Pastoral Leadership Certificate

About the Pastoral Leadership Certificate at Loyola

Loyola's flexible Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Leadership provides a strong foundation and comprehensive knowledge in pastoral care, Christian theology, and scripture to individuals at different stages of their pastoral ministry journey.

The program offers a wide range of elective courses taught by expert faculty from the Loyola Institute of Pastoral Studies. The curriculum can be tailored to your experience and vocational goals, whether you are exploring a call to pastoral ministry, considering a career change, seeking to expand your knowledge and skills in pastoral theology, or looking to advance in your pastoral ministry as a volunteer or professional.

Program Structure

The Pastoral Leadership Certificate 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 many of the courses are also offered online.

Why Choose Loyola for Your Pastoral Leadership Certificate?

The Loyola Pastoral Leadership Certificate meets you wherever you are on your journey in pastoral care. You will benefit from experienced faculty in the ATS-accredited Institute of Pastoral Studies and a community that will support you in discerning and intentionally moving toward your vocational goals.

A flexible program

Earn your certificate in person, entirely online (depending on which electives you choose), or a mix of both in-person and online courses.

Of the five required courses for the certificate, you will work with your advisor to choose four electives that best suit your background, experience, interests, and goals.

Take steps toward your vocational goals with intentionality and in community, whether you are discerning a call to pastoral ministry or seeking to supplement your education. In each class, you will benefit from learning from and alongside people with a broad range of experiences, backgrounds, and goals.

By completing the Pastoral Leadership Certificate, you will earn a graduate-level credential you can roll directly into a master’s degree program to continue your education and formation for ministry.

You will earn your certificate through the Institute of Pastoral Studies, a renowned global hub for educating and forming diverse and dynamic leaders in ministry who are committed to creative, compassionate, and courageous service to church and society.

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 Pastoral Leadership Certificate program.

Faculty and Staff

Curriculum and Program Outcomes

While courses for the Pastoral Leadership 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 Pastoral Leadership 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 Catalog

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 Pastoral Leadership 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
To explore the Institute of Pastoral Studies digitally, follow us on social or read up on our recent news below.
News and Stories

Institute of Pastoral Studies Events

Jun
14
12:00PM - 01:00PM

This session will introduce the MA in Pastoral Counseling at IPS. We ...

Register Now
Jun
14
06:00PM - 07:00PM

This session will introduce the MA in Pastoral Counseling at IPS. We ...

Register Now

Application Process

Application Deadlines

The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Pastoral Leadership 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 Pastoral Leadership 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 Now
Pastoral Counseling CertificateInstitute of Pastoral Studies

Certificate | Part-Time or Full-Time | On-Campus, Online | Fall, Spring, Summer

Program Page

Many individuals who seek out counseling and therapeutic services feel more comfortable doing so within a faith-based context or in a spiritual setting. This certificate is designed to meet the needs of mental health professionals and religious leaders who want to deliver this counseling ministry to those in need.

Apply NowRequest Info
Religious Education CertificateInstitute of Pastoral Studies

Certificate | Part-Time or Full-Time | On-Campus, Online | Fall, Spring, Summer

Program Page

As the realities of education in the 21st century continue to evolve at a dynamic pace, the need for knowledgeable and skilled educators to deliver specialized content in a manner that maximizes student learning is as great as ever. This program offers powerful preparation to engage, catechize, and educate groups of all ages.

Apply NowRequest Info
Request Information
Loading...