Certificate in Catholic Education
The Certificate in Catholic Education is designed to prepare prospective or practicing educators to work in Alberta's Catholic School Districts, providing religious education courses that may be required or recommended by Catholic school districts in Alberta for consideration towards a continuous teaching contract.
Hiring Asset
The following school districts formally recognize the Certificate in Catholic Education as a hiring asset:
- Edmonton Catholic Schools
- Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools
- East Central Alberta Catholic Schools
- Elk Island Catholic Schools
- Evergreen Catholic Schools
- Fort McMurray Catholic Schools
- Grande Prairie and District Catholic Schools
- Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools
- Holy Family Catholic Regional Division
- Lakeland Catholic Schools
- Lloydminster Catholic Schools
- Medicine Hat Catholic Schools
- Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools
- St. Paul Education Regional Division
- St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Schools
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:
- CHRTC 100: The Bible: An Introduction
- CHRTC 250: The Theological Education of the Catholic Teacher
- CHRTC 380: Teaching Religion: Elementary OR CHRTC 381: Teaching Religion: Secondary
- 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.
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.