The Graduate Diploma in Catholic Studies provides an opportunity to study the Catholic intellectual tradition at one of Canada’s most historic Roman Catholic institutes of higher learning. Students may take courses on foundations of Catholic thought, social justice, ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, and global Catholicism.  A special topics course is also offered annually. There are options to complete a directed reading, capstone project, and major research paper. One of the most advantageous components of this program is that it is regarded as a hiring asset by eight Catholic school boards in the province:

• Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board
• London District Catholic School Board
• Conseil Scolaire Catholique Providence
• Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board
• Niagara Catholic District School Board
• St. Clair Catholic District School Board
• Waterloo Catholic District School Board
• Wellington Catholic District School Board

This diploma is advantageous to students seeking employment in the Catholic education, healthcare, or social services sectors. In addition, given the program’s flexibility, it fits within the busy schedules of working professionals, particularly teachers, consultants, and administrators in search of an added graduate credential for possible career advancement.

“The Church, as Pope Francis has stressed, cannot be turned inward on herself and her internal problems but must be turned outward on her mission to proclaim the Gospel to the world. To carry on this mission, Catholics today need to be strong in their faith and know the Church’s rich tradition. The new Graduate Diploma in Catholic Studies offered by Assumption University is greatly needed and will be especially helpful to those working in Catholic education, health care and social services. I am pleased to offer my support for this excellent program.”

-The Most Reverend Ronald Peter Fabbro, CSB
Chancellor Emeritus of Assumption University

“In a world that is increasingly searching for answers to life’s big questions, Assumption University’s Graduate Diploma in Catholic Studies will help the participants engage and refine their beliefs within an academically rigorous and dynamic community.  I am delighted by this initiative!”

–The Very Reverend Kevin J. Storey, CSB

Immediate Past Superior General of the Congregation of St. Basil

September (Fall), January (Winter), or May (Spring).

Those seeking admission to the graduate diploma must possess a three or four-year in any field of study. Students must have a minimum cumulative average of 70% in all undergraduate courses to be considered for admission. Students with considerable work experience in a relevant field or additional credentials may also be considered. Please note that meeting the minimum admission average does not guarantee admission into the program.

1. Online Application Form (Click Here)
2. All Undergraduate Transcripts (Official)

Please have official transcripts emailed to registrar@assumptionu.ca.

Assumption University’s Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) will evaluate each completed application received and recommend those for admission. Incomplete applications will not be evaluated. Given the limited space in each course, students are encouraged to apply on time.

International students are welcome to apply for admission into the Graduate Diploma in Catholic Studies. Given that the graduate diploma is delivered in an online and synchronous environment, Assumption is unable to provide sponsorship for student visas.

The Graduate Diploma in Catholic Studies requires students to complete 15 credits or five one-semester courses. Students can take any combination of graduate courses. Students need to obtain a minimum grade of 60% or C- in each course.

Students wishing to take one course within the program may do so, but still are required to submit an application.

The tuition cost per course is $800.00 Canadian for the 2026-2027 year (May 1 to April 30). The same tuition rate will be charged to Canadians/Permanent Residents and international students. This rate was approved by Assumption University’s Board of Governors.

There are no ancillary fees at Assumption University.

There are a limited number of seats for those seeking to audit the courses. Audit students will be only considered if there is room after the for-credit students have been admitted. Those auditing a course will be charged $400.00 for the 2026-2027 year (May 1 to April 30). Those seeking to audit a course will be required to submit an application.

Candidates who have completed graduate-level Catholic studies courses at other universities, may apply to have one course be accepted as transfer credit toward the Graduate Diploma in Catholic Studies. Please email the Graduate Chair, Dr. John Cappucci, for further details. Assumption University courses are accepted at other post-secondary institutions. If you are taking an Assumption University course for transfer credit, be sure to inform your home university, faculty, or department before the course begins.

Assumption University courses are accepted at other faculties and post-secondary institutions.

If you are taking an Assumption University course for transfer credit, be sure to inform your home university, faculty, or department before the course begins.

Those who successfully complete courses within Assumption University’s Graduate Diploma in Catholic Studies may be granted advanced standing into either the Master of Divinity degree or the Master of Theological Studies degree programs offered at St. Peter’s Seminary in London, Ontario. In addition to meeting all entry requirement at St. Peter’s Seminary, students will need to obtain a least a B- or 70% in their Assumption University courses for advanced standing to be considered. Please contact Dean of Studies, Dr. John Dool at jdool@uwo.ca (St. Peter’s Seminary) for more information.

Pathway to M.A. at the University of Detroit Mercy

Students who successfully complete courses or the entire Graduate Diploma in Catholic Studies at Assumption University will be granted advanced standing at the University of Detroit Mercy. The University of Detroit Mercy will grant up to two courses (6 credits) as advanced standing toward its Master of Arts degree in Religious Studies. Students will be required to complete the remaining eight courses (24 credits) towards the degree at the University of Detroit Mercy. Those interested in pursuing an M.A. at the University of Detroit Mercy should contact Dr. Todd Hibbard at hibbarja@udmercy.edu 

Pathway to M.A. in Faith and Culture at University of St. Thomas (Houston)

Directed Readings

Directed readings allow students to study a specific topic not covered in detail by a course currently offered in the program. The students will select a topic and readings in consultation with an instructor. It is required that students have weekly content and complete a capstone project at the conclusion of the course. Typically, students will be permitted to complete this course once and only with permission from the graduate chair of the Catholic studies program. In the past, directed readings have included, Catholicism and Film, Motherhood and Sainthood, and St. Teresa Benedicta/Edith Stein.

The diploma is conferred by Assumption University’s Senate and will bear the official seal of the university. The diploma will be signed by both the chancellor (Bishop Ronald Peter Fabbro, CSB) and President (Dr. John Cappucci).

If you have questions about this program, please contact the Registrar at registrar@assumptionu.ca .