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 will begin by completing a foundational course on the Catholic intellectual tradition which outlines the major concepts of Catholic thought. This course will be followed by courses on social justice and interfaith dialogue. A topics course will be offered that will focus on a special issue. Finally, students will compete a capstone project whereby they will outline, research, and deliver a workshop in any area of Catholic studies. 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
Bishop of London and Chancellor 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                                                                  Superior General of the Congregation of St. Basil

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

Those seeking admissions to the graduate diploma must possess a four-year honours degree in any field of study. Students must have a minimum cumulative average of 70% in all undergraduate courses to be considered for admission. Please note that meeting the minimum admission average does not guarantee admission into the program.

1. Online Application Form (See Below)
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 environments, 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. All students must complete Foundations of Catholic Thought followed by an additional four 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 2023-2024 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 2023-2024 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 contact the Graduate Chair, Dr. John Cappucci at jcappucci@assumptionu.ca for further details.

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.

1. The Cappucci Scholarship in Christian Studies is awarded annually to a student who is currently enrolled in any Christian studies course at Assumption University. In addition, students who are enrolled in courses that compare Christianity with another world religion are also eligible to apply. The scholarship recipient must possess a distinguished academic record overall, evidence of volunteer activity in the community, and be currently enrolled at Assumption University. The scholarship is valued at $1,000.00 (Canadian). The deadline to apply for this scholarship is August 15, 2023.

A link to this scholarship can be found here.

2. The Minotti Scholarship in Christian Studies is awarded annually to a student who is currently enrolled in any Christian studies course at Assumption University. In addition, students who are enrolled in courses that compare Christianity with another world religion are also eligible to apply. The scholarship recipient must possess a distinguished academic record overall, evidence of volunteer activity in the community, and be currently enrolled at Assumption University. The scholarship is valued at $1,000.00 (Canadian). The deadline to apply for this scholarship is August 15, 2023.

A link to this scholarship can be found here.

3. The Joseph Robert Comuzzi Scholarship (established in 2022) is open to all students who have been admitted into the Graduate Diploma in Catholic Studies. The scholarship requires candidates to have a distinguished academic record and evidence of volunteer service.  The candidates must also provide their letter of acceptance to be considered. The scholarship is valued at $1,000.00 (Canadian). Financial need will also be considered. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is August 15, 2023.

A link to this scholarship can be found here.

4. The William E. Kelly Scholarship in Catholic Studies at Assumption University is valued at $1,000.00 (Canadian) and is open to all students admitted into the Graduate Diploma in Catholic Studies. Proof of acceptance into the graduate diploma is required before applying for this scholarship.

The application deadline is April 14, 2023, by 1:00 p.m.  

A link to this scholarship can be found here.

5. The Monsignor L. A. Wnuk Scholarship at Assumption University is valued at $800.00 (Canadian) and is open to all students admitted into the Graduate Diploma in Catholic Studies. Proof of acceptance into the graduate diploma is required before applying for this scholarship.

The application deadline is November 30, 2022, by 1:00 p.m.  

A link to this scholarship can be found here.

Students may apply to take a directed reading course in a subject related to Catholic studies that is not sufficiently covered in other courses. The directed reading must contain the same number of readings and assignments as a regular course. There must be regular communication between the supervisor and student. All directed readings must be approved by the Graduate Chair.

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 principal (Dr. John Cappucci).

Foundations of Catholic Thought: CATH 8000 (3.00 Credit) – This course provides students with a thematic overview of the major components of Catholic thought. Students will explore key Catholic concepts, such as the nature of the divine, the mission of Jesus, Mariology, sacraments, communion of saints and liturgy. Students will also study the major scriptural, theological, philosophical, literary, and artistic works that helped to shape and express Catholicism. This course is required for all candidates enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Catholic Studies.

Catholicism and Social Justice: CATH 8100 (3.00 Credit) – This course will examine the social justice tradition within the Catholic Church with emphasis on the “life and dignity of the human person.” In this course, students will explore how the Church engages with a host of social justice issues, such as poverty and homelessness, immigration, refugees and asylees, labour, human rights, reconciliation with Indigenous communities, the environment, and war and the pursuit of global peace.

Catholicism and Dialogue: CATH 8200 (3.00 Credit) – This course studies Catholicism’s ecumenical and interfaith initiatives with a focus on mutual understanding, acceptance, and healing. This course will explore the Church’s interactions with several traditions, including Anglicanism, Protestantism, Orthodoxy, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Atheism. This course will also discuss the Church’s path towards reconciliation with Indigenous communities both in Canada and abroad.

Topics in Catholic Studies: CATH 8500 (3.00 Credit) – This course will focus on special topics on interest in Catholic studies, such as, bioethics, education, literature, global poverty, migration, the saints, the papacy, social teachings, and theology of the body. This course’s content will change on a yearly basis. Students may obtain credit for this course a maximum of twice provided that the course topic has changed.

Directed Readings in Catholic Studies: CATH 8800 (3.00 Credit) – This course will 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 final 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.

Catholic Studies Capstone Project: CATH 8900 (3.00 Credit) – This practice-based capstone course will require students to design a workshop on any area related to Catholic studies. In preparation for developing this workshop, students will actively participate in a series of sessions facilitated by guest experts on public speaking skills, engaging audiences, designing appealing presentations, and discussing difficult subjects.  After completing these sessions, students will begin an independent research project with the goal of facilitating a workshop in the community. This course is graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis. Admission is with permission of the Graduate Chair.

Spring 2023 –  Graduate Timetable (Final)

The Capstone in Catholic Studies’ first class is May 9, 2023 at 6:00 PM and the last class is June 15, 2023. The Capstone projects will be presented on June 13th and June 15th in class. There are no further assignments after June 15th.

Fall 2023 –  Graduate Timetable (Tentative)

If you have questions about this program, please contact Dr. John Cappucci, Graduate Chair at jcappucci@assumptionu.ca.