Program Overview
This program is ideal for those who wish to explore major figures and trends in the history of Western civilization and the development of Catholic teaching and culture.
Program Goals
The Undergraduate Certificate in History is intended to provide students with the ability to:
- Identify and discuss patterns in the development of Western civilization and its most important cultures, people, and figures
- Explore the relationship between secular and religious history
- Integrate knowledge of Church history and teaching to evaluate and clearly respond to contemporary challenges
Program Requirements
- 18 Credits
Program Time Limit: 3 years
Application Process
- Submit a free online program application.
- Send official transcript from high school, GED, or most recent undergraduate institution attended to registrar@cdu.edu.
Program Costs
- Tuition: $1,035 x 6 courses = $6,210
- Technology fee: $165/course x 6 courses = $990
- Books: $100/course (estimate) x 6 courses = $600
- Total: $7,800
- Detailed cost of attendance budgets can be found here.
Course Preview
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Course Lists
For descriptions of required courses, please consult the online course catalog. All courses listed below are 8 weeks long unless otherwise noted.
To earn the Certificate in History, students must complete the following six undergraduate courses (18 credits) in History and Church History at CDU:
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| CHIST 214 | Church History: From the Early Christians to the Middle Ages | 3 |
| CHIST 224 | Church History II: Renaissance to Modern Church | 3 |
| CHIST 244 | History of the Catholic Church in America | 3 |
| HIST 201 | Ancient Civilization | 3 |
| HIST 211 | Christian Civilization | 3 |
| HIST 221 | A Global Civilization | 3 |
THE CDU ADVANTAGE
In a 2022 survey of CDU graduate students, 100% reported that they had achieved their learning goals.
CDU Offers:
- Authentic Catholic teaching
- Flexibility to study where and when you choose
- The lowest undergraduate tuition of any U.S.-based online university offering Catholic theology
- A global Catholic community
- Knowledgeable and accessible faculty
- Engaging online courses with discussion forums
- Mobile app for study on the go
- Online library staffed by a theological librarian
- 24/7 technical support
*We value your privacy. By submitting this form, you agree to receive emails, texts, and calls from Catholic Distance University (CDU). You may withdraw your consent at any time.
