Divinity MDiv

About the Master of Divinity at Loyola

Empowering individuals and communities by articulating experiences in religious language, discerning the presence of the divine in others' experiences, and guiding them on their spiritual journey is one of life's most powerful callings.

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) program offered through Loyola's Institute of Pastoral Studies (IPS) is designed to meet the academic, formational, and professional needs of those called to ministerial leadership.

The program will prepare you as a ministry generalist grounded in the Christian faith tradition and possessing the interpersonal and spiritual skills to empower others. The MDiv also offers individualized focus options for specialization in particular settings.

Program Structure

The Master of Divinity is a 72-credit-hour, 24-course program that emphasizes academic coursework, pastoral formation, and ministerial leadership skills.

The curriculum builds upon Loyola's Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies degree program, and offers three tracks: an MDiv generalist track, a Spiritual Direction Concentration, and a Chaplaincy Concentration.

Master of Divinity (General)

The general MDiv curriculum is designed to prepare you for a career in pastoral ministry, and help you in discerning your gifts for a life of religious leadership in an evolving church and society.

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The Spiritual Direction Concentration offers an opportunity to focus your formation on acquiring the theoretical and practical skills to provide direction and guidance in companionship with others on their spiritual development and relationship with God.

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The Chaplaincy Concentration is designed to prepare you for the process of being certified as a Board Certified Chaplain with the Association of Professional Chaplains or The National Association of Catholic Chaplains.

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The MDiv can be pursued full-time or part-time. Full-time students take three-four years to complete the program; part-time students typically complete their degree within five-six years. Classes are held weekday evenings at Loyola's Water Tower Campus, conveniently located off the Red Line in the heart of Chicago. Courses are also offered online or through a combination of both on-campus and online study.

Why Choose Loyola for Your Master of Divinity?

An Ignatian perspective and mission that will set you apart

As an MDiv student at Loyola's IPS, you will pursue your education and training through the principles of Ignatian spirituality and a social justice mission, setting you apart in your work and ministry.

The program can be completed entirely online, entirely on campus or through a combination of the two, providing you with a range of choices to ensure your graduate experience enables you to balance your academic, professional, and family obligations.

Each year, we hear from students and alums of the MDiv program that one of its greatest strengths is the sense of community and close personal and professional bonds formed in our community.

Students in the MDiv program complete 500 hours of on-site contextual education over the course of two academic years, working at self-selected sites based on their interests in the Chicago area or their local community.

With a generalized MDiv track, as well as concentrations in Chaplaincy and Spiritual Direction, you'll be able to personalize your studies and align your graduate experience and future path with your specific career interests.

Founded in 1964, Loyola's IPS has set itself apart on the landscape of higher education as one of the first and most respected academic pastoral institutes of its kind.

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 Divinity MDiv program.

Faculty and Staff

Curriculum and Program Outcomes

While courses for the Divinity MDiv 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 Divinity MDiv 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
Divinity MDiv72$850.00$61200.00
Divinity MDiv: Spiritual Direction72$850.00$61200.00
Divinity MDiv: Chaplaincy72$850.00$61200.00

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.

Institute of Pastoral Studies
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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.

Divinity MDiv

Application Deadlines

The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Divinity MDiv 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 Divinity MDiv 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 Divinity MDiv: Spiritual Direction 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 Divinity MDiv: Spiritual Direction 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 Divinity MDiv: Chaplaincy 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 Divinity MDiv: Chaplaincy 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 Divinity MDiv 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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Pastoral Studies MAInstitute of Pastoral Studies

Masters | Part-Time or Full-Time | On-Campus, Online | Fall, Spring, Summer

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This program offers a broad preparation for ministerial service and the tools necessary to engage critically and constructively in the challenges and opportunities of our contemporary lives. It guides you in the development of your own pastoral identity through an integrated exploration of theology and pastoral practice and prepares you for ministerial service in a variety of contexts.

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