Catholic School Educator Preparation Program 

Concentration in Faith-Based Teaching

If you want to earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in elementary education, religious education, secondary education, or special education, consider adding a concentration in faith-based teaching to your undergraduate plan of study.

Endorsed by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, this concentration is part of Marian University’s commitment to deliver Catholic programming that helps students explore ways to integrate their faith with their chosen vocations.

Why prepare to be a Catholic school educator?

If you believe students, families, and communities can be transformed by faith—and if you want to practice and teach Christian values in classroom and educational settings—a career in Catholic school education may be right for you.

This career path is ideal for those who want to nurture children’s faith and intellect. It appeals to future educators who are also called to serve as spiritual role-models and mentors for youth.

This concentration will help you obtain the knowledge and skills you need to create and maintain a positive classroom environments. You'll learn tools for helping children develop morals, values, and respect for others, including those from diverse faith and cultural traditions.

What will you study?

To earn this concentration, you will complete ten (10) hours of theological coursework that focuses on subjects like:

• Catechism, creed, liturgy, and sacraments of the Catholic church
• Children’s prayer and praying with children
• Mission and history of Catholic schools and universities
• Moral response and responsiveness
• Old and New Testaments
• Teaching of religion
• The person of Jesus Christ

The holistic exploration of faith and educational best practices also focuses on:

• Child development
• Cultural competence
• Curriculum development and planning
• Differentiated practice
• Instructional methods and pedagogy
• Reflective teaching practice
• Subject-matter knowledge

You will complete two (2) three-hour practicums as part of a methods course on teaching religion. You'll help select the Catholic school to which you are assigned. Practicums in other faith-based Christian schools may be possible for some students.

NOTE: When you graduate, your academic transcript will note that you’ve completed all required coursework for a concentration in faith-based teaching.

Download the student handbook for Marian University's Catholic School Educator Preparation Program.