Christian Spirituality MA

About the Christian Spirituality MA at Loyola

The Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality program at Loyola's Institute of Pastoral Studies (IPS) prepares students to meet the personal and societal challenges of our time through meaningful, holistic living and by deepening their knowledge of God and self.

The program draws on the wisdom of the Ignatian tradition, joins contemplation with action, and fosters an approach to spirituality and spiritual formation grounded in one's personal relationship with God.

Program Structure

The MA in Christian Spirituality is a 12-course, 36-credit hour degree program that can be completed by full-time students in two years, or in four to five years if taken on a part-time basis.

As a student in the program, you can choose the general MA in Christian Spirituality track or focus your studies with a concentration in Spiritual Direction.

Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality (General)

The general track in the MA in Christian Spirituality program includes nine required core courses and two electives, which can be chosen from offerings within IPS or other through other schools and colleges at Loyola.

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The Spiritual Direction concentration includes 11 required core courses and is designed to empower students with the theoretical and practical skills to provide spiritual direction to others seeking to deepen their relationship with God.

The MA in Christian Spirituality can be pursued full-time or part-time. Classes are held weekday evenings at Loyola's Water Tower Campus, which is conveniently located off the Red Line in the heart of Chicago, and the majority of the courses are also offered online.

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Why Choose Loyola for Your MA in Christian Spirituality?

An integrated approach to theory and practice

The program blends contemplation with action in its Ignatian approach to spirituality and spiritual formation, grounded in a personal relationship with God and addressing the needs of our time.

The Spiritual Direction concentration prepares you with the knowledge and skills for the ongoing practice of accompanying others in their attempt to deepen their relationship with the divine.

As a student in the program you have the opportunity to take IPS summer courses offered in Rome, many of which fulfill curriculum requirements for the MA in Christian Spirituality program.

You have the option to train – through a 30-day or 30-week format – on how to direct and make use of the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola in spiritual direction.

Loyola’s IPS was founded in 1964 as one of the first pastoral academic institutes of its kind and has established a legacy of excellence recognized across the country.

The MA in Christian Spirituality can be completed in two years of full-time study. You can complete courses fully online, on campus, or through a hybrid model, depending on the format that works best for you.

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 Christian Spirituality MA program.

Faculty and Staff

Curriculum and Program Outcomes

While courses for the Christian Spirituality MA 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 Christian Spirituality MA 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
Christian Spirituality MA36$850.00$30600.00
Christian Spirituality Online MA36$850.00$30600.00
Christian Spirituality: Spiritual Direction MA36$850.00$30600.00

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 Appointment

The 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.

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Visit 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.

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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.

Christian Spirituality MA

Application Deadlines

The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Christian Spirituality MA are listed below:

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 Christian Spirituality MA include:

  • Official Transcripts

  • 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 minsterial 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 Christian Spirituality Online MA are listed below:

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 Christian Spirituality Online MA include:

  • Official Transcripts

  • 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 minsterial 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 Christian Spirituality: Spiritual Direction MA are listed below:

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 Christian Spirituality: Spiritual Direction MA include:

  • Official Transcripts

  • 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 minsterial 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

Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts 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.

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.

Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.

International Applicant Requirements
Start Your Application

Applying online to the Christian Spirituality MA 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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