Certificate Program Description
Aligned with Classical Conversations’ curriculum, adult learners who share a common mission to know God and to make Him known and love gaining proficiency in the classical arts and tools of learning can begin in the Fall of 2026. Instead of auditing courses without credit, you can secure a graduate certificate in just a few semesters. Afterwards. the certificate can be applied toward obtaining a fully accredited Master of Arts in Classical Studies degree with six (6) additional courses in Latin, History, Literature & Rhetoric, Education Pedagogy, or Arithmetic & Geometry. Gain exposure to, and discuss core texts with, peers guided by a PhD.
Key Program Details:
- Duration: 4 courses, completed in 16-20 months
- Format: Synchronous Socratic Circles, peer discussion and individual work (online)
- Accreditation: Fully-accredited graduate-level coursework
- Credits: 12 graduate credit hours
- Next Cohort: Fall 2026 applications now open
- Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Request Info
Start by talking with Jessica Clark, MA (and current CC mom) about your interests and prospective goals. Schedule time in your calendar with her by clicking this Calendly link:
Schedule a Call
Accreditation Statement
Fully Accredited Graduate Program: This certificate program is offered through our regionally accredited university collaborator, Southeastern University (Lakeland, Florida).
Market Relevance
Classical studies provides foundational knowledge essential for careers in teaching, education leadership, library services, fine arts, design, law, archaeology, museum services, and publishing. In our information-rich world, professionals who can analyze complex texts, understand historical context, and communicate with precision have a distinct advantage.
Skills You'll Master
- Thinking well for yourself: Practice and master the 15 skills of classical education
- Reading well: Close reading and opportunities to comment on and discuss essential texts, journal articles, commentaries and peer papers
- Research: Practice scholarly methodology and primary source investigation
- Subject and skill integration: Develop acumen in drawing together strands of thought across multiple subject domains along with personal expression in papers and in Socratic conversations
- Communication: Develop sophisticated writing and argumentation skills
Career Applications
- Educators: Strengthen pedagogical understanding of Classical Christian education
- Legal Professionals: Develop deeper skill in defining, practice structure of argumentation and rhetorical skills, and writing
- Museum/Cultural Workers: Gain depth of skill in using classical tools and methods that may apply in curatorial and programming roles
- Graduate School Preparation: Build a strong foundation in the classical arts by transferring credits toward a full graduate degree program. It’s a great opportunity to begin the journey if you are considering a PhD specialization in the future.
Program Experience
Four Core Courses
- Course 1: EDUC 5363 Educational Leadership: This course explores the role of Christian educators as educational leaders and peacemakers.
- Course 2: EDUC 5343 Classical Arts & The Paideia of God: An exploration of classical grammar, dialectic and rhetoric as related to the Paideia of God and unfolding story of scripture.
- Course 3: EDUC 5373 Education and Culture: This course will address the impact (or lack thereof) of classical Christian education on current culture and consider the relationship of education with the culture that surrounds it.
- Course 4: EDUC 5183 Christian Education: This course introduces students to the foundational principles of classical, Christian pedagogy and schooling versus education.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion, students will:
- Develop a teaching philosophy that articulates the difference between Christian and secular education, schooling and education, and the role of the soul and imagination in education.
- Identify the role of grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric in assessing academic abilities, and relate them to the paideia of God.
- Effectively lead programs and design integrated, interdisciplinary curriculum beyond disciplines in order to support the human endeavor of peacemaking.
- Participate in the great classical conversations of history and apply them to modern living as ambassadors of Christ.
Faculty Highlights
All courses are taught by PhDs or EdDs. Eighty percent (80%) homeschool(ed) their children for all or part of their years at home. Seventy-five percent (75%) used or are using Classical Conversations Curriculum. All doctorates affirm the pedagogy of classical Christian education put forth by Classical Conversations. In instances when a Graduate Assistant (“GA”) is present for a supporting role, the GA holds a Master of Arts in Classical Studies from Southeastern University through the collaboration with Classical Conversations. In other words, GAs emanate from the very same fabric of this program.
Alumni Achievements
- This is a new 4-course certificate, though over 100 MAs have taken these same courses as part of the full 10 course degree-program.
- Alumni of the full Master's of Arts work at institutions including homeschools, Southeastern University, various private classical Christian schools, and Classical Conversations.
- Several have published scholarly articles or presented at academic conferences.
- Students complete a substantial capstone project demonstrating their ability to conduct original research, analyze primary sources, and present findings to both academic and general audiences.
Admissions
Homeschool Flexibility
- Evening synchronous meetings: Most courses offered 4:00-9:00 PM ET
- Flexible pacing: Complete online discussions and papers at times during the week which work for you.
Financial Information
- Tuition: Affordable rate; Student Liaison has current tuition
- Fees: General Student Fee is set by SEU; Student Liaison has current fees amounts
- Payment: Made through SEU; monthly payment options available
- Employer reimbursement: Many employers support professional development—we provide documentation
- Financial aid: Graduate students eligible for federal aid programs (through SEU)
Admissions Requirements
- Degree: A Bachelor's degree must have been completed in advance from a regionally accredited institution (minimum 3.0 GPA preferred).
- Application materials Complete application, official transcripts, statement of purpose, one letter of recommendation.
- Membership: Maintain membership in a CC Licensed Community, as indicated on pre-application form.
- Interview: Complete a personal interview with the Student Liaison via digital visual technology.
- Orientation: Complete Master's Student Orientation.
University Reputation
Southeastern University has been called, “The most innovative university in the U.S.” by industry experts.
Faculty Credentials
- All professors are professing Christians.
- All hold terminal degrees.
Ready to Begin Your Classical Journey?
- Request Information: Receive detailed program materials and speak with the CC Student Liaison, Jessica Clark (Schedule a Call)
- Submit Your Application: Complete SEU’s streamlined online application process
- Start Your Studies: Join our vibrant learning community this spring
Contact Information:
Jessica Clark, MA, Student Liaison:
- Email: jsclark@seu.edu
- Calendly: Schedule a Call
Application Deadlines
- Fall 2026 Cohort: Applications due July 15, 2026
Learn More
Click below to complete the interest form and receive more information:
Complete Interest Form
