Catholic Studies for Educators Graduate Certificate

Informed by the Benedictine tradition and in accordance with the Magisterium, this graduate-level certificate program forms students with a solid Catholic pedagogy.

At the University of Mary, we believe strongly in the value of an education infused with the doctrine and teachings of the Church and the Magisterium. By completing this certificate, you’ll gain the knowledge you’ll need to infuse your own classroom with Catholic teaching and position yourself for a successful career as a Catholic school teacher or administrator.

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

$98,420
Mean annual wage for elementary, middle, and high school principals

Program Length

12-13 credits/6 courses

Formats

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

Tuition per Credit

$580

Is This the Degree For Me?

Who It’s For

  • Catholic Educators
  • 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

  • Catholic School Teacher
  • Catholic School Administrator
  • Educational Leader

What You’ll Learn

You'll build a strong foundation in Catholic thought, culture, and doctrine, providing strategies for integrating Catholicism into a classroom environment or educational program. You'll also study the history of education and education principles grounded in the Catholic tradition, and:

  • Demonstrate a solid understanding of Catholic pedagogy
  • Incorporate the Church’s teachings throughout all areas of the classroom, not only during religion classes
  • Understand the history of Western education, including modern challenges
  • Apply principles of Catholic education to issues including theories of the human person and human flourishing, diversity in educational philosophies and trends, use of technology, theories of instruction and assessment, the relationship between parochial and public education systems, and more

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!

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.

Get Started Today

Apply Online