Certificate
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall, Spring
On-Campus, Online
Certificate
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall, Spring
On-Campus, Online
About the Spiritual Direction Certificate at Loyola
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.
The Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction at Loyola's Institute of Pastoral Studies will prepare you to serve as that resource, bringing knowledge, comfort, and compassion to countless individuals.
This program will empower you with the theoretical foundation and practical skills to provide spiritual guidance to others seeking support in their faith journey and bring structure, planning, and goals to strengthen their relationship with Christ.
Program Structure
The Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction is a 15-credit-hour program that is best suited for those who hold a master's degree or higher in theological or ministerial studies, psychology, counseling, psychiatric social work, or health care.
The certificate program can be pursued full-time or part-time and can be completed entirely online.
On-campus classes are held weekday evenings at Loyola's Water Tower Campus, conveniently located off the Red Line in the heart of Chicago.
Why Choose Loyola for Your Spiritual Direction Certificate?
- An expanded range of professional opportunities
- A variety of tracks in distinct spiritual traditions
- An added depth of preparation in the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises
- A well-known tradition of excellence
- An unparalleled setting in the heart of Chicago
- A passionate and engaging community of faculty and students
For religious leaders and mental health professionals, the Spiritual Direction Certificate provides an additional career path that will enrich your calling to serve others and bring positive change to their lives.
As a student in the program, you can choose to focus your studies on the Ignatian spiritual tradition, or others such as Carmelite, Benedictine, and Franciscan, under the guidance of a trained coach/mentor.
The certificate program offers the unique opportunity to receive training on how to direct and make use of the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola (30-day or 30-week format) in spiritual direction.
Recognized nationwide for its excellence, the Institute of Pastoral Studies offers a 60-year history of exceptional academic and extracurricular programming that will set you apart throughout your career.
Our location in the heart of Chicago will provide you with a virtually endless range of field learning sites and settings as part of the program’s Contextual Education requirements, with faculty approval.
Fellow students and faculty in the program bring a diverse range of backgrounds and life experiences, and form meaningful connections with one another that very often last well after the completion of coursework.
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 Spiritual Direction Certificate program.
Faculty and StaffSpiritual Direction Certificate: Career Connections
As a graduate of the Spiritual Direction Certificate program, you will be ready to expand your professional role as a religious leader and/or mental health professional. Spiritual directors typically work in parishes and other religious institutions, as well as medical and health care centers.
Our location in the heart of Chicago positions you to thrive in this new professional capacity, with countless organizations and institutions throughout the city familiar with the Institute of Pastoral Studies and the quality of a Loyola education.
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 Spiritual Direction 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 Spiritual Direction 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 CatalogSpiritual Direction Certificate Results and Skills
The Spiritual Direction Certificate Program will support you in developing the following skills:
- Exceptional listening and interpretive abilities necessary for the highly individualized faith journey of others
- A spiritual perspective formed in self-awareness and engagement with resources of the Christian tradition
- A strong foundation in spiritual literacy grounded in biblical, theological, and psychological competencies
- The ability to provide spiritual direction over very short periods of time, such as a religious retreat, as well as through long-term engagements
- The ability to give feedback to staff members on their performance, addressing issues as they arise
- The ability to review client progress and set goals for future sessions
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
| Program | Credit Hours | Cost Per Credit Hour | Estimated Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spiritual Direction Certificate | 15 | $885.00 | $13275.00 |
| Spiritual Direction Online Certificate | 15 | $885.00 | $13275.00 |
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
This program has multiple versions you can apply to. Find specific information about the application process for each program below.
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Spiritual Direction Certificate are listed below:
Fall & Spring
Rolling admission
Recommended Deadlines
Fall: July 15
Spring: December 10
(No summer classes available)
Final admission is 10 days before the start of classes
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Spiritual Direction 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
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Spiritual Direction Online Certificate are listed below:
Fall & Spring
Rolling admission
Recommended Deadlines
Fall: July 15
Spring: December 10
(No summer classes available)
Final admission is 10 days before the start of classes
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Spiritual Direction Online 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. 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 Spiritual Direction Certificate program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
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