Undergraduate Certificate in Catholic Studies

The Certificate in Catholic Studies has been designed for those who want to explore Catholicism's rich intellectual, spiritual, moral and cultural traditions and living heritage.

The Undergraduate Certificate in Catholic Studies consists of five courses (15 credits) and is open to students across all academic specializations. Whether you are seeking to deepen your understanding of Catholicism, aspire to engage with your faith, or just want to learn something new, the Undergraduate Certificate in Catholic Studies program has something to offer you.

Student journeys

There is more than one path toward the Certificate in Catholic Studies. This Certificate can complement coursework from a variety of disciplines and benefit students with different academic interests and professional goals. You might be interested in the Certificate in Catholic Studies if...

You are studying biology with the hope of being a science teacher in the Catholic school system.
Your current degree may not have room for faith-based electives but theology is important to you. The Certificate in Catholic Studies would allow you to deepen your faith journey in a liberal arts learning environment.

You are completing an undergraduate degree in psychology and you want to be prepared to work with Catholic and Christian communities.
The Certificate in Catholic Studies is an additional credential that would set you apart from other applicants in your future job applications.

You currently attend Corpus Christi College and have already completed three of the five courses necessary for the Certificate in your first two years of study.
You have completed more than 50% of the certificate! You are transferring to a larger public university such as UBC or SFU but would like to complete the Certificate. You would only need to take two more courses at St. Mark’s College.

Certificate Requirements

The Certificate in Catholic Studies consists of five courses. Choose courses from the following four categories – both courses in the Required Category must be taken; choose one from each of the other three categories:

• Required Courses—Both courses must be taken

  
  

  • RELG 204: Explorations in Catholicism
  • THEO 402: God, Christ, Church*
    
    

  *THEO 402 is the preferred course. THEO 400 and 401 are possible options – with permission from the Dean of Theology.
  

• Category 1—Choose one course

  
  

  • RELG 101: Introduction to the Old Testament
  • RELG 102: Introduction to the New Testament
  • RELG 201: Themes in Scripture
  • Another undergraduate scripture course – with permission from the Dean of Theology

• Category 2—Choose one course

  
  

  • RELG 207: World Religions
  • RELG 200: Modern Catholic Social Teachings
  • RELG 208: Major Shapers of the Christian Tradition (Augustine to Aquinas)
  • RELG 209: Major Shapers of the Christian Tradition (Ignatius of Loyola to Merton)
  • RELG 225: Christianity and Science: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives
  • RELG 240: Explorations in Catholicism
  • Another RELG course – with permission from the Dean of Theology

• Category 3—Choose one course

  
  

  • THEO 405: Liturgy and Sacramental Life
  • THEO 435: Catholic Ethics
  • ENGL 320: Modern Catholic Literature and Culture (12 credits 1st and 2nd year ENGL prerequisite required)
  • HIST 330: Early Church History: Ideas and Their Development (12 credits 1st and 2nd year ENGL prerequisite required)
  • HIST 425: Modern Church History (12 credits 1st and 2nd year ENGL prerequisite required)
  • Other possible 300 or 400 level courses – with permission from the Dean of Theology

Tuition and Fees

The most up-to-date tuition and fees for undergraduate courses can be found under "Admissions."

View Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

If you are registered at another BC post-secondary institution where you pay for health and dental, U-Pass, etc, you are not required to pay those fees at St. Mark’s College. 

Admissions Requirements for the Undergraduate Certificate in Catholic Studies

Applicants should be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student in a post-secondary institution or a recent graduate.

All applicants must submit:

• (I) A letter of intention. The document should be about 1-2 pages and must contain the following: description of your academic/professional experiences and involvements and how these have prepared you to succeed in the program; your educational goals and expectations in the program; and any other experiences relevant to the program.
• (II) Transcript of academic record from all post-secondary institutions attended (Original copies must be sent directly to St. Mark's College from the granting institution)
• (III) Non-refundable application fee

Please note that there are no references needed for this program.

Applications should be submitted via MyLion.

• View instructions for creating your MyLION account and admissions deadlines

launchApply Now

Questions

Our Admissions Counsellors are happy to discuss the program with you. Connect with them!
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-822-4463 (main College line) or 604-314-5403