Church Administration (Certificate)

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 
 

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.

Get in Touch

Contact our Graduate Admission office at [email protected] or 202-319-5149 if you have additional questions and need more information about the program.