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Catholic School Leadership Graduate Certificate

Let your leadership flourish.

Educating current and future educators is a pillar of Saint Mary’s — one we have been committed to for over a century. Grounded in our Lasallian Catholic mission and identity, Saint Mary’s empowers learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. The Catholic school leadership program is designed to provide you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to become an ethical leader and changemaker in today’s dynamic world of Catholic education. At Saint Mary’s, you’ll learn to serve with character and integrity. Your personal, professional, and spiritual growth will flourish.

Designed for busy adults, our program is ideal for current and aspiring teachers, leaders, and school administrators. Courses are fully online, giving you the flexibility you need. The graduate certificate in Catholic school leadership can be an additional credential if you have already earned a graduate degree or can be used as a pathway to earn the M.A. in Education.

You’ll grow as a leader who is prepared to serve students and support faculty with curriculum, pedagogy, assessments, and operations, as well as serve as faith leaders in their communities. By blending theory and practice, you’ll learn techniques to foster and implement positive changes. You’ll graduate from our master’s-level program prepared to lead and serve your students, families, colleagues, and community.

Learn more about Saint Mary’s Character and Virtue Education.

 

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Program Highlights

Whether you will lead from the classroom or serve as an administrator, you’ll be prepared to lead with character and integrity. The Catholic school leadership program is taught by faculty with expertise in the contemporary reality of Catholic school education, teaching you how to foster the educational and spiritual flourishing of your community.

  • Mentorship program provides you with personalized guidance to develop, nurture, and support your educational journey and professional goals.

  • Spiritual retreat at the beginning of the program provides an opportunity for you to engage with faculty and peers, creating a unique experience for personal, professional, and spiritual growth.

  • Cohort model provides a community experience with a focus on a shared learned experience throughout the entire program, building relationships and a supportive learning environment.

  • Courses taught by experienced faculty with expertise in the contemporary reality of American Catholic education who also have experience serving as leaders of Catholic schools.

  • Designed with the working adult in mind, offering flexible course schedules, supportive academic and student support, and the opportunity for you to meet life’s obligations while meeting your professional goals.

15

credits

$545

per credit

Start Dates

Online – August

Online

15

credits

$545

per credit

Start Dates

Online – August

Online

Program Features

What Makes it Special

  • Complete this program in as little as one year
  • Cohort model
  • Designed for busy adults
  • Experienced faculty who have served as leaders of Catholic schools
  • Pursue an M.A. in Education with credits from this program

What You'll Learn

What You'll Learn

  • Articulate a clear identity as a Catholic educator and spiritual leader
  • Apply Catholic faith, culture, and life to curriculum, pedagogy, assessments, and operations
  • School structures, systems, and culture align with Catholic mission and values
  • Professional, ethical, and intentional leadership practices
  • Best practices for responsible stewardship, communication, and accountability

Join the Legacy

“Catholic dioceses need quality teacher preparation. Saint John Baptist de La Salle founded the brothers to be teachers, and Saint Mary’s continues this tradition of preparing faith-based educational leaders today.”

– the Most Rev. John Quinn, AFSC, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester

Course Catalog

Career Outlook

In the 2020-21 school year, there were 5,981 primary and secondary Catholic schools, serving over 1.6 million students in the U.S.1 The demand for professional, ethical leaders is needed from rural to inner-city schools across the country and in our own communities.

Catholic School Principal

$79,780 per year*
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Sources and Disclaimer

  1. Digest of Education Statistics, education, tables, figures, charts, schools, elementary, secondary, postsecondary, outcomes, federal programs at https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d20/tables/dt20_205.70.asp (visited January 31, 2022).