Foundations for Apostolic Leadership Graduate Certificate

Embrace your unique role in this new apostolic age by earning a graduate certificate in the foundations of apostolic leadership from the University of Mary.

Our three-course, three-semester graduate certificate program in the foundations of apostolic leadership provides an accessible introduction to both the fundamental components of the Catholic worldview and the key skills required for effective apostolic ministry in our post-Christian historical moment. As you delve into the Tradition’s pivotal insights and apply them to your own experience of the world, you’ll awaken a joyfully Catholic vision of reality in your mind and heart and gain a new appreciation of your calling’s eternal significance.

 Take the First Step

Get in touch with any questions or submit a simple application for admission.
After you're admitted to the university as a candidate for graduate studies, we will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance into your academic program so you can enroll and begin your classes!

At a Glance

1.36 Billion
Number of Roman Catholics worldwide

Program Length

12 months / 3 semesters / 9 credits

Formats

  • Online with a one-week summer institute on our main campus in Bismarck, ND.

  • In person on our main campus in Bismarck, ND 

Tuition per Credit

$580

Is This the Degree For Me?

Who It’s For

  • Catholic educators
  • Faith formation directors and catechists
  • Missionaries
  • Church music directors and musicians
  • Clergy
  • Anyone, whether a recent college graduate or an established professional, with a desire to advance the Kingdom of God through Christlike leadership in the service of Truth

Career Paths

  • Parochial or diocesan lay leader
  • Any leadership role that requires advanced critical thinking and communication skills as well as a holistic understanding of the human person’s nature and purpose

What You’ll Learn

In each of the below courses, you’ll explore various foundational truths of the Catholic faith and their relevance to the vocation of an apostolic leader.

  • Being Human (3 credits)
    Internalize a distinctly Catholic understanding of the human person. Topics include the unity of body and soul, the human person's innate religious sense, and the redemption of human nature in Jesus Christ. 
  • The Catholic Imaginative Vision (3 credits)
    Come to see the whole of your experience through the eyes of faith. Topics include the Catholic literary and artistic tradition and the reenactment of salvation history in the life of every human person. 
  • Called to Apostolic Mission (3 credits)
    Rediscover your vocation. This capstone course will furnish you with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to consider how you might serve both the Church and the world while advancing the Kingdom of God in your home, your workplace, and your community. 

Master of Arts in Apostolic Leadership

Once you’ve completed your certificate, you can then stack your earned credits into an online Master of Arts degree in Catholic Studies: Apostolic Leadership.

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. After acceptance to the University as a candidate for graduate studies, we will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance into your academic program 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.

Donald J. Bungum, PhD
Associate Professor of Philosophy and Catholic Studies
My work focuses on epistemic authority, epistemic virtue, suffering, and theodicy.

Scott Cleveland, PhD
Director of Catholic Studies
Assistant Professor of Philosophy
My work focuses on virtue, emotion, happiness, philosophy of religion, and philosophical theology.

Nathan Kilpatrick, PhD
Associate Professor of English and Catholic Studies
My work focuses on the intersection of literature and Catholic culture since Vatican II, personalism, genre studies, and narrative theology.

Kathleen Kirsch, PhD
Assistant Professor of Classics and Catholic Studies
My specialty is fourth-century Christian Latin poetry, especially the work of Prudentius. In my research, I show how he articulated his faith in language and imagery comprehensible to his contemporaries. In this way, he engaged in a “New Evangelization” in his era. My secondary research area is manuscript studies, especially paleography and textual criticism.

Father Dominic Bouck
Chaplian and Instructor of Catholic Studies
I was formed in the Dominican Friars of the St. Joseph province in Cincinnati, Washington, D.C., and New York City. After completing temporary vows I returned to the diocese where my formation was completed at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.

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 institutionally accredited colleges and universities recognized by the US Dept. of Education 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

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