Which Master's Degree Should You Pursue as a Catholic Teacher?

UD Admissions | February 24, 2026

For a Catholic educator, teaching is a vocation: an act of service oriented toward the cultivation of young people’s minds, hearts, and souls. Furthering your education as a Catholic school teacher can strengthen both your skills and individual understanding to form students not only for knowledge but also for virtue.

Here, we will explore the types of graduate study best suited to those who want to teach in Catholic schools (or who are already teaching) and how the University of Dallas Braniff Graduate of Liberal Arts program continues this living tradition of formation.

In this blog:

What degree do you need to be a Catholic school teacher?
What degree options are available for Catholic teachers seeking further education?
What types of certificates can help further your Catholic education career?
What degree should you consider for Catholic school leadership?
The education degree offerings at the University of Dallas Braniff Graduate School of Liberal Arts

Do You Need a Master’s to Be a Teacher in a Catholic School?

In many Catholic schools, entry-level teaching positions typically do not require a master’s degree. Most teachers begin with a bachelor’s in education or theology, supported by diocesan formation programs or catechetical certification.

As you lean into your vocation as a teacher, graduate study may be the natural next step. A Catholic education master’s degree deepens your understanding of the Catholic intellectual tradition and prepares you to serve students not just as learners but as souls in your care.

In addition, a master’s degree opens doors to broader Catholic education teaching positions. Those who pursue advanced study often take on roles as department chairs, curriculum designers, or school leaders who can articulate and sustain the Catholic mission of education.

So while your current career may not require a Catholic teaching master’s degree, it can be profoundly formative: for you as a teacher and for your students.

How to Become a Catholic School Teacher: Types of Education Master’s Degrees

When exploring next steps in your career as a Catholic school teacher, consider your educational background, the time and investment you wish to commit, and the areas you hope to grow in. Below is an overview of the most common programs for those seeking to advance their careers in Catholic education.

Master of Arts in Teaching

Requires a bachelor's degree or enrollment in a MAT 4+1 program
Provides a robust graduate-level education
Typically takes a minimum of two years to complete
Offers in-depth knowledge of teaching practice and classroom experience

Master of Arts in Humanities

Requires a bachelor's degree
Typically takes a minimum of two years to complete
Allows concentration in a specific humanities field (Classics, Politics, English, etc.)
Ideal for those who want a strong liberal arts foundation rather than a traditional education degree

Teaching Certificate

Often requires a relevant bachelor's degree
Ideal for those seeking additional credentials without pursuing a complete master’s degree
Requires significantly fewer credits and less time than a graduate program
May award state teaching credentials or meet diocesan teaching requirements

Beyond the Classroom: Catholic Education Master’s in School Leadership

For those looking to extend their reach beyond the classroom and transition into a school leadership role, a master’s degree in Catholic education can help you gain the necessary skills and experience. Top programs prepare leaders to assume administrative roles while developing robust knowledge of the Catholic tradition and practical, experience-based leadership skills.

Education Programs at the University of Dallas Braniff Graduate School of Liberal Arts

Preparing to teach in a Catholic school or advance in your career begins with a vision of education as the formation of mind and heart. The University of Dallas Braniff Graduate School of Liberal Arts offers several distinct pathways for those discerning how best to serve in Catholic education, whether entering the classroom for the first time or pursuing additional credentials.

Catholic Education Master’s Degree

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) 4+1

The MAT program allows undergraduates to begin graduate coursework early and earn both a bachelor’s degree and an M.A.T. in approximately five years. Grounded in the liberal arts tradition, this program prepares students for Texas teacher certification and equips them to serve in a variety of classroom settings, including Catholic schools

Master’s in Humanities

This master’s degree offers a deeper encounter with Western tradition and the development of a deeper understanding of a specialized area within the humanities. It is especially suited for teachers in education settings who wish to recover the unity of knowledge and instill in students a love of truth.

Master of Catholic School Leadership

This program prepares educators for leadership roles in Catholic schools and diocesan offices by combining leadership skills with a deep understanding of Catholic educational mission and tradition.

Catholic Teaching Certificates

Alternative Teacher Certification

This program allows educators who already hold a bachelor’s degree to earn Texas State Certification while immersing themselves in UDallas’ Catholic approach to teaching. This path is ideal for current teachers seeking certification or professionals transitioning into education as a vocation.

Catholic Teacher Formation Academy

Developed with the Texas Bishops Conference, this certificate develops and strengthens essential teaching skills such as lesson planning, classroom management, differentiation, and assessment while gaining practical teacher preparation grounded in Catholic education.

Catholic Teacher Certificate

For educators seeking to serve in Catholic schools, this certificate provides the intellectual and spiritual foundation for classroom practice. Rooted in the Catholic liberal arts tradition, it helps teachers integrate theology, philosophy, and pedagogy to form students toward wisdom and virtue.

Catholic School Leadership Certificate

Designed for educators who already hold a master’s degree, this certificate prepares leaders to serve effectively in Catholic schools and diocesan roles, through focused study in Catholic identity, instructional leadership, school operations, finance, and more.

Each of these pathways reflects the University of Dallas in forming educators who teach not only with competence but with conviction and character.

Deepen Your Vocation and Career in Catholic Education at the University of Dallas

To teach within Catholic education is to participate in a tradition that extends beyond methods and curricula. It is to recognize that education, rightly understood, cultivates the whole person—not just the mind.

To explore how to grow your profession as a Catholic teacher with a graduate education degree or certificate, download the guide: Education For the Purpose of Human Flourishing: Graduate Programs and Certificates from the University of Dallas.

If you have any questions about the programs and certificates offered at the Braniff Graduate School of Liberal Arts, request more information to get in touch with our admissions team.