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$850.00$15300.00
Spiritual Direction Online Certificate18$850.00$15300.00

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.

View all Events

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.

Spiritual Direction Certificate

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

  • 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 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

  • 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 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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