
102 Jacoby Drive SW PO Box 380, Epworth, IA 52045-0380, USA


Divine Word College was established to provide a specialized education primarily focused on preparing candidates for missionary work. Founded in the early 20th century, the institution has maintained a distinct mission of training individuals, particularly for service within the Society of the Divine Word, an international Catholic missionary organization. Over the decades, the college has evolved its academic offerings to include a range of undergraduate programs designed to support its core purpose. Despite changes in educational trends and demographics, Divine Word College has sustained its commitment to forming students with both intellectual and spiritual foundations essential for cross-cultural ministry. Its history reflects a consistent dedication to fostering leadership in global missions, shaped by the Society's values and global outreach.
Divine Word College offers a focused academic environment centered primarily on religious studies and philosophy, catering to students pursuing vocations in ministry and related fields. The institution's faculties and departments are designed to provide a comprehensive theological education alongside support for spiritual and pastoral formation.
The college's main academic departments include Theology, Philosophy, and Religious Studies, each offering courses that cover scripture, dogmatic theology, church history, ethics, and moral theology. These disciplines emphasize developing a solid grounding in Catholic teachings and encourage critical engagement with contemporary religious issues.
In addition to theological formation, Divine Word College integrates practical pastoral training within its curriculum, preparing students for leadership roles within various ministry contexts. This practical focus is supported by courses in pastoral counseling, homiletics, and liturgy.
Although the academic offerings are concentrated, the college ensures that students receive a broad understanding of liberal arts to complement their specialized studies, fostering well-rounded intellectual development appropriate for future religious service.
Divine Word College is situated in Epworth, Iowa, a city located in the Midwest region of the United States. The college's address is 102 Jacoby Drive SW, PO Box 380, Epworth, IA 52045-0380. This location places students in a smaller community setting, which could contribute to a close-knit campus atmosphere.
Epworth offers the benefits of Midwestern living, including access to local amenities and transportation options. The nearest airport serving the area is Dubuque Municipal, providing connectivity for students and visitors traveling to and from the college.
Divine Word College emphasizes a mission centered on the holistic formation of students, seeking to nurture their spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral development. The institution aims to prepare individuals not only for ecclesiastical service but also for meaningful engagement within diverse communities. By fostering an environment grounded in academic rigor and moral responsibility, the college encourages students to develop a deep understanding of their faith alongside practical skills necessary for leadership and service.
The vision of Divine Word College projects a commitment to forming graduates who are capable of addressing contemporary challenges with both compassion and competence. It aspires to be an educational community that cultivates cultural awareness and global perspectives, equipping students to contribute positively in a variety of social and religious contexts. The college underscores the importance of integrating scholarship with ethical values, promoting a balanced growth that serves both the individual and society at large.
Name of the institution
Divine Word CollegeLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
Rural: DistantInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
Under 1,000School type
Four-year collegeMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1912
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
Data not availablePhilosophy
Data not availableTheological and Ministerial Studies
Data not available