Undergraduate Studies

Certificate in Classical Education

Overview Highlights Requirements How to Apply Faculty FAQs

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Overview

Prepare to guide the next generation.

Carry forward a worthy education with a Certificate in Classical Education.

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The Certificate in Classical Education introduces students to the foundations, pedagogy, and practices of classical education.

Choose from a wide range of courses to gain exposure to the essential texts, traditions, and ideas of classical education, such as: virtue ethics, the relationship between political and religious life, or civic education. Learn practical classroom skills with experienced teachers in the Practicum course and explore the Foundations of Classical Education with a dedicated teaching professional.

Highlights

Course Highlights

Set Up for Success

Course Highlights

Students take six hours in classical education and then choose twelve credit hours from an approved list of Classical Education and Civics Honors courses.

Browse Certificate in Classical Education Courses:

Requirements:

Foundations of Classical Education

CED 334

Practicum in Classical Teaching

CED 375

Additional credit hours drawn from:

Topics in Classical Education

CED 315

Advanced Topics in Classical Education

CED 335

Classical Pedagogy

CED 313

Excellence of Character: The Virtues

CIV 305

Truth and Persuasion

CIV 302

Classics of Social and Political Thought

CIV 302C

Topics in Civics

CIV 309

Ethics and Leadership in Ancient Greek Drama

CIV 310K

Ethics and Leadership in Shakespeare’s Drama

CIV 310L

Constitutionalism: Ancient and Modern

CIV 320

Politics and the Transcendent

CIV 322K

The Quest for Community

CIV 322J

Ethical Analysis for Civic Leaders

CIV 323J

Advanced Topics in Civic Thought and Culture

CIV 364

Advanced Topics in Western Civilization

CIV 361

Advanced Topics in Ethics and Leadership

CIV 362

SCL Course Catalog

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Set Up for Success

As students seek a future-proof education, our moment confirms the need for human reflection, prudent leadership, and competence. The Certificate in Classical Education emphasizes the quest for wisdom about what it means to gain or offer an education.

Take the Certificate in Classical Education to sharpen your ability to think carefully about the purpose and practice of education in the classical tradition.

Explore Career Paths with the Classical Education Certificate

This certificate does not lead to educator certification and is not an approved Educator Preparation Program under Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 7.

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Requirements

Take up a serious intellectual challenge with the support of SCL faculty and staff.

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Students take six hours in classical education and then choose twelve credit hours from an approved list of Classical Education and Civics Honors courses.

Apply to the Certificate in Classical Education

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply to the Certificate in Classical Education.

Apply Now

Apply

Submit the application online on your own or with an academic advisor in your major.

Approve

This minor is auto-approved; it is open to all students and will show as approved immediately after the application is submitted. Upon submission, you’ll receive a Secure Academic Note (SAN) confirming you’ve completed the application.

Pursue

Meet with your major advisor to add the Certificate in Classical Education to your profile and complete the process.

Your major advisor can complete all three steps

If you have any questions about the minor requirements, email SCL Advising at SCLAdvising@utexas.edu.

Our People

Meet the Faculty in the Certificate of Classical Education

Our faculty hand down the distinct inheritance of Western civilization and the American constitutional tradition as part of a larger quest for wisdom. Their areas of expertise include philosophy, economics, government, history, law, and more.

Meet the Faculty

FAQs

What is the Certificate in Classical Education?

The Certificate in Classical Education introduces students to the philosophy, history, and practice of classical education, preparing them to teach, lead, or engage with classical schools and curricula.

Who should pursue this certificate?

The certificate is well suited for students interested in teaching, education policy, or classical schooling models, as well as those who want a deeper grounding in the liberal arts tradition.

How many courses does the certificate require?

Course requirements are listed on this page; contact civics@utexas.edu or SCL's advising team for the most current requirements and course planning.

Can this certificate be combined with an SCL major or minor?

Yes — many students pair the Certificate in Classical Education with an SCL major or minor, such as Civics Honors or the Minor in Civic Leadership.

Does this certificate lead to teacher certification?

The certificate focuses on the philosophy and practice of classical education rather than state teacher certification. Speak with an SCL advisor about how it complements a teaching career path.

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