The Department of Theological Studies at Saint Louis University offers core graduate coursework designed to support the Bishops’ Curriculum Framework for high school religion teachers through the post-baccalaureate certificate in Catholic theology.
The framework taught at SLU identifies six required (God/Trinity, Christ, Salvation, Ecclesiology, Sacraments and Christian Ethics) and five elective doctrinal loci (Bible, Church History, Catholic Social Teaching, Christian Vocations and Ecumenical/Interreligious Dialogue).
Catholic educators interested in becoming certified as high school religion teachers, adult religious education coordinators or directors of religious education can take the required theology and/or education credit hours to meet the certification standards set by their home diocese.
Curriculum Overview
Students can enroll either full time or part time; required courses for the certificate program are offered on a two-year rotation with many courses scheduled late afternoons, evenings and during the summer to better accommodate the schedules of Catholic educators. The 18-credit post-baccalaureate certificate in Catholic theology can count toward the completion of the 36-credit Master of Arts in Religious Education.
Because the certificate program is designed to meet the needs of a national audience, it provides a core of required courses while also allowing for additional electives to meet the particular needs of a local diocesan school system. For example, above and beyond the 18 CR certificate program requirements, students seeking certification in the Archdiocese of St. Louis are required to take two additional courses: THEO 5810 Ignatian Spirituality & Pedagogy (3 cr) and EDI 5360 Principles and Methods of Catechesis (3 cr)
Admission Requirements
An undergraduate major in theology or religious studies is recommended but not required. Applicants with a strong background (at least 18 credits of upper-level coursework) in philosophy, history, or other humanities disciplines will also be considered.
Application Requirements
Students currently enrolled in a graduate program at SLU can apply through petition.
External students applying for the stand-alone certificate should submit the following materials:
- Application form and fee
- Transcript(s)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Résumé
- Goal statement
The deadline for admissions is rolling.
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
Tuition
Tuition Per Credit | Tuition | Cost Per Credit |
| Graduate Tuition | $1,400 |
Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:
Net Price Calculator
Information on Tuition and Fees
Miscellaneous Fees
Information on Summer Tuition
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.
Plan of Study Grid
| Year One |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| THEO 5000 |
Introduction to the Old Testament |
3 |
| THEO 5440 |
Christology |
3 |
| THEO 5680 |
History of Moral Theology |
3 |
| | Credits | 9 |
| Spring |
|---|
| THEO 5100 |
Introduction to the New Testament |
3 |
| THEO 5500 |
Sacraments |
3 |
| THEO 5670 |
Social Justice and the Catholic Social Teaching Tradition |
3 |
| | Credits | 9 |
| | Total Credits | 18 |
For additional questions regarding the Catholic theology certificate program, contact theology@slu.edu or call 314-977-2881 and ask for the graduate program coordinator.