The Graduate Certificate in Ecclesiastical Administration (GCECA) is a graduate program that offers an advanced specialization, within the general discipline of canon law, suited to careers in church administration.

The GCEA is open to students who have a university degree in canon law, or have already completed significant training in canon law, and are interested in careers in the administration of various church institutions and organizations. The program provides students with specialized knowledge, from the perspective of canon law, of issues related to the governance and management of dioceses and religious institutes, church tribunals, ecclesiastical educational and health care institutions, and other similar bodies.

The GCEA is conferred jointly by Saint Paul University and the University of Ottawa under the terms of the federation agreement between them.

The GCEA is offered in both French and English. All required courses are available in each language. Some elective courses may be offered in one language only.

On completion of the certificate, qualified students meeting admission requirements may apply for admission to the master’s in Canon Law program and, on admission, complete the requirements of this program with credit granted for relevant courses already completed in the certificate. The number of credits remaining would be assessed individually.

The certificate operates within the framework of the General Regulations of the FGPS, which are available on the Website at the following link:

1. Prospective students must hold an honours baccalaureate, or provide evidence of an equivalent four-year program, with an average grade of at least “B”.

2. The baccalaureate or equivalent program must include, or be supplemented by, at least 18 credits in the theological disciplines, or equivalent studies and pastoral or professional experience as determined by the Executive Committee of the Faculty.

3. The candidate’s previous studies must either include, or be supplemented by, a degree in canon law, or at least 15 credits of course work and seminars in canon law, including a course on the general norms of canon law.

4. Courses that are part of parent programs other than canon law may have other prerequisites.

Certificate Requirements

Core Courses:

• The following two courses are required:
DCA5309 SPECIAL TOPICS IN CODE II
DCA6112 ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES (3cr.)

• At least 3 credits must be taken from among the following two courses:
DCA5308 SPECIAL TOPICS IN CODE I
DCA6114 PROCEDURES II (3cr.)

Specialized courses: