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Catholic School Leadership (Graduate Certificate)

If you’re a current or aspiring Catholic school leader, Creighton University’s graduate certificate in Catholic School Leadership is for you.

You’ll learn about the various dimensions of school leadership and how to apply your skills in an authentic Catholic school setting. You’ll also learn how to lead a school faith community and build a positive Catholic culture, plan strategically to increase funding and enrollment and advocate for Catholic students and their families

“Creighton’s program is designed for individuals who hope to pursue a leadership role in public or private education. You can choose to select a school administration or teacher leadership specialization, depending on your individual career goals. For individuals interested in leading in a Catholic School, Creighton offers a Catholic School Leadership track.”

—Ron Fussell, EdD | Associate Professor and Program Director, College of Arts and Sciences

Creighton’s graduate certificate in Catholic education leadership goes far beyond the administrative aspects of school leadership—teaching students the importance of compassion, relationship-building, reflection and humility in their work. Through hands-on, project-based learning experiences, you’ll learn to lead and manage a school, sustain a positive Catholic school culture, and respond to diverse community and political interests.

Fit Catholic Studies and Personal Growth into Your Plans

We know that a graduate education is no small investment of your time and money, so we make sure that your investment is a smart one—and one that you can fit in your schedule. This 12-credit program is designed to meet the needs of busy professionals and can be completed online in about a year. 

Our network of students and graduates have joined us for specialized Catholic school leadership formation from 41 of the 50 states. Connect with Catholic leaders in your own community and on national and international levels.

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Program Details

The Catholic School Leadership graduate certificate program is designed for students who have obtained a bachelor’s or master’s degree and wish to take on a leadership role in Catholic education. If you decide to pursue further graduate study, all four courses can be applied to our MS in Educational Leadership, our MS in Educational Specialist Areas or two of the courses may be applied to our EdD in Interdisciplinary Leadership.

To earn this certificate, you must complete 12 credit hours:

  • Foundations of Catholic Education
  • Strategic Resourcing
  • School Law
  • Strategic and Political Leadership in Catholic School

Faculty

Creighton’s education programs are nationally recognized as excellent by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and by the Higher Learning Commission. This reputation is earned thanks to Creighton’s carefully designed program curricula and standards, as well as the talented faculty who apply Jesuit values to ensure student success.

Still Exploring?

If you're still exploring your path, start with a career development course. Creighton’s Catalyst program is designed for Catholic school teachers aspiring to become leaders within their schools. Teachers pair up with a mentoring principal and explore the necessary tools to take on leadership tasks and develop a school improvement plan.

Mentoring principals are not required to participate in the online learning portion of this program. Principals and teachers who do successfully complete the coursework will earn a certificate of completion for 45 hours of professional development, and if they apply and are admitted to the Graduate Certificate in Catholic School Leadership program at Creighton University or our Educational Leadership master’s program, they may also be eligible for up to three hours of awarded credit in one of these programs.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Catholic School Leadership Graduate Certificate program, applicants must:

  • Complete an application
  • Submit a personal statement of interest in the graduate certificate
  • Currently works or aspires to work in a Catholic School (Program requires access to a Catholic School to complete course work)

A personal interview may be requested in addition to the above requirements. The interview may be conducted in-person or virtually.

Due to the specific features and requirements of this program, international students cannot be admitted. Unique situations may be discussed with your enrollment specialist.

Tuition & Financial Aid

To show our appreciation for the important work done by educators like you, Creighton University offers a discounted tuition rate to students in the Catholic School Leadership certificate program.

Tuition rates change in the fall of each year. Visit our financial aid site for more details.

Financial Aid
To help make your graduate studies at Creighton University more affordable, we encourage you to seek out assistance from local dioceses for available student scholarships.

Have questions? Email or call a friendly financial specialist at 402.280.2731 for any additional questions you may have.

Dates and Deadlines

The table below details the enrollment deadlines and starting dates of courses for the current academic year. If you have any questions about dates, deadlines, or application materials, please contact an enrollment specialist for personalized assistance.

ONLINE

This online program has rolling admissions.

Once your application is submitted it will be reviewed and we’ll work with you to get into the next available class. Classes start in August, October, January, March and June.

Still Have Questions?

Reach out to an Admissions Advisor

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