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:

  1. CHRTC 100: The Bible: An Introduction
  2. CHRTC 250: The Theological Education of the Catholic Teacher
  3. CHRTC 380: Teaching Religion: Elementary OR CHRTC 381: Teaching Religion: Secondary
  4. 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.
Optional Specialization

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.

More Information