Certificates in Social Justice and Community Development 

The Institute for Pastoral Studies (IPS), in partnership with the Seminary Consortium on Urban Pastoral Education (SCUPE), has two accredited certificate training programs, offering specializations in the following areas:

Certificate in the Fundamentals of Community Development
Certificate in Congregational-based Community Development

In addition, IPS offers the following certificate program:  Certificate in Social Justice

This graduate certificate program provides working knowledge in the various areas of community development as it is practiced today.  As such, it provides a solid basis for further exploration of any area of interest related to community building, community organizing or community housing, economic or sustainable development.

Five courses comprise this certificate program:

• Principles and Processes of Community Development
• Historical Perspectives on Community Development
• Community Organizing
• Diversity and Equity
• Ethical Dimensions in Community Development

Certificate in Congregation-based Community Development

This graduate certificate program provides working knowledge for those in a congregational setting that seek to undertake community transformation, especially in under-resourced communities.  Developed in consultation with congregational leaders involved in community development, this certificate is ideal for those seeking to restore urban communities.  Five courses comprise this certificate program:

• Principles and Processes of Community Development
• Wholistic Strategies for Congregational-based Community Development     
• Congregational-based Community Economic Development
• Organizational and Leadership Development
• Faith, Justice and Public Policy

Certificate in Social Justice

The curriculum is intentionally designed in direct consultation with the “best practices” of community-based organizations. Each area of specialization contains five accredited courses that build sequentially to advance knowledge and skill development.  Students will be required to successfully complete all five courses in order to receive a certificate. The certificate programs are specifically designed for the following: 1) students who have completed an undergraduate degree but are uncertain as to the graduate program they want to pursue; 2) students in graduate programs who wish to add an advanced certificate in social justice or community development to their degree, and 3) professionals already working in the field that want a graduate-level credential. This graduate certificate program prepares people for faith-based leadership in social advocacy, community and labor organizing, and systemic social change. The program combines theoretical and practical learning in social justice and activism.
Five courses comprise this certificate program:

• Foundations of Social Justice
• Social Context of Ministry
• Community Organizing
• Diversity and Equity: Issues in Socio-cultural and Political Context
• Social Justice Internship/Practicum

Religious Education Certificate

This advanced graduate certificate program prepares individuals for administrating religious education programs or teaching religion in schools and parishes. A graduate degree is required for entry into this program. Five courses comprise this certificate program:

• Principles of Religious Education
• Religious Eductaion, Evangelization, and Culture
• Foundations fo Christian Spirituality; or Liturgy and the Christian Sacraments; or Moral Theology and Catholic Social Teaching
• Church Documents on Catechesis and Religious Education
• Religious Education Practicum

Application Information

General Information:

To apply for admission to the graduate programs in the Institute of Pastoral Studies, the following documents are required from domestic applicants:

• A $50 application fee
• A completed application form
• Official transcripts of all undergraduate and any graduate work
• Two letters of recommendation
• A personal statement (Please note that your statement will be considered confidential.)

For degree-seeking and certificate-seeking applicants: Please submit an essay approximately 5-6 double-spaced pages in length responding to the following topics:
1.  Write a brief autobiographical essay, focusing particularly on what you consider key themes in your personal development.
2.  Describe your current situation in your personal development.
3.  Who and/or what have influenced you to pursue this course of study?
4.  Describe the ministry experiences that have most impacted you.
5.  Describe your educational journey.
6.  How would you characterize your learning style?
7.  Upon completion of this program, how/where/with whom do you see yourself ministering?
8.  What contemporary issues do you see as most in need of being influenced by values and beliefs?
9.  If you are not accepted into this program, what are your alternative educational plans?

For non-degree seeking applicants only:  Please submit an essay (1-2 pages double-spaced) describing how graduate studies at IPS would further your vocational, professional, and/or ministerial goals.

For international applicants, the following documents are required in addition to those listed above:

• Either a TOEFL or IELST score report is required for international applicants whose
  native language is not English. For the TOEFL, a score of at least 213 on the computer-based test or 550 on the written test is required. The minimum score for the new TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) is 79. For the IELTS, a minimum score of 6.5 is required.
• International applicants, or U.S. applicants who completed school abroad, are required to submit non-U.S. transcripts to:
   
  Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE)
  www.ece.org
  (414)289-3400
  
  Please request a General Evaluation with Grade Average and have the official report sent to: Loyola University Chicago, Graduate Enrollment Managaement, 820 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
  
  For more information about  requirements for international applicants, go to:
  http://www.luc.edu/education/apply_international.shtml