Catholic Educators Graduate Certificate

Informed by the Benedictine tradition and in accordance with the Magisterium, this 8-credit certificate program provides the formation upon which to build a solid Catholic pedagogy and identity.

Focused on the teachings of the Church, Catholic educators in this graduate-level certificate program will be formed in a way consistent with the Church’s foundational teachings. Educators will be prepared to incorporate the Church’s teachings throughout all areas of their classroom, not only during religion classes, in this collaborative program designed for working educational professionals.

Take the First Step

Get in touch with any questions or submit a simple application for admission.
We will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance so you can enroll and begin your classes!

At a Glance

1.8 million
Number of U.S. students enrolled in Catholic school

Program Length

8 credits / 4 courses

Format

  • Blended with courses online and at our main campus in Bismarck, ND

Tuition per Credit

$580

Next Start Date: 5/6/2024

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Is This the Degree For Me?

Who It’s For

  • Catholic educators who are called to form their students with leadership in the service of truth
  • Public educators who want to move into Catholic school education
  • Students who want to take a meaningful step toward earning a master's in Catholic studies
  • Any educator interested in Catholic teachings

Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Educational Leader within the Church

What You’ll Learn

  • The history of Western education — synthesis of Greek philosophy and Jewish revelatory traditions — informed by the intellectual foundations of the Church.
  • Development of the Catholic educational system in the United States and its relationship to missionary enterprise and social reform.
  • A methodology and philosophy to educate the whole person in the face of a broad-based and diverse US student population.
  • Catholic principles that address the moral and ethical issues faced by today’s Catholic educators.

Why Choose a Catholic Educators Certificate?

Faithful

The courses in the Catholic Educators Certificate focus on the teachings of the Church. Catholic educators in this certificate program will be formed in a way consistent with the Church’s foundational teaching.

Integrated

Courses are offered sequentially and end with the capstone course. This capstone provides each Catholic educator with sound theoretical understanding and practical application to their specific Catholic school environment. Educators will be prepared to incorporate the Church’s teachings in all areas of their classroom, not only during religion classes.

Flexible

Classes cross over with the University of Mary’s Master of Arts in Catholic Studies program, allowing students greater flexibility and opportunities to collaborate with other students. All certificate courses are available online, so students can complete the certificate from any location.

Program Details

Program Information

Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.

Your first step is to get in touch with any questions or submit the simple application for admission. We will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance so you can enroll and begin your classes!

History of Western Education (2 credits)

Explore the changing nature and purposes of Western education from the Greek philosophical tradition and Jewish revelatory tradition to the Christian synthesis of both. Discover the drama of its developments, including challenges by modernism and contemporary issues. 

Catholic Education in America (2 credits)

Journey through the historical development of a Catholic educational system in the United States at the nexus of missionary enterprise and reform. Encounter how educators draw from the Catholic intellectual tradition to adapt methodology and philosophy to form the whole person across widely divergent student populations, including recent immigrants, Native Americans, and the urban poor.

Principles of Catholic Ed (2 credits)

Master principles of Catholic education: faith and reason, the mind’s fulfillment in truth, and human flourishing as the purpose of education. Apply these principles to education today, such as current trends, use of technology, theories of instruction and assessment, etc.

If you are serving or have served our country, we sincerely thank you. Our military services office is here to work closely with active duty, retired, reserve, and eligible family members qualified for military benefits. Learn how we can help you with the application process and review the benefits you have earned.

For a full list of fees, visit our Tuition and Fees page.

The University of Mary is committed to putting your educational goals within reach. Learn what scholarships you qualify for.

We welcome students from various backgrounds, including transfer students from regionally accredited colleges and universities and those with military or career and work experience. 

How do I show my previous college, military, or work experience?

  • Official transcripts (if applicable) from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 should be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions.

    • Did you graduate from the University of Mary? Then we’ll get your Mary transcript for you!
    • At most other schools, you can request transcripts by going to the National Student Clearinghouse or by contacting the registrar’s office. 
      • Have your transcripts sent to:
        Office of Admissions
        University of Mary
        7500 University Drive
        Bismarck, ND 58504
      • Or request to send electronic transcripts to registrar@umary.edu.
  • Students with previous career or work experience can earn credits for prior learning.
    • You can choose to test for prior learning credits — we convert your test scores into college credit.
    • You can request a portfolio review for prior learning credits. You’ll assemble documentation to show your experience, which will be reviewed and evaluated by an experienced faculty member.
  • Military experience can count towards a degree.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO APPLY?
  • All of our programs require you to fill out the general application form in addition to submitting the application fee and your transcripts.
  • Any program-specific requirements you’ll need to submit in addition to the items listed above can be found in our catalog.

At the University of Mary, we review every application on an individual basis, ensuring that the materials you submit are evaluated with care and attention. Reach out to us if you have any questions in filling out your application.

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