Equip your parish or organization with the administrative, financial, and leadership skills needed to steward the mission of the Church well—without stepping away from ministry.
Program Overview
The Church Management Program prepares pastors, religious, and lay leaders to act with clarity, competence, and faith in service of the Church’s mission. Rooted in Catholic teaching and guided by the pastoral aims of evangelization and holiness, the program grounds sound administrative practice as essential to the Church’s care of the souls entrusted to her.
Our offerings are designed to meet leaders where they are—whether through targeted executive education modules, a graduate certificate, or the full master’s degree in Church Administration
Program Pathways:
- Executive Education (Coming March 2026!)
- Graduate Certificate in Church Administration
- Graduate Certificate in Church Leadership
- Master of Church Administration
Graduate Certificate Programs
Graduate Certificate in Church Administration
A focused, practical credential for those responsible for the operational life of a parish or Catholic organization. (12 credit hours)
- Special offer through March 31st! - For a limited time, the Church Management Program is offering this certificate at a bundled price, if you complete the application by March 31, 2026. Start dates in June and August 2026.
Graduate Certificate in Church Leadership
Develop leadership capacity rooted in mission, communication, and organizational culture. (12 credit hours)
Certificates are designed to be completed flexibly and credits may be applied toward the Master of Church Administration.
Master of Science
The Master of Science in Ecclesial Administration and Management is a comprehensive graduate degree for those seeking advanced preparation in church administration and leadership. (30 credit hours)
As an online program covering management, accounting, finance, planning, decision-making, and the virtues of leadership, the degree can be completed in one calendar year or paced across several semesters.
4+1 Undergraduate Program
Current Catholic University undergraduates can take up to 12 credit hours of Church Management courses during their undergraduate studies to count towards both their undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. After earning the bachelor’s degree, the 4+1 student will complete the remaining 18 credit hours to obtain a Master of Science in Ecclesial Administration and Management.
Undergraduate students must apply for and be accepted by the Church Management Program to be enrolled in the 4+1. Contact Fr. Bob Gahl, program director, to learn more.
Next Steps
Whether you are seeking immediate skill development or pursuing graduate-level formation, the Church Administration Program offers flexible pathways.
Review course descriptions and discover how our programs offer skills and formation in the virtues of leadership needed to effectively manage parishes and non-profits.
In the News
Church Management Director, Fr. Bob Gahl, and current students share more about the program with the National Catholic Register.
Learn more
