The Institute for Black Catholic Studies (IBCS) is a Catholic graduate theology program at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans that specializes in Black Catholic theology. As such, it is the only institution of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Its flagship offering is a Masters of Theology program founded in 1982 with the help of Sr Jamie Phelps, OP; Msgr Edward Branch, and longtime XULA president Dr. Norman Francis. IBCS also offers certificate programs in various tracks and other enrichment opportunities.<ref name":0" /><ref name":1" />