Catholic Education
Catholic Education
Boston College鈥檚 roots are in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, the 2,000-year Catholic intellectual tradition, and the faith experience of St. Ignatius Loyola, who founded the Society of Jesus in 1540.
At LSEHD, the Catholic concept of formation is foundational to our educational and religious heritage. We are dedicated to integrating intellectual excellence, a commitment to research, and service to society.
LSEHD is the top-ranked Catholic school in U.S. News & World Report鈥檚 ranking of graduate schools of education. We prepare Catholic school teachers and leaders and conduct extensive research and professional development in Catholic school settings, from pre-K through higher education.
We are dedicated to:
Our Jesuit, Catholic Identity
Our initiatives, research, and programs are animated by the core Jesuit, Catholic beliefs that inspire our mission, and by Ignatian pedagogical cycles of experiencing, reflecting, and acting.
Interdisciplinary Learning
Our approach to Catholic education is galvanized by collaboration across disciplines and perspectives. Lynch School students can pursue interdisciplinary dual-degree programs with Boston College鈥檚听School of Theology and Ministry,听Law School,听Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, and听School of Social Work.
Formative Education
In the Jesuit tradition of听formation, the intellectual, social, and spiritual dimensions that make a person whole are interconnected. A commitment to educating the whole person is at the heart of our holistic vision for Catholic education.
Building a More Just World
Our efforts and initiatives in Catholic education are guided by a steadfast commitment to working for a more equitable world and caring for the poor and vulnerable. We empower teachers, scholars, educational leaders, and students to discern and promote equity and social justice through their work.
“We strive to bring core strengths of Catholic education, like the centrality of moral and spiritual development, into education more broadly.”
Our faculty conduct groundbreaking research on formative education, faith formation, leadership, and Catholic-school curriculum and instruction from a range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives, including theology, sociology, applied linguistics, psychology, measurement, and educational studies. This research sheds light on Catholic educators鈥� most promising insights and听practices to enrich the lives of young people and facilitate their holistic development.
As a Catholic research university, Boston College prioritizes rigorous research that deepens our collective knowledge and understanding of the unique contributions of Catholic education, and in any given academic year, the University supports 10 to 20 research studies focused on Catholic schools and colleges.听
Through robust interdisciplinary听scholarship, our faculty members strengthen the field of Catholic education locally, nationally, and globally, employing empirical and conceptual approaches to explore the full spectrum听of the human condition. We are commited to forming scholar-practitioners who can engage critically with both theory and empirical evidence and apply them to their own contexts to advance the greater good.
Catholic educational research at the Lynch School is supported through the Warmenhoven Family Endowed Fund for Collaborative Teaching and Research in Catholic Education听(a gift of Daniel and Charmaine Warmenhoven P 鈥�05). This endowed fund听provides resources for Lynch School faculty to address issues facing Catholic schools and supports faculty and graduate students in research priorities identified by the Lynch School Catholic Education Committee.
“What unites our diverse work is the underlying aspiration to enhance the human condition, to expand the human imagination, and to make the world more just.”
Archdiocese of Boston Partnership
The Lynch School has partnered with nearly 20 schools in the Boston Archdiocese, including St. Columbkille Partnership School鈥攖he designated laboratory school of the Lynch School of Education and Human Development. We are dedicated to enhancing opportunities for teacher training, educational research, and professional development.
Braintree
Lawrence
Boston
Lawrence
Malden
Cambridge
Dorchester听
Chestnut Hill
Chestnut Hill
South Boston
Brighton
Boston
Brookline
Brockton
Brockton
Boston
Roxbury
Dorchester
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Two-Way Immersion Network for Catholic Schools (TWIN-CS)
A program of the听Roche Center for Catholic Education, TWIN-CS鈥攁 national network of 21 dual-language Catholic schools鈥攊mplements a two-way, immersive model of instruction. Founded in 2012, the network supports member schools with a summer academy, monthly webinars, and professional learning gatherings led by national dual-language experts.听
Arizona
Phoenix
California
Alhambra
Chula Vista
Sacramento
Florida
Key Biscayne
Orlando
Miami
Iowa
Des Moines
Sioux City
Maryland
Baltimore
Minnesota
Minneapolis
Nebraska
Omaha
Omaha
New Mexico
Albuquerque
New York
Flushing
South Dakota
Pine Ridge
Texas
Forth Worth
San Antonio
Dallas
Washington
Seattle
Wisconsin
Milwaukee
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Living the Mission
Boston College helps its students connect their talents and strengths with the needs and opportunities of wider society through classes, curricula, and student formation efforts at every stage of their intellectual, social, and spiritual journeys.
M.Ed. in Jesuit Education in a Global World
Lynch School of Education and Human Development
This online master鈥檚 program prepares students to be excellent teachers in the Ignatian tradition, grounded in the Jesuit values of social justice, formation, and re铿俥ction. Students emerge ready to thrive as Ignatian educators in a range of international contexts. They take part in Global Perspectives courses as well as an optional trip to Spain and Rome to trace the footsteps of the early Jesuits.
Urban Catholic Teacher Corps (UCTC)
Lynch School of Education and Human Development
UCTC is a rigorous, experientially rich formation program that prepares teachers to serve students in urban Catholic schools. Members pursue a fully funded, stipended M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction at the Lynch School, and after graduation complete a two-year teaching practicum in Boston鈥檚 Catholic schools.
Certificate in Religious Education
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School of Theology and Ministry
Intended for educators in Catholic high schools and catechists in parishes who want to concentrate their knowledge, this 18-credit certificate program draws on STM鈥檚 tradition of expertise in religious education. Interested students can expand their knowledge and skills by exploring specific areas of ministry, or a range of theological and pastoral topics.
Master鈥檚 Degrees at STM
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School of Theology and Ministry
STM offers three master鈥檚 degrees to prepare students for careers in service to the church and world: M.A. in Theology and Ministry, Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.), and Master of Divinity (M.Div.). Many of our graduates work at Catholic schools, as theology teachers, campus ministers, and administrators, and are well prepared for compassionate and mission-driven leadership.
Professional School Administrators Program (PSAP)听
Lynch School of Education and Human Development
PSAP provides an opportunity for educational leaders to earn a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership through a three-year, cohort-based program at the Lynch School. Although the program is designed for all educational leaders interested in pursuing doctoral study and superintendent licensure, leaders of Catholic schools and diocesan school offices have had particular success in the program.听听
Catholic Leadership Cohort (CLC)
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Roche Center for Catholic Education
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Each year, a select group of educators is accepted into the Roche Center鈥檚 Catholic Leadership Cohort, part of the Lynch School鈥檚 Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership and Policy program. Over 20 months, CLC members take courses online, participate in formation experiences, and develop as leaders.
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Fellowship and Micro-Academies
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Lynch Leadership Academy
The yearlong LLA Fellowship equips school leaders to improve outcomes for students in under-resourced communities with rigorous professional development, individualized coaching, and an intensive summer institute. The off-campus Micro-Academies focus intensively on executive and educational leadership in 3鈥�4 full- or half-day sessions, workshops, and coaching.听
Catholic Higher Education Certificate
Explores the historical, sociological, and cultural dynamics at the intersection of religion and higher education. Students examine the contemporary role of religion in the academy, the rise of secularism, and challenges to the integration of faith and intellectual life.
M.A. in Higher Education
The only master鈥檚 degree in higher education with a concentration that prepares students to shape the policies and intellectual life of Catholic colleges and universities while supporting students in their own journeys of faith and spiritual development.
Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education
The country鈥檚 only program to offer a concentration in Catholic higher education administration. Formative activities, coursework, and professional development, prepare students for leadership at 21st-century Catholic colleges and universities.
Institute for Administrators in Catholic Higher Education (IACHE)
Lynch School of Education and Human Development
A four-day seminar held each July, IACHE provides a singular opportunity for administrators and leaders of Catholic colleges and universities around the globe to interact with outstanding scholars and practitioners as they address the most pressing issues facing contemporary Catholic higher education today.听
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Emmaus Leadership Academies
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Roche Center for Catholic Education
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The 10-month Emmaus Leadership Academies are built around four critical domains of Catholic school leadership: Catholic and mission identity, governance and leadership, academic excellence, and operational vitality. Participating Catholic school leaders delve deeply into their domains of choice. Meanwhile, they receive executive coaching, participate in faith formation experiences, and develop as a community of leaders.
Superintendent Professional Learning Community
Roche Center for Catholic Education
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This yearlong professional learning community鈥攁 collaboration between the Roche Center and Reverend Ronald Nuzzi of Catapult Learning鈥攃onvenes leaders at the diocesan level for two in-person retreats and monthly virtual conversations on critical issues facing Catholic school superintendents.
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Continuing Education at the Roche Center for Catholic Education
Roche Center for Catholic Education
In collaboration with leading experts and researchers at Boston College and around the world, the Roche Center offers innovative professional education opportunities to support Catholic educators in the sacred work of formation. Within a supportive communal context, participants are invited to reflect on pedagogy and on the personal and spiritual understanding of teaching and formation as a Christian vocation.听
Institute for Advanced Jesuit Studies
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The Institute for Advanced Jesuit Studies seeks to deepen understanding and appreciation of the history, spirituality, educational heritage, and pedagogical approach of the Society of Jesus. It offers courses, workshops, publications, and scholarly symposia as well as collaborative opportunities for scholars from around the world to develop a network that promotes the expanding field of Jesuit Studies.听
Continuing Education at the School of Theology and Ministry (STM)
School of Theology and Ministry
STM鈥檚 Continuing Education program offers top-tier, noncredit theological and pastoral resources for Catholic educators in both English and Spanish. Resources include online courses, on-campus presentations, certificate programs, and digital learning tools such as podcasts and videos.
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GRACE Initiative
Roche Center for Catholic Education
Global Researchers Advancing Catholic Education (G.R.A.C.E.) is a research-based partnership between colleges in Australia, England, Ireland, the U.S., and the International Office of Catholic Education in Rome with activities including scholarship and publications, lecture series, and exchange programs.
Experience, Reflection, and Action
Based on the three core Ignatian pedagogical practices, this Lynch School program introduces first-year students to formative education and helps them discern who they are and their role in the world.
Ph.D. in Theology and Education
This STM interdisciplinary program prepares future leaders and scholars, focusing on religious education that branches out into practical and pastoral theology. Students also take courses at LSEHD and the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences.
Ecclesiastical Degree Programs
STM offers three programs in the Catholic ecclesiastical degree progression: the Bachelor of Sacred Theology, Licentiate in Sacred Theology, and Doctorate in Sacred Theology.
Martin Scanlan
Chair, Catholic Education Committee
Associate Professor, Educational Leadership and Higher Education
Casey Beaumier, S.J.
Director, Institute for Advanced Jesuit Studies
Cristiano Casalini
Associate Professor and Endowed Chair in Jesuit Pedagogy and Educational History
Research Scholar, Institute for Advanced Jesuit Studies听
Charles Cownie
Director,听Urban Catholic Teacher Corps
Director, Catholic Teacher Formation
Cristina Hunter
Assistant Director,听Urban Catholic Teacher Corps
Michael James
Lecturer, Higher Education
Director, Institute for Administrators in Catholic Higher Education
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Deoksoon Kim
Associate Professor, Teaching, Curriculum, and Society
Meghan Lovett
Director, Continuing Education (STM)
Eileen McLaughlin
Leadership Coach, Lynch Leadership Academy
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Andrew Miller
Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership
Hosffman Ospino
Associate Professor of Hispanic Ministry and Religious Education (STM)
Amy Ryan
Assistant Dean,听Field Placement and Outreach
Melodie Wyttenbach
Executive Director,听Roche Center for Catholic Education