Religious education is still one of Loyola University's hallmarks as home to Saint Joseph College Seminary as well as the Jesuit First Studies program. First Studies
is one of the nine-year phases towards the Jesuit priesthood and is administered by the Jesuit Chicago Province. Saint Joseph
College Seminary serves the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago and provides vocational training to candidates
of diocesan priesthood. Loyola University also provides rigorous religious education for those seeking careers in lay ministry
with the Loyola University Pastoral Institute as well as degree opportunities in interdisciplinary Catholic studies.