Spiritual Direction Certificate

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 an 18-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

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 Staff

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.

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

ProgramCredit HoursCost Per Credit HourEstimated Tuition and Fees
Spiritual Direction Certificate18$820.00$14760.00
Spiritual Direction Online Certificate18$820.00$14760.00

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.

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.

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Application Process

This program has multiple versions you can apply to. Find specific information about the application process for each program below.

Spiritual Direction Certificate

Application Deadlines

The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Spiritual Direction Certificate are listed below. We encourage you to apply early as decisions may take longer during busy periods.

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:

  • 2 Letters of Recommendation
  • 3.0 Minimum GPA
  • Personal Statement

Application Deadlines

The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Spiritual Direction Online Certificate are listed below. We encourage you to apply early as decisions may take longer during busy periods.

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:

  • 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.

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