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Secondary Catholic Religion Education (BSE)

Inspire the Next Generation of Faith

Through the Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) in Secondary Catholic Religion Education program in the Department of Teacher Education at the University of Dayton, you'll learn the knowledge and skills necessary to help students discover and deepen their faith. The program leads to an Archdiocese of Cincinnati certificate to teach religion in grades 7-12.

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Fast Facts

800 field hours

in local school districts

96% first-time pass

rate for Ohio Resident Educator license

About the Secondary Catholic Religion Education (BSE) Program

Why study secondary Catholic religion education at UD?

Students who choose to concentrate their studies in secondary Catholic religious education have a passion to teach students about religion and a willingness to have in-depth conversations with adolescents about what the Catholic faith means.

Mentored by Experts

Majors in this program are mentored by a team of subject-matter experts across the university from the Department of Teacher Education, the Center for Catholic Education and the Department of Theology and Religious Studies.

Practical Experience

Classroom observation and field experience begin during year one, and continue during years two and three. You'll receive 800 field hours in local schools, which is double the State of Ohio's requirement. During year four, you'll participate in student teaching. This full-time teaching experience includes supervision and evaluation to assist you in your continued growth and development as an educator.

Ready to take the next step?

Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about secondary Catholic religion education at UD.

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How do I apply to the secondary Catholic religion education program?

At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.

Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.

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What is the tuition cost and is financial aid available?

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time student work are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.

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Degree Requirements and Curriculum

Secondary Catholic Religion Education (BSE) Degree Requirements
Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Education in Secondary Catholic Religion Education degree requires a total of at least 124 credit hours. This degree also includes requirements from our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP).

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Honors Program

Sample Plan of Study

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2025-26 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations, and your personal goals and interests. Please contact your holistic advisor if you have any questions.

Semester 1
  • EDT 101 – Introduction to the University
    1
  • EDT 109 – Personal Aspects of Teaching
    3
  • HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
    3
  • CAP Math
    3
  • CAP Natural Science
    3
  • CAP Natural Science Lab
    1
  • CAP Social Science
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 17
Semester 2
  • EDT 110 – The Profession of Teaching
    3
  • EDT 110L – The Profession of Teaching Laboratory
    0
  • HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
    3
  • CAP Advanced History
    3
  • CAP Arts
    3
  • Concentration
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 3
  • EDT 207 – Child and Adolescent in Education
    3
  • EDT 207L – Child and Adolescent in Education Laboratory
    0
  • CAP Advanced Religion/Faith Traditions
    3
  • Concentration Courses
    6
  • Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 4
  • ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
    3
  • Concentration Courses
    9
  • Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 5
  • EDT 338 – Teaching, Learning and Management
    3
  • EDT 338L – Teaching, Learning and Management Laboratory
    0
  • EDT 340 – Educating Diverse Student Populations in Inclusive Settings
    3
  • EDT 340L – Educating Diverse Student Populations in Inclusive Settings Laboratory
    0
  • Concentration Courses
    6
  • Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 6
  • EDT 305 – Philosophy and History of American Education
    3
  • Concentration Courses
    9
  • Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 7
  • EDT 331L – Religion Methods Laboratory
    0
  • EDT 459 – Critical Reading and Writing in the Content Area
    3
  • EDT 481 – Adolescence to Young Adult Assessment
    3
  • Concentration Courses
    6
  • Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 8
  • EDT 475 – Student Teaching-Adolescence to Young Adult
    12
  • EDT 436 – Adolescent to Young Adult Capstone Seminar
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Transfer and Exam Credits

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Transfer and Exam Credits

Success After Graduation

Get more than your foot in the door — get ready for success. At our School of Education and Health Sciences, you will have the opportunity to combine classroom and practical learning opportunities like observation and student teaching in a way that allows you to further sharpen your skills. It's a key reason why employers love hiring our students — they can hit the ground running.

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Fast Facts

$61,279 average

starting salary for recent UD graduates across all majors

100% success rate

after graduation for the School of Education and Health Sciences

Beyond the Classroom: The UD Secondary Catholic Religion Education Experience

Urban Teacher Academy

Undergraduate certificate program that prepares students who are interested in urban teaching to be culturally competent educators that can understand and respond to the needs and challenges of urban students, families and schools.

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Education Abroad

Summer programs in Ireland, England and Italy offer opportunities to explore museums, churches and schools through the lens of an educator. 

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Student Opportunities

Be a part of UD student organizations created especially for teacher education majors. Opportunities include tutoring at local elementary schools, attending teaching conferences (national, state & local) and participating in professional development programs.

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Observation and Field Experience

Through practical learning opportunities like classroom observation and student teaching (internship), you can build your resume, gain practical experience and prepare for a successful career.

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