Catholic Education, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (Beginning Summer 2025)

Saint Louis University's graduate certificate in Catholic Education is designed for current teachers in Catholic schools seeking professional development or to boost their credentials. Guided by SLU’s Catholic, Jesuit identity, courses balance research-based best educational practices with Catholic faith and spirituality. Synchronous class meetings build a faith-based community of professional learners.

Curriculum Overview

The 12-credit-hour post-baccalaureate certificate in Catholic Education consists of four courses representing the following topics: human growth and development, classroom management and organization, education of the exceptional child, and context and history of Catholic education. All courses have been designed specifically for educators serving Catholic schools.

Students usually take one course per term during the school year and two courses in the summer. The program can be completed in twelve months. All courses are offered through online synchronous distance learning.

These courses stack into the 37-38 credit Master of Arts in Teaching degree offered at SLU.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

As this certificate was designed for current classroom teachers, coursework will ask students to reflect on their current teaching experience. Certificate course instructors aim to create a professional learning community which provides an opportunity to directly enrich the teaching and learning experience for K-12 classrooms in Catholic schools.

Careers

The certificate in Catholic education is appropriate for classroom teachers across all content areas and grade levels. The certificate acknowledges completion of this professional learning program; it is not a state department of education teaching credential. Those aspiring to become Catholic school teachers may benefit from this certificate program and can discuss their particular context with the program director during the application process.  

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Transcript(s) from all schools attended
• One letter of recommendation, preferably from school principal
• Résumé
• Professional goal statement

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students must also meet the following additional requirements:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include:
  • Courses taken and/or lectures attended
  • Practical laboratory work
  • The maximum and minimum grades attainable
  • The grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations
  • Any honors or degrees received.
• WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
• In order to be issued an I-20 for your F-1 visa application, students must submit financial documents. Proof of financial support that must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University

Application Deadlines

Students should apply for the fall semester by July 15, for the spring semester by November 15, and for the summer semester by April 15.

Review Process

A committee reviews each application holistically.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

For more information about Saint Louis University scholarships and financial aid, please visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

1. Educators are prepared to teach all students in Catholic schools with an understanding of their particular school context.
2. Educators understand theories and stages of human development and spiritual development and how that impacts their work as teachers in the Catholic school classroom.
3. Educators will demonstrate understanding and strategies to organize and manage their Catholic school classroom for a diverse student population, including those with exceptional learning needs.
4. Educators will integrate their knowledge of the historical foundations of Catholic education in the United States into a synthesis of the purpose, mission, and essential characteristics of Catholic education, and its consonance with one's own vocation.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions, please contact:
Saint Louis University School of Education
314-977-3292
slued@slu.edu