Areas of Excellence
The search for and pursuit of truth spans the disciplines in the College of Arts & Letters, and exceptional research is found in all departments and programs.
Finding Solutions to Fight Poverty
The Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO) is the nation’s first research center that partners academics with a national network of domestic social-service providers to confront the challenge of American poverty.
Faith Seeking Understanding
Ranked as the No. 1 theology, divinity, and religious studies program in the world by QS World University Rankings, the Department of Theology’s rich learning community spans across six key research areas.
Unrivaled Focus on the Middle Ages
Notre Dame’s renowned Medieval Institute is the largest and most influential academic institute of its kind in North America, with more than 60 faculty members from 13 different disciplines and an unparalleled library collection.
Preparing Transformative Leaders
Guided by political scientist Luis Fraga, the Institute for Latino Studies advances understanding of the fastest-growing and youngest population in the country and in the U.S. Catholic Church.
A Leader in Italian Studies
With world-renowned faculty, including many of the top scholars on Dante, the Center for Italian Studies engages in significant research, education, and outreach on campus, at Notre Dame’s Rome Global Gateway, and elsewhere around the world.
Advancing the Well-Being of Children and Families
The William J. Shaw Center for Children and Families conducts research projects to advance the wellbeing of children and their parents, including overcoming developmental disabilities, helping families thrive through adversity, and optimizing learning.
Powerful, Equitable Literacy
As director of the Center for Literacy Education, English professor Ernest Morrell researches how students can analyze and produce media in ways that move them beyond basic literacy and empower them to engage meaningfully with the world.
How Life Changes the Body
In the Hormones, Health, and Human Behavior Laboratory, anthropologist Lee Gettler studies the way men change as they go through major life transitions. His research team is also working to understand the psychobiology of motherhood and fatherhood.
Renowned Writers Reimagining the World
Internationally acclaimed faculty in the Creative Writing Program bring expertise in a range of genres and are committed to the public role of literature — thinking deeply in order to understand and change our world through words.
Examining Democracy’s Most Critical Issues
Notre Dame political scientists are devoted to better understanding American democracy and how to strengthen and preserve it. Through data-driven work and convening critical conversations, Rooney Center faculty are on the forefront of politics.
Revitalizing Sacred Music
One of the world’s leaders in sacred music for many faiths and the unquestioned leader in Catholic sacred music, the innovative Sacred Music at Notre Dame program builds multi-generational partnerships between academia and communities of worship.