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Catholic Theology and Catechesis Certificate

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The Catholic Theology and Catechesis Certificate builds the theological foundation necessary for individuals who feel called to serve God by serving others. Students enrolled in the Catholic Theology Certificate program can gain a deeper understanding of theology and are equipped to teach the Catholic faith.

Over their course of study, students will take classes covering the Old and New Testament, theology, Christian spirituality, moral theology and Christian sacrament. The theology certificate program totals 24 credit hours and can be taken in both a part- and full-time capacity.

School
School of Arts and Sciences
Career
Catechists, directors of religious education, school teachers, and individuals who want to better understand and teach their faith
Program Contacts

What Makes the FranU Catholic Theology Certificate Program Unique?

  • Manageable weekly commitment - Catholic Theology and Catechesis Certificate classes are on Monday and Thursday evenings to allow for people employed full-time to attend. In addition, you can choose to take one course (part-time) or two courses (full-time) per semester, allowing you to tailor your course load to your schedule.
  • Diverse peer group - Your cohort may consist of Deacon candidates, theology majors, undergraduate students and other students in lay formation programs, making the program’s student body diverse and the course of study suitable for students of many backgrounds and levels of education.
  • Learn on your schedule - The Catholic Theology and Catechesis Certificate program is meant for a 2-year track, but it can go up to 4 years (1 course a semester).
  • Campus Ministry - Inspired by Christian principles, students are encouraged to adopt the spirit of St. Francis and participate in the many opportunities to engage in Campus Ministry. To learn about ways you can encounter, engage and serve the community, visit the Campus Ministry page.
  • Catholic College Student Association - Make friends and mingle with peers through the Catholic College Student Association (CCAS), a student-run organization that provides students of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University with spiritual, intellectual, social and service opportunities to live out their Catholic faith.

Curriculum Details

In addition to the core curriculum that provides a solid foundation in theological fundamentals, students will choose a theology elective course. Choose one of the following:

  • Philosophy - PHIL 2330
  • Church History - THEO 2315
  • Christology - THEO 3330
  • Catholic Social Teaching - THEO 3350

Theology Certificate Program Features

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the Catholic Theology and Catechesis program are expected to:

  • Have a high school diploma.
  • If you have previously attended college, we will require your academic transcript from the institution.

Your application to the program should include:

  • A completed online application.

Application deadlines for the program are:

  • Fall: July 1
  • Spring: December 1

If you have any questions about applying to the Catholic theology certificate program FranU, please contact us at 225-526-1631 or at admissions@franu.edu.

Program Goals

The goals of the Catholic Theology and Catechesis Certificate program at FranU are:

  • To develop competent leaders in the Catholic faith who are able to identify, demonstrate, and live Catholic scripture and values.
  • To form practitioners who empower and serve their communities through the mission and word of the Catholic faith.
  • To encourage students to build a deeper connection to their faith and teach them how to engage with and understand church history, scripture and moral theology.
  • To provide students a quality education grounded in the Franciscan values of service, reverence and love for all of life, joyfulness of spirit, humility and justice.

You can learn more about FranU’s mission, vision and values by visiting our Mission & Values page.

Catholic Theology and Catechesis FAQs

What can I do with a Certificate in Catholic Theology and Catechesis?

This theology certificate program allows students to gain a sufficient theological background to effectively share the Catholic faith with others in a variety of contexts. Students will have a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith and will learn how to read scripture, understand church history and engage with moral theology.

This certificate will aid one in teaching religion at Catholic schools, serving as catechists, becoming directors of religious education at parishes and becoming youth ministers. Laity who minister in the name of the Church within the Diocese of Baton Rouge are expected to acquire whatever theological and practical formation is necessary for the role(s) undertaken.

The Certificate in Catholic Theology and Catechesis meets all of the following required minimum levels of catechetical certification (these are the mandatory requirements for formation of lay ministers in the diocese):

  1. Catechists in Catholic elementary schools and parochial elementary and high school programs of religious education are required to obtain “Basic Certification.” (MAT-DIOBR)
  2. Principals of Catholic schools are required to obtain “Intermediate Certification.” (MAT-DIOBR)
  3. Catechists in Catholic high schools, religion coordinators in Catholic schools at any level, and parochial coordinators of religious education and of sacramental preparation are required to obtain “Advanced Certification.”

How much does the Catholic Theology Certificate program cost?

To determine program costs, use the Cost Calculator tool.

Is financial aid available to students in the certificate program?

Students pursuing the Catholic Theology Certificate can access financial assistance through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or through financial aid or scholarships within FranU.

To learn more about financial aid opportunities, visit the Office of Financial Aid page.

Program Accreditation

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctorate degrees. Questions about accreditation of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Follow Your Passions and Lead in Your Faith With the Certificate in Catholic Theology from FranU

Study scripture, learn to engage with your faith in new ways and network with other Catholic students, laity and clergy in FranU’s supportive and flexible Catholic Theology and Catechesis Certificate program.


To learn more about the certificate program, Request Information or schedule a visit to FranU.

Catholic Theology and Catechesis Contact

For more information about the Catholic Theology and Catechesis certificate program, fill out the form below or call 225-768-1716.
Curriculum Notes:

This certificate is meant for a 2-year track, but it can go up to 4 years (1 course a semester).

**Theology Elective: (Choose ONE of the following)

- Philosophy- PHIL 2330

- Church History- THEO 2315

- Christology- THEO 3330

- Catholic Social Teaching- THEO 3350