Program Content [Overview](#programOverview) [At A Glance](#programAtGlance) [Program Details](#programDetails) [Curriculum](#programCurriculum) [Additional Info](#programAdditionalInfo) [Contact & Apply](#programContactApply) ## The Graduate Certificate in Church Administration equips pastors and administrators with the practical skills needed to manage the operational life of parishes, schools, and dioceses. Integrating business expertise with a strong theological foundation, the program supports effective stewardship, safe environment policies, and responsible management of resources. Graduates are prepared to strengthen organizational efficiency, increase sustainability, and advance the Church’s mission through sound and faithful administration. - [ Request Info ](#programRequestInfo) - [ Apply ](#programContactApply) - [ Visit ](#programContactApply) ## At a Glance - **Highly Practical & Career-Focused:** Gain immediately applicable skills in finance, accounting, fundraising, HR, and operations for Catholic organizations. - **Built for Pastors & Administrators:** Designed for those responsible for the day-to-day management of parishes, schools, and diocesan offices. - **Hybrid Experiential Learning:** Includes a unique in-person immersion alongside flexible online coursework. - **Efficient & Stackable Credential:** Complete 12 credits part-time, with all coursework applicable toward the MS in Ecclesial Administration and Management. ## Program Details The Graduate Certificate in Church Administration at the Busch School of Business is **a highly practical program** designed to equip Catholic leaders with the essential skills needed to manage the operational life of parishes, schools, dioceses, and other Church-related organizations. Rooted in the School’s mission to be boldly Catholic, academically rigorous, and highly practical, the program prepares students to approach administration as both a professional responsibility and a form of faithful stewardship. At its foundation, the program is boldly Catholic, integrating sound business practices with a deep respect for the spiritual mission of the Church. Students are formed to see administration not as a purely technical function, but as an essential support to evangelization and pastoral care. By grounding management decisions in Catholic teaching and the dignity of the human person, the program ensures that graduates lead with integrity, responsibility, and a commitment to the common good. A defining feature of the program is its highly relevant, hands-on approach to learning. Courses are designed to address real-world challenges faced by Church leaders, from managing limited resources and increasing financial transparency to improving operational efficiency and fostering effective collaboration among staff and volunteers. The program also incorporates an in-person immersion component, providing students with an opportunity to engage directly with faculty and peers, deepen their learning, and apply concepts in a collaborative setting. The certificate is designed with flexibility to meet the needs of working professionals and those actively engaged in ministry. Delivered primarily online and asynchronously, the program allows students to complete coursework at their own pace while balancing their professional and personal responsibilities. The 12-credit structure offers an efficient pathway to gaining critical administrative skills, and all credits may be applied toward the Master of Science in Ecclesial Administration and Management for those who wish to continue their studies. Ultimately, the Graduate Certificate in Church Administration is for those entrusted with the stewardship of the Church’s resources and operations. By combining rigorous training with a mission-driven perspective, the program forms administrators who can strengthen institutions, improve financial sustainability, and support the work of pastors and ministry leaders. In doing so, graduates contribute not only to more effective I want to extend my sincere gratitude for guiding not just me but our entire class on this transformative journey toward becoming more effective leaders, ready to make meaningful contributions to both the Church and society. Fr. Angelos Sebastian Diocese of Orange Vicar General, Moderator of the Curia, Pastor of St. Kilian's ![Fr. Angelos Sebastian Headshot](/sites/business.catholic.edu/files/styles/ks_featured_quote/public/2026-05/Fr.%2BAngelos%2BSebastian.jpeg?h=fbf7a813&itok=-ItXonwA) { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I want to extend my sincere gratitude for guiding not just me but our entire class on this transformative journey toward becoming more effective leaders, ready to make meaningful contributions to both the Church and society. ", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Fr. Angelos Sebastian" ,"description": "Diocese of Orange Vicar General, Moderator of the Curia, Pastor of St. Kilian's" ,"image": "\/sites\/business.catholic.edu\/files\/2026-05\/Fr.%2BAngelos%2BSebastian.jpeg" } } ![](/themes/custom/cua_standard/idfive-component-library/public/images/divider-line.svg) ## Curriculum The certificate requires successful completion of at least 12 credit hours of courses selected directly from the full MS in Ecclesial Administration and Management curriculum. The Certificate Program in Church Administration requires the two core courses of EAM 512 and EAM 513, focused on the hard and soft skills of administration. After completion of a certificate, students may apply the credits towards the full M.S. in Ecclesial Administration and Management degree program. The following bundle of selected courses is recommended: For Pastors and Parish or School Administrators pursuing the Certificate in Church Administration: EAM512 and EAM 513 and any selection of courses from EAM 506, EAM 514, EAM 515, and EAM 516 amounting to at least 12 credit hours. - [ Course Descriptions ](/current-students/course-descriptions) ![](/themes/custom/cua_standard/idfive-component-library/public/images/divider-line.svg) ## Additional Info ![church admins in class](/sites/business.catholic.edu/files/styles/ks_feature/public/2026-05/church%20admins%20in%20class.jpg?h=7eabb7da&itok=P_9aLMQO) ### Church Management Program Pathway Whether you are seeking immediate skill development or pursuing graduate-level formation, the Church Management Program Pathway offers flexible options to meet you where you are. Those interested in this pathway can pursue their own combination of: Executive Education courses, the MS in Ecclesial Administration and Management, and one of our Church Management certificates. - [ More About the Church Management Program Pathway ](/programs-admission/graduate-programs/church-management-program-pathway) ![](/themes/custom/cua_standard/idfive-component-library/public/images/divider-line.svg) ## Contact & Apply ### Admission Are you ready for your own journey here at Catholic University? Let’s get started. [Request Info](#programRequestInfo) | [Apply](/programs-admission/graduate-programs/master-business-administration-mba/mba-admissions "MBA Admissions") ### Visit the Busch School Schedule a visit tailored for where you are in your academic process. We are excited to host you on campus soon! [Visit Us](/programs-admission/visit "Visit") ### Get in Touch Contact our Graduate Admission office at or 202-319-5149 if you have additional questions and need more information about the program. ![](/themes/custom/cua_standard/idfive-component-library/public/images/divider-line.svg)