Liberal Arts Education Certificate for Teachers

Teacher education and professional development have been central to the mission of the Graduate Institute of St. John’s College since our founding more than 50 years ago as the “Teachers Institute for Liberal Education.” Our unique approach to education based on reading and discussing the classics has led many teachers to join us around the seminar table; however, we often hear that teachers find it difficult to set aside the four semesters needed to earn the Master of Arts in Liberal Arts degree. In order to make St. John’s education more easily available to all teachers, the Graduate Institute created the Liberal Arts Education Certificate.

Program Curriculum

The Liberal Arts Education Certificate is an 18 credit-hour program that pulls from the Master of Arts in Liberal Arts (MALA). Students will complete the certificate over two semesters, either at one or both campuses, or online. Students enrolled in the Liberal Arts Education Certificate program will participate in classes along with other St. John’s graduate students, reading and discussing foundational texts of the past 3,000 years. Whereas students in the MALA program complete four segments, certificate students choose two of the five to pursue.

Explore the Segments

Pedagogy Preceptorial

In addition to the subject-area segment classes, students will enroll in two “preceptorial” classes. One preceptorial will be used as an elective of choice where students may choose from among the preceptorials being offered. The second preceptorial must be the pedagogy preceptorial. Currently offered only in the summer, the pedagogy preceptorial class for certificate students is devoted to reading and discussing classic works about pedagogy and education. Students in this preceptorial will also have the opportunity to practice and receive feedback as they lead discussions with one another.

Pedagogy Preceptorial Reading List

Flexible Schedule to Fit Your Life

The certificate program requires two semesters of study on either campus in Annapolis or Santa Fe. Students can spend both semesters on one campus or on both campuses. Students can also complete the program online through our low-residency program.

Graduate Low-Residency Enrollment

You can start in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. The program can be completed in one year, with at least one summer semester. With classes held in the evenings, the program is ideal for people working full-time.

Class times differ between campuses and between on campus and online offering, and students are encouraged to explore each option to find a schedule that works best for their needs.

Annapolis Schedule Santa Fe Schedule

How to Apply

We welcome applications from teachers interested in being a part of the Liberal Arts Education Certificate program. Admission is available on a rolling basis.

Applicants should complete the regular application for the Master of Arts in Liberal Arts degree, indicating on the application interest in the program.

In Maryland, the certificate is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Maryland Higher Education Commission. In New Mexico, the certificate is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.