-integrated teaching practices.
What facilities are available for conferences?
Siena Hall Conference Center offers 42,000 sq ft of space with meeting rooms, dining facilities, and 50 guest rooms. It hosts faith-based organizations for conferences, retreats, and workshops aligned with Catholic mission standards.
How does the college support teacher development?
We provide ongoing formation through graduate programs, certificate courses, and professional development opportunities that combine pedagogical excellence with Catholic educational philosophy and values.
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