Admissions

Applicants must meet the following prerequisites:

1. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or the international equivalent of a bachelor's degree as verified by World Education Services. More information for International Candidates here. 
2. At least three years of teaching and/or administrative experience in a primary or secondary school. Catholic school experience is preferred, but not required.
3. Currently employed full-time in a school as a principal or a teacher who aspires to move into a leadership position. 
4. A commitment to teach in or lead a Catholic school for three years upon completion of the Certificate in Catholic School Leadership.

Requests for any exception(s) should be addressed to the Director of the Catholic School Leadership Graduate Certificate Program at The Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity.

All applicants must submit the following seven items:

• Completed online application
• Current resume
• Personal essay (1,000 words or less) responding to the following questions:
  1. What is your philosophy of education?
  2. What is the rationale for your application and what do you hope to gain from your participation in the Catholic School Leadership certificate program?
• Official transcripts sent directly from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Three letters of recommendation including:
  1. An academic reference, such as from a former professor or in some cases a colleague who can speak to your academic preparedness to do graduate-level course work.
  2. A letter from your pastor commenting on your suitability for a ministerial role in Catholic education and attesting to your readiness for formation.
  3. A letter from your principal or your immediate supervisor (note: if the pastor in the previous letter is your supervisor, this third letter can be from a colleague).

Applications will not be reviewed until all items have been submitted. Application materials will be retained by the University of St. Thomas.

The Admissions Committee conducts a comprehensive review of each application file, considering the candidate's academic background, the personal statement, and letters of recommendation to understand the strengths, skills, and unique potential of each prospective student.

Applications are now being accepted for the June 2027 cohort. Because cohort sizes are limited, we strongly encourage you to apply by April 15 to ensure your spot. Contact gradtheology@stthomas.edu with questions.

All admissions materials are processed through the Office of Graduate Admissions at the University of St. Thomas. To link to the university's online application portal, click here and select The Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity button.

For many students, the subject of financing their graduate studies is the primary factor in making the decision to pursue graduate education. The Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity provides students with comprehensive financial aid support.

The cost of the program is $700 per credit hour. Scholarships and funding are available. 

Please contact our Graduate Student Services and Recruitment Coordinator (Emily Kane) to be connected with the resources, scholarships, student support, and information you need. Emily.kane@stthomas.edu

Join us on the beautiful campus of the University of St. Thomas and the Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity. While in residence, enjoy St. Mary’s chapel for daily Mass, prayer, and adoration, the beautiful grounds of the university, library study rooms and resources, exercise facilities, scenic walks along the river, and more. Off-campus, the Twin Cities are home to important sites including the St. Paul Cathedral, Minneapolis’ St. Mary’s basilica, historic landmarks, art museums, fine dining, shopping, and lake adventures. We look forward to welcoming you! 

Tuition prices include all meals for the two-week on-campus experience. 

2027 Summer Calendar

The 2027 Catholic School Leadership cohort begins Thursday, June 14 and runs through Friday, June 25.

What is the advantage of the Catholic School Leadership program over other administration programs?
The Catholic School Leadership certificate program is designed to prepare you for the specialized ministry of Catholic school leadership. The program integrates a rigorous academic program with the four dimensions of formation (spiritual, intellectual, human and pastoral). Furthermore, the Catholic School Leadership certificate program addresses the unique and characteristic needs and concerns of administration within a Catholic context.

I already have an administration degree, what can I gain from this program?
In most cases an administration program focuses on the requirements for government (public) schools. This program will prepare you with the unique skills needed within the Catholic school context including the areas of law, finance and marketing. In addition, this program will prepare you intentionally for your role as a spiritual leader of a Catholic school.

As a Catholic school teacher, how does the Catholic School Leadership program prepare me for a leadership position in my school?
Principals and other school leaders face a myriad of challenges and situations that require specialized preparation. The Catholic School Leadership certificate program is designed to equip leaders with the skills they need to nurture a vibrant Catholic culture, cultivate spiritual and academic excellence in faculty and students, and apply executive management skills to grow and improve their schools.

As a practicing Catholic, have I not already received sufficient preparation for my role as a Catholic school leader?
While it is expected for a Catholic school leader to be a practicing Catholic, the specialized ministry of Catholic school leadership requires an advanced and distinctive formation for the role of spiritual leader. This program will provide that specialized formation. Participants in the Catholic School Leadership certificate program benefit from the seminary’s expertise in preparing people for leadership positions in the Church and the world through professional and graduate-level educational programs.

Will I get a principal license with this certificate program?

Completion of the Catholic School Leadership graduate-level certificate meets the requirements of the Archdiocesan Plan of Professional Development for heads of schools. In addition, these graduate-level credits can be applied toward graduate degrees at the St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity and toward principal licensure through the School of Education at the University of St. Thomas and other university Schools of Education.

Per Minnesota state law, non-public school leaders are not required to maintain state principal licensure. Although leaders of Catholic schools may choose to pursue state principal licensure, the goal of the Catholic School Leadership certificate program is to prepare leaders for the unique needs and mission of Catholic schools.

If I'm from outside the Twin Cities area, what are my housing options for the in-person portion of the program?

Please contact recruitment and student services coordinator Rosalinda Romportl for lodging information.