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Catholic Education at SLU

Rooted in Saint Louis University’s Jesuit mission of faith, service, and justice, our Catholic education programs prepare teachers and leaders to make a lasting impact in Catholic schools and diocesan systems.

Whether you're preparing to teach in the classroom or lead at the system level, SLU offers flexible, mission-driven pathways to help you grow — professionally, personally, and spiritually.

Explore Your Options: Catholic Education Programs at SLU

SLU offers one of the nation’s most comprehensive collections of Catholic education programs — ranging from teacher preparation to advanced leadership and formation:

Billiken Teacher Corps (BTC): Cura Community

A two-year, in-person service and teaching program that combines a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) with full-time placement in an under-resourced Catholic school. Participants live in intentional community, receive housing, engage in spiritual formation, and complete coursework as a cohort.

Billiken Teacher Corps (BTC): Mat Magis

Available in-person and online

A two-year program that combines a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) with a full-time teaching role in a Catholic school. Designed for current Catholic school teachers or career-changers, this flexible option provides academic and spiritual formation without the residential or community living components of Cura Community.

Online Certificate in Catholic Education

Designed for educators new to Catholic schools, this certificate introduces foundational Church documents, Catholic school governance, and the integration of faith and leadership in school settings.

Online Certificate in Catholic School Leadership

Prepares aspiring Catholic school principals and administrators to lead with mission, manage operations, and shape school culture through a Catholic lens.

Online Certificate in Inclusive Catholic School Leadership

Equips current and future leaders to foster equity, inclusion, and belonging in Catholic schools while remaining grounded in Catholic values.

Online Master of Arts (M.A.) in Catholic Educational Leadership

A flexible, fully online program for Catholic school teachers and leaders seeking to grow in mission-driven leadership, faith formation, and educational excellence.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Catholic Educational Leadership

A practice-focused doctoral program, available online or in-person, designed for current or aspiring principals, presidents, and diocesan leaders seeking to transform Catholic education at the school and system levels.

Why Choose SLU for Catholic Education?

  • Mission-Focused and Flexible: Programs are designed for working educators and clergy—with fully online formats and cohort-based models that foster connection and growth.
  • Academic and Spiritual Formation: Courses integrate Catholic identity, instructional leadership, and social justice in alignment with SLU’s Jesuit values.
  • National Reach and Community: You’ll join a network of Catholic educators across the U.S. and beyond, supported by expert faculty and a values-driven academic community.
  • Expert, Faith-Filled Faculty: Learn from nationally recognized educators, many of whom have served as Catholic school principals, superintendents, or religious leaders.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of SLU’s Catholic education programs go on to serve as:

  • Catholic school teachers
  • Principals and assistant principals
  • Presidents and heads of school
  • Superintendents and diocesan directors
  • Directors of formation and mission
  • Clergy and lay leaders in Catholic education

Join a Jesuit Tradition of Educational Excellence

As one of the only Jesuit institutions offering a full continuum of Catholic education programs, SLU is committed to preparing the next generation of teachers, leaders, and ministers. Whether you're discerning a call to lead or serve, you’ll find a welcoming, purpose-filled path here.