Graduate Certificate in Catholic Educational Leadership
Graduate Certificate in Catholic Educational Leadership
Formed for Mission. Equipped to Lead.
Now Accepting Applications!
The Graduate Certificate in Catholic Educational Leadership prepares current and aspiring leaders to serve Catholic schools and organizations with clarity, competence, and conviction.
Rooted in the Church’s intellectual tradition, this fully online program integrates mission-driven formation with practical leadership skills in governance, operations, and strategic change. This program is designed to form you in the mission while also strengthening you as a leader – equipping you with the practical skills needed to meet the unique challenges facing Catholic schools today. Graduates are prepared to strengthen Catholic identity while responding effectively to the evolving needs of schools and diocesan systems.
This program is designed for:
- Teachers and educators preparing for leadership roles
- Current principals, assistant principals, and administrators
- Diocesan leaders and Catholic school system administrators
- Catholic college and formation program administrators
- Leaders in Catholic nonprofits, apostolates, and membership organizations
- Professionals discerning a transition into Catholic education leadership
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Program Details
- 100% online asynchronous format for working professionals
- Can be completed in 12 months
- A distinctive combination of formation and practical application tailored to Catholic education leaders
- Designed for both emerging and experienced leaders
- Practical, real-world application for immediate impact
- Courses may serve as continuing education or diocesan formation
- MAL 621: Catholic Education – History and Mission
Explores the historical development and ecclesial mission of Catholic schools in the United States, drawing on foundational Church documents and educational philosophy. Students will examine Catholic identity, evangelization, the integration of faith and reason, and the vocation of the Catholic educator.
Each participant will articulate their own philosophy of Catholic educational leadership. - MAL 622: Operational Vitality in Catholic Schools
Focuses on the financial, strategic, and managerial dimensions of Catholic school leadership. Topics include budgeting, advancement (development and stewardship, enrollment management, marketing), human resource planning, and strategic operations. Students will conduct an operational assessment of a school and develop action plans to improve sustainability and mission alignment. - MAL 623: Leading Organizational Change in Catholic Education
Equips students with leadership theories and change management frameworks tailored to Catholic school settings. Emphasis is placed on strategic planning, governance models, conflict resolution, and innovation aligned with an institution’s charism while preserving mission integrity. Case studies of real school challenges are explored through the lens of subsidiarity, stewardship, and community-building. - MAL 624: Servant Leadership & Catholic Identity Formation
Examines leadership as a vocation of service, with Christ as the model. Drawing from Benedictine values, Church teachings, and leadership literature, students will learn how to strengthen Catholic identity in schools through hiring, faculty formation, campus ministry, and cultural transformation. Projects include designing initiatives to support school-wide spiritual formation.
- $728 per credit hour
- 8-week courses
- Only available for online students
Admission to the program is determined by evaluating a combination of factors. These factors include:
- Undergraduate GPA
- Academic Preparation in a related field
- Work Experience in a related field
International students whose primary language is not English must demonstrate English Literacy Proficiency.
This program is developed in collaboration with diocesan leadership and experienced practitioners in Catholic education.
Dr. Greg Monroe
Dr. Greg Monroe, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Charlotte, partners with Belmont Abbey to help form leaders who can guide Catholic education with both fidelity and innovation.
With Abbey Online, you get a quality education without ever having to step foot on campus. We tailor digital learning to fit your needs, from flexible programs to affordable course materials to support from your advisor every step of the way.
