Certificate
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall, Spring, Summer
On-Campus, Online
About the Christian Spirituality Certificate at Loyola
Expanding our depth and breadth of understanding in the world of Christian spiritual theologies, traditions, and practices can be a truly life-changing endeavor both professionally and personally. The Graduate Certificate in Christian Spirituality at Loyola’s Institute of Pastoral Studies (IPS) is designed to foster that kind of understanding and empower you to advance in your spiritual maturity.
The program encourages you to develop an integrated spiritual perspective through self-reflection and engagement with modern culture and the classic and contemporary resources of the Christian tradition. Throughout the coursework, you will gain a broadened perspective grounded in key biblical, theological, and psychological competencies.
Program Structure
The Graduate Certificate in Christian Spirituality is a 15-credit-hour program comprising three required courses and two electives. You can choose from a wide range of electives, in consultation with your academic advisor, to ensure your curriculum is best suited to your background, experience, and future goals.
The certificate program can be pursued full-time or part-time. Classes are held weekday evenings at Loyola's Water Tower Campus, conveniently located off the Red Line in the heart of Chicago, and depending on the electives you choose, the program can be completed entirely online.
Why Choose Loyola for Your Christian Spirituality Certificate?
- An expanded array of career paths
- A convenient online delivery model
- An intentionally flexible curriculum
- A clear path to the MA in Christian Spirituality
- A proud legacy of excellence throughout Chicago and beyond
The program is ideal for those exploring a new career path in ministry, ministers who want to expand their vocational horizon and base of knowledge, and volunteers or part-time professionals seeking to advance their ministries.
The program's three required courses and many of the elective choices are offered online through the IPS, which means you may earn your graduate certificate entirely online.
The program's curriculum is designed to be as flexible as possible, allowing you to choose electives, trading on the expertise of IPS faculty and existing course offerings, that are best suited to your personal experience and vocational goals.
For students who may be considering advancing their studies with a graduate degree, the certificate program delivers a graduate-level credential that can be rolled directly into Loyola's MA in Christian Spirituality program.
Founded in 1964, Loyola's IPS was one of the first pastoral academic institutes of its kind, and in the decades since, has achieved an exceptional legacy and reputation recognized across the country.
Meet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the Institute of Pastoral Studies faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Christian Spirituality Certificate program.
Faculty and StaffChristian Spirituality Certificate: Career Connections
As a graduate of the Christian Spirituality Certificate program, you will be uniquely prepared to move forward and explore a new career path in ministries that involve spiritual accompaniment, expand your vocational horizon, or advance your ministry in ways that include Christian spiritual theologies, traditions, and practices.
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the Christian Spirituality Certificate program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide Christian Spirituality Certificate learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2023-2024 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogChristian Spirituality Certificate Results and Skills
As a graduate of the Christian Spirituality Certificate Program you will be able to demonstrate:
- A well-developed and integrated spiritual perspective
- The ability to discern in community and with intention your vocational goals
- A foundational and broad base of knowledge and skills related to Christian spirituality
- The ability to integrate and embody key biblical, theological, and psychological competencies
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Tuition and Costs
The estimated tuition and fees for the Christian Spirituality Certificate totals $12300.00, or 15 credit hours at a cost of $820.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
Institute of Pastoral Studies Financial Aid & Scholarships
More information about financial aid opportunities can be found on the Institute of Pastoral Studies Financial Aid page.
Visit and Connect With Us
Take advantage of a variety of different visit opportunities to find your place in our Loyola community. Loyola offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
Schedule an Appointment
Early in your search?
Connect with an Enrollment Advisor to help find your fit.
Already submitted an application?
Connect with an admissions team member to help you through the process.
Institute of Pastoral Studies Events
Upcoming events are displayed below. View all scheduled events for the Institute of Pastoral Studies.
This session will introduce the MA in Pastoral Counseling at IPS. We ...
This session will introduce the MA in Pastoral Counseling at IPS. We ...
Application Process
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Christian Spirituality Certificate are listed below. We encourage you to apply early as decisions may take longer during busy periods.
Fall, Spring, & Summer
Rolling admission
Recommended Deadlines
Fall: July 15
Spring: December 10
Summer: April 15
Final admission is 10 days before the start of classes
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Christian Spirituality Certificate include:
2 Letters of Recommendation
3.0 Minimum GPA
Personal Statement
International Student Requirements
Additional information regarding the application process for international students can be found on the International Student Requirements page.
Additional Details
For general information and a step-by-step guide to applying for graduate and professional study, please visit our Admission Process page.
Apply NowRelated Programs
Certificate | Part-Time or Full-Time | On-Campus, Online | Fall, Spring
Every person's spiritual journey is unique, and for many, having the guidance of a spiritual director is the best way to gain a deeper understanding of their journey and relationship with Christ. This certificate will prepare you to serve as that resource, bringing knowledge, comfort, and compassion to countless individuals
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