Loyola University Chicago

The Institute of Pastoral Studies (IPS) offers four post-master's, advanced certificate programs. These programs provide participants with the opportunity to pursue a concentrated series of courses in Pastoral Counseling, Spiritual Direction, Social Justice or Religious Education. In each of the advanced graduate certificate programs, students may substitute some courses for others, with the approval of the program director, in order to avoid redundancy or in order to create specialized professional focus.

Pastoral Counseling Certificate

This advanced graduate certificate program prepares counselors to practice in faith-based settings. A master's degree in counseling is a prerequisite for this certificate. Five courses comprise this certificate program:

• Theology of the Developing Person
• Theology for Pastoral Counselors
• Foundations of Christian Spirituality
• Ethics for the Pastoral Counselor
• Internship Supervision II

Spiritual Direction Certificate

This advanced graduate certificate program prepares individuals for the specialized ministry of spiritual direction. Either a master's degree in theological or ministerial studies or concurrent completion of an IPS degree program is prerequisite for this program. Six courses (18 credit hours) plus four units (semesters) of non-credit personal spiritual direction comprise this certificate:

• Foundations of Christian Spirituality (IPS 545)
• Psychology of Human Development (IPS 555)
• Introduction to the Praxis of Spiritual Direction (IPS 428)
• Advanced Spiritual Direction (IPS 429)
• Spiritual Direction Practicum I  (IPS 432)
• Spiritual Direction Practicum II (IPS 430)
• Spiritual Growth and Development in Ministry: Spiritual Direction (IPS 527 - 4 units)

Social Justice Certificate

The advanced graduate certificate program prepares people for faith-based leadership in social advocacy, community and labor organizing, and systemic social change. A previous master's degree is required, preferably in pastoral ministry or theology. The program combines theoretical and practical learning in social justice and community activism. Five courses comprise this certificate program:

• Foundations of Social Justice
• Social Context of Ministry
• Community Organizing
• Diversity and Equity: Issues in Sociocultural 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 report 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