Parish Administration and Management Graduate Certificate

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!

Apostolic Renewal of Parish Management (3 credits) 

In our post-Christendom age, every aspect of parish life serves as a witness. A well-managed parish not only provides financial stability but also incarnates an increasingly counter-cultural Christian vision of community. In this course, students delve into the essentials of parish management by first coming to an encounter with the theological principles that inform the Church's organizational structure and animate the mission of her institutions. Equipped with a renewed vision of the parish as a corporate body of apostolic witness, students then explore how the specific roles and responsibilities of diocesan clergy and staff, parish clergy, lay leaders, and designated committees ensure that parishes are functioning well within the world while standing firm in the spirit of the Gospel. 

Stewarding Assets of Apostolic Mission (3 credits)

The stewardship of tangible assets presents particular challenges in an apostolic environment. Fewer financial resources are available for operational expenses and outreach efforts while the need to develop new modes of engagement is greater than ever. This course provides a foundation for managing parish assets with apostolicity in mind.  In addition to learning the fundamentals of parish finance, accounting, risk management, and property management, students examine how the entrepreneurial spirit that accompanies apostolic modes of engagement sparks innovative solutions to pressing difficulties. 

Managing Talent in an Apostolic Age (3 credits) 

One of a parish's greatest opportunities for witness in our post-Christendom society lies in its recruitment of and care for its personnel.  This course provides a framework for instantiating an institutional witness to the Gospel through effective leadership and human resource management by addressing central topics such as employee onboarding and development, compensation and benefits, organizational behavior, communication, and the creation of policies that align with both Church and civil law.  Students will also consider how parishes can embody the integration of faith and work by instilling in their staff the desire to grow in relationship with Christ while equipping them to thrive as apostolic leaders. 

Apostolic Leadership and Parish Administration Institute

Denver, CO | July 2025 

Offered in partnership with the Archdiocese of Denver, this weeklong summer institute will provide each student with crucial guidance toward developing a clear plan for assisting his or her parish in answering the call to apostolic renewal. Participants will learn from parish leaders and one another by engaging with focused case studies pertaining to the unique realities of managing a parish in this new apostolic age.

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 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.
  • If you are Active duty, National Guard, Reserve, or a Veteran from the Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Navy, you can request your transcript through Joint Services Transcript.
  • Air Force personnel should contact the CCAF to receive your transcript. 
  • If you already have your CCAF degree, check out our Air University Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative page to see how you can apply your degree to get a bachelor’s degree at the University of Mary.

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.