Undergraduate Catechetical Diploma Program
Vatican-Approved Teaching Credential
The Catechetical Diploma is an ecclesiastical teaching certificate awarded to those who have attained an appropriate level of knowledge in the Catholic Faith. The Diploma is awarded by the authority of the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy (the Congregation responsible for Catechetics).
Please select from the following links for more information about our Catechetical Diploma Programs:
Undergraduate Catechetical Diploma Program Course List
For Students Who Apply for the Catechetical Diploma Program beginning May 1, 2006.
All of the courses in the Catechetical Diploma Program are undergraduate level courses.
CLICK on the course title to view a description and further details about each course.
Program Requirements
- completion of additional required courses to earn this Diploma. See course list above.
- a completed
 Catechetical Diploma Program Application. (endorsed by a religious superior or clergyman)
- nonrefundable $75 application fee
- a comprehensive (closed-book) examination once all courses and project are completed
- catechetical project, such as an essay, paper or lesson plan
- minimum 2.0 grade point average
- completion of all requirements within five (5) years from the date of acceptance into the program
Any successfully completed CDU undergraduate course for credit will be automatically applied to the Undergraduate Catechetical Diploma Program once a student has been accepted. Students do not have to be in the Catechetical Diploma program to take CDU undergraduate courses.
To request an application for the Undergraduate Catechetical Diploma Program, please contact CDU's Undergraduate Registrar.
Proper Training to Teach
"They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority."
Luke 4:32
One who teaches with authority changes lives. Teaching the Catholic Faith can bring great rewards to those who know Jesus Christ and have learned how to convey faith in Him and His Church. Children, young people and adults eagerly respond to properly trained catechists. Learning to teach with authority is not difficult, but it requires commitment, knowledge, dedication and love.
CDU provides a systematic program of correspondence study to help lay volunteers, religious, priests, parents and teachers become true catechists—those trained to teach the Faith with authority. After successfully completing the program, you will be awarded a special ecclesiastical teaching certificate—the Catechetical Diploma.
The final commission Christ gave his followers, to make disciples of all nations, holds true just as much today as it did 2000 years ago. Each person, from the cloistered religious to the business executive, is called to share the Gospel message of God's love for all people.
In particular, the Lord calls teachers to clearly and confidently proclaim the rich legacy of our Catholic Faith. Answering this call to teach the Faith cannot be taken lightly. A responsibility accompanies this privilege. The Epistle of James reminds us:
"Not many of you would presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strickly."
James 3:1
Teachers of the Catholic Faith need a thorough understanding of the many facets of the Faith they instruct. Previouly, those who wanted in-depth training had to attend college classes or lecture seminars. Working adults and parents found this approach highly impractical. Now, men and women can take courses at home, and earn the confidence, clarity and credentials to teach the Faith through CDU.
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