Stained glass Mary at Pentecost with disciples

The Master of Catechesis, a professional degree concentrating on catechesis and the Catholic tradition, is designed for adults who intend to or who currently serve the Church. Applicants in roles of parish pastoral leadership or teaching positions in catechesis and the new evangelization on the parish or diocesan level, or in parochial schools, and volunteer lay ministers can profit by an in-depth examination of the catechetical, liturgical, and theological teachings of the Church. This degree provides a broad background fostering a professional and interdisciplinary approach to catechesis that draws upon theology, scripture, liturgy, spirituality, history of catechetics, and psychology within the context of contemporary culture.

This degree may be earned on campus or through distance learning. The online program requires a three-four day on-campus residency during the summer.

Program (Online and On-Campus)

  • Students must complete 36 credit hours of coursework, including 6 credit hours for an internship.
  • Students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or above.
  • All M.Cat. students participate in an internship, which provides an opportunity for students to work with professionals in their present ministry. The internship earns 6 credit hours. Online students participate in an internship in their local area. On-campus students complete an internship at a parish in the D.C. area.
  • As part of the internship, students must design a ministry project after completing 18 credit hours of coursework. After the project design is approved, the student implements it and writes a 20-25 page thesis describing the project, its implementation, and articulating an evaluation of the experience.
  • Students will prepare a professional portfolio.

Online and On-Campus Coursework

  • Online students take a set cycle of ten online courses (30 credit hours).
  • On-campus students complete 30 credit hours of coursework on campus that directly relate to the various aspects of Catechesis and are determined in consultation with the director of the program.

Apply for the Master of Catechesis (Online or On-Campus)

Applications for this master's degree program are reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Apply for Graduate Programs

Required Documents for Admission

  • A completed Catholic University online application (No fee is required.)
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions (Unofficial transcripts can be used for the admissions review.)
  • English proficiency test scores-international students only.  

Official transcripts and English proficiency scores must be submitted for full admittance to the University.  Your official copies should be sent from the institution to em-operations@cua.edu

For international students, a credential evaluation of your coursework will be provided free of charge by the University.

Recommended Documents for Admission

  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • One letter of recommendation from a person able to evaluate the applicant’s ability to be a successful pastoral minister.
  • A professional goal statement 

Application Deadlines

Applications must be submitted by the dates below.

  • Fall Semester
    • July 1 for international students 
    • August 15 for domestic students
  • Spring Semester
    • November 1 for international students
    • December 15 for domestic students
  • Summer Semester
    • April 1