Certificate in Catholic Education
The Certificate in Catholic Education is designed to prepare prospective or practicing educators to work in ß÷ßäÉçÇø's Catholic School Districts, providing religious education courses that may be required or recommended by Catholic school districts in ß÷ßäÉçÇø for consideration towards a continuous teaching contract.
Hiring Asset
The following school districts formally recognize the Certificate in Catholic Education as a hiring asset:
Application Process
Please download and submit the application form by email to: sjcdean@ualberta.ca
Your application can be submitted at any point throughout the Certificate coursework. Applying early is encouraged to stay connected to related events, awards and learning opportunities.
The application fee of $50 can be arranged by:
- Contacting the SJC Finance Office during business hours at 780-492-9240.
- Sending an eTransfer to: sjcpay@ualberta.ca (in the memo field, include your name and the purpose for the payment)
- Alternatively, a cheque can be mailed to the College.
Components of the Program
The Certificate consists of four 3-credit courses:
- CHRTC 100: The Bible: An Introduction
- CHRTC 250: The Theological Education of the Catholic Teacher
- CHRTC 380: Teaching Religion: Elementary OR CHRTC 381: Teaching Religion: Secondary
- CHRTC 410: Integrated Learning in Catholic Education
Certificate Outcome
150 hours of University-accredited instruction in four primary areas: the Bible, fundamental catechetics, teaching religion in primary and secondary contexts, and careful reflection on Catholic schools and students’ vocational and professional practice as teachers.
Why do it?
- Practical preparation for a career teaching in Catholic schools.
- Gain knowledge and pedagogical skills.
- Interact with and learn from current educators in Catholic schools.
- Financial awards for Certificate students.
Specialization in one of the following areas may be gained upon completion of two additional SJC courses approved by the College:
- Science and Religious Education (CHRTC 150 and CHRTC 350)
- Morality and Religious Education (two of CHRTC 272, CHRTC 351, CHRTC 352 or PHIL 269)
- Catholic Intellectual Tradition (any two additional courses offered by SJC)
General Guidelines
- Students are encouraged to take CHRTC 100, CHRTC 250, CHRTC 380 or CHRTC 381 and CHRTC 410 in this order. Additional courses of interest are noted here.
- Credit will not be given for both CHRTC 380 and CHRTC 381.
- The required courses for the Certificate in Catholic Education must be taken within a five-year period and will not be awarded retroactively for courses taken five years prior to submitting an application.
- Students must achieve an average 3.0 GPA across the four required courses to be granted the Certificate in Catholic Education. Courses may not be taken as exploration credits.
- Certificates are awarded at the annual SJC Commencement Celebration being held this year on Saturday, April 12th, 2025. All students in the Certificate program will receive a formal invitation.
Official Recognition
Upon successful completion of all requirements, candidates will be issued an official SJC Certificate of Completion along with a letter listing the courses completed.