The academic program serves a diverse, international student population: laity, religious and clergy, both men and women.  While most students seek advanced pontifical academic degrees in theology with specialization in Mariology, others simply wish to satisfy a personal interest in Marian studies.

Founded in 1975 at the University of Dayton in affiliation with the Pontifical Theological Faculty Marianum in Rome, the academic program offers advanced pontifical degrees with specialization in Mariology: the doctorate in sacred theology (S.T.D.), the licentiate in sacred theology (S.T.L.), the master's degree in religious studies with a Marian concentration (in conjunction with the religious studies department at the University) a certificate in Marian studies guided studies.

The development of the academic program is rooted in Paul VI's 1974 apostolic letter Marialis Cultus, which proposes a comprehensive approach to Marian studies that includes attention to the biblical, liturgical, ecumenical and anthropological dimensions.

The academic program is organized in a three-year cycle, with courses taught in three sessions: summer, fall and spring. Core courses include topics such as:
    Mary in scripture
    Mary in doctrine
    Mary in the patristic, medieval, modern and contemporary periods
    Mary in spirituality
    Mary in liturgy.

The study of Mary is closely related to courses in Christology, ecclesiology and theological anthropology.

Various electives address the place of Mary in specific theologians (e.g., Augustine) and current schools of theology (e.g., feminist theology).  Introductory courses include theological methodology, research and bibliography.