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.
Loyola University Chicago’s Institute for Pastoral Studies is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and is currently under a Warning pertaining to ATS Standards 2.6-7 on Educational Evaluation.
2024-2025 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 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 $13275.00, or 15 credit hours at a cost of $885.00 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.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe Institute of Pastoral Studies 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.
View all EventsVisit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Christian Spirituality Certificate are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.
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:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
2 Letters of Recommendation
3.0 Minimum GPA
Statement of Purpose
Statement of Purpose Details
Please submit a 1,500-word essay describing your personal, educational, professional, and ministerial background and how these have prepared you for the specific MA or Certificate program for which you have applied. In your essay, also address the following:
Prior undergraduate or graduate study in theology or philosophy, if any
The ways in which your professional life and any volunteer service have emphasized spiritually, community and social justice
A theological book(s) that has helped to shape your understanding of your proposed vocation and course of study
Your vision of ministry, your strengths relative to this vocation, significant influences on your faith life (including ministerial mentors or role models), and the professional context in which you see yourself working upon completion of your program
Why you are choosing to pursue this degree at Loyola's IPS
Official Documents
Applicants must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts (with U.S. educational credentials) sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.
International Applicant Requirements
An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived, and unofficial transcripts will not be accepted for international applicants.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the Christian Spirituality Certificate program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
APPLY TODAYRelated 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
Apply NowRequest Info