Admissions Criteria

To be eligible an applicant must have earned or will earn*:

  • A four-year baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education, or an equivalent degree from a nationally recognized non-US institution.
  • A 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale or better in the baccalaureate study. Or, a 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale or better in graduate study resulting in a degree from an accredited institution of higher education, or an equivalent degree from a nationally recognized non-US institution.

*Applications may be submitted during the final year of undergraduate study. Acceptance is contingent on award of a baccalaureate degree before matriculation to the graduate certificate program.

How to Apply

Applicants will complete and submit:

  • Online Application
  • Transcripts. Undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate transcripts.
  • 1000-word statement of purpose detailing academic interests and goals, current or anticipated career, and the reasons for pursuing the graduate certificate program.
  • Resume or curriculum vitae.
  • Letter of recommendation from a university faculty member familiar with your prior academic work or—for or members of the community with significant career experience in the workforce—a recommendation letter from a professional supervisor or colleague.

Here’s how to get started with Catholic University's online application:

  • Please visit the Cardinal Admissions Page.
  • Click on Sign up and provide your name and an e-mail address.
  • When you receive an e-mail from Catholic University's Graduate Admission, look for:
  1. "To get started with your application, click the link below.”
  2. Click on that link and create a username and password.
  3. Enter the application site and click on “Start a New Application.”
  4. Under “What type of application,” click on “Certificate.”
  5. Then choose “School of Arts and Sciences – Non-degree.”