Institute of Pastoral Studies
Mission & VisION
The Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University Chicago, a Catholic and Jesuit institution, facilitates the integrated ministerial development of diverse and dynamic leaders for creative, compassionate, and courageous service to church and society.
The Institute of Pastoral Studies aims to be a renowned global hub for educating and forming leaders in ministry who can adapt to the rapidly changing religious and social landscapes of the 21st century.
Degree Programs
IPS has six graduate degree programs and six degree concentration options that engage students at the nexus of theory and practice. Each program is built on foundational knowledge, enhanced by professional skills, and requires contextual education. No degree program at IPS is complete without an integration project, ensuring that the academic knowledge, skills, and context come together so that our degree students graduate as true "Masters" in their chosen field of study. Our placement rates for graduates are strong, as each student has access to Loyola's career center as well as one of the largest, global network of ministerial alumni from a Catholic institution.
IPS degree programs are offered in Chicago, online, and in Rome, Italy. In addition to the assistance that may be provided by the University's Financial Aid office, IPS manages grants and scholarships available exclusively to its students seeking a graduate certificate or degree. As we live in an increasingly diverse and global world, IPS supports international education for its students through a special fund established for that purpose.
Being at a world-class institution in a world-class city means that IPS attracts a world-class faculty. Students study with highly-qualified professors, many of whom also bring ministerial experience to the program. Whether our students seek a program that leads to a career in ministry, service in the Church, counseling, spirituality, or social entrepreneurship, IPS has a degree or certificate to meet their needs.
To learn more about the Institute of Pastoral Studies, please complete the request for information form or attend an online information session, "All About IPS."
The Institute of Pastoral Studies, Loyola University Chicago (IPS), is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools. The Board of Commissioners of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) granted full accreditation to IPS on June 10, 2019.
The Association of Theological Schools
10 Summit Park Drive
Pittsburgh PA 15275-1110
Telephone: 412-788-6505
The following IPS degree programs are approved by the Commission on Accrediting: Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality (Professional MA), Master of Arts in Counseling for Ministry (Professional MA), Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (Professional MA), Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (Professional MA), and the Master of Arts in Social Justice (Professional MA) were also approved, as were our comprehensive online (distance education) programs.
Graduate Certificates
The Institute of Pastoral Studies (IPS) offers eight graduate certificate programs. All certificate programs are accessible online. Some of these programs provide practical skills and can be obtained without an advanced degree, while others require an advanced degree to support the additional scholarly study. Please see the individual descriptions for prerequisite requirements.
The certificate programs provide participants with the opportunity to pursue a concentrated series of courses in Pastoral Counseling, Spiritual Direction, Christian Spirituality, Social Justice, Social Enterprise, Pastoral Leadership, Church Management, and 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.
Graduate Programs
- Counseling
- Divinity
- Pastoral Studies
- Church Management Certificate
- Maestria de Artes en Estudios Pastorales Bilingue (Espanol)/MA Pastoral Studies, Online Bilingual (Spanish)
- Pastoral Leadership Certificate
- Pastoral Studies (MA)
- Pastoral Studies with a Concentration in Church Management (MA)
- Pastoral Studies with a Concentration in Digital Communication (MA)
- Pastoral Studies with a Concentration in Healthcare Chaplaincy (MA)
- Pastoral Studies with a Concentration in Religious Education (MA)
- Religious Education Certificate
- Social Justice
- Spirituality
Graduate & Professional Standards and Regulations
Students in graduate and professional programs can find their Academic Policies in Graduate and Professional Academic Standards and Regulations under their school. Any additional University Policies supersede school policies.
Association of Catholic Theological Schools (ACTS)
ACTS 991 Old Testament Topics (1-3 Credit Hours)
Topics will vary.
ACTS 992 New Testament Topics (1-3 Credit Hours)
Topics will vary.
ACTS 993 Historical Studies Topics (1-3 Credit Hours)
Topics will vary.
ACTS 994 Theological Studies Topics (1-3 Credit Hours)
Topics will vary.
ACTS 995 Ethical Studies Topics (1-3 Credit Hours)
Topics will vary.
ACTS 996 Religion and Society Studies Topics (1-3 Credit Hours)
Topics will vary.
ACTS 997 World Mission Studies Topics (1-3 Credit Hours)
Topics will vary.
ACTS 998 Ministry Studies Topics (1-3 Credit Hours)
Topics will vary.
Institute of Pastoral Studies (IPS)
IPS 400 Introduction to Graduate and Professional Writing (0 Credit Hours)
Writing skills are essential for success in graduate study and work in a variety of professional and ministerial settings. This course covers the following topics: academic integrity, grammar, research skills, citation, writing organization, thesis construction and critical thinking. Restricted to Institute of Pastoral Studies students
Students will enhance their writing skills and develop analytical and communication skills that are critical to academic and professional writing
Outcomes
Students will enhance their writing skills and develop analytical and communication skills that are critical to academic and professional writingIPS 402 Church and Mission (1-3 Credit Hours)
In the 21st century the Church is a concept best understood within a global context. We will explore the biblical and apostolic concept of Church progressing through Vatican II. We will also examine the four marks of the Church from both historical and contemporary perspectives.
Articulate a vision of Church, evaluate and critique different ecclesiologies, and understand the development and structure of the Church from biblical times through Vatican II to contemporary times
Outcomes
Articulate a vision of Church, evaluate and critique different ecclesiologies, and understand the development and structure of the Church from biblical times through Vatican II to contemporary timesIPS 403 Spiritual Paths in World Religions (3 Credit Hours)
This course explores the spirituality, theology, and practice of the major religious traditions. You will encounter other faith traditions by entering into their sacred prayer and worship experiences and learning from practitioners of that tradition how they encounter the sacred in their own lives.
Recognize the vast complexity of every religious tradition, resisting the urge to oversimplify; Engage those who practice other traditions in conversation; Experience the spiritual practice of other religious traditions
Outcomes
Recognize the vast complexity of every religious tradition, resisting the urge to oversimplify; Engage those who practice other traditions in conversation; Experience the spiritual practice of other religious traditionsIPS 404 Theologies of Suffering (3 Credit Hours)
This course focuses on theologies of suffering with written interaction and assignments, personal reflection on the theologies of suffering and substantive feedback. The readings include 1) Scriptural treatment of suffering (Psalms, Job, Lamentations); 2) Theologians on suffering (Moltmann, Schillebeeckx, Gutierrez, Hall); 3) From various perspectives (womanist, liberation theologians, pastoral care).
Integrate unit reading and resources with contemporary experience, highlighting the key concepts and points made by the authors
Outcomes
Integrate unit reading and resources with contemporary experience, highlighting the key concepts and points made by the authorsIPS 416 Introduction to New Testament (3 Credit Hours)
This course serves as an introduction to and overview of the New Testament. Students explore the world of Jesus and his interpreters from both a historical and a biblical perspective and learn about the religious and cultural world of Palestinian Judaism during the Roman occupation.
Gain insight into the socio-economic-political context, discover and utilize the tools of historical studies and textual criticism and to translate New Testament faith into their own contexts
Outcomes
Gain insight into the socio-economic-political context, discover and utilize the tools of historical studies and textual criticism and to translate New Testament faith into their own contextsIPS 417 Introduction to the Old Testament (3 Credit Hours)
This course is an introduction to the Old Testament, the sacred literature of Christians and Jews. We will examine texts from the Pentateuch, historical, prophetic, and wisdom books. In order to reconstruct the meaning of texts for their original audiences, we will employ methods of modern critical biblical scholarship.
Understand key theological points, recognize historical realities that gave rise to texts, recognize the theological, sociological, historical critiques expressed by texts, and demonstrate awareness of modern approaches to understanding texts
Outcomes
Understand key theological points, recognize historical realities that gave rise to texts, recognize the theological, sociological, historical critiques expressed by texts, and demonstrate awareness of modern approaches to understanding textsIPS 420 Ignatian Spiritual Direction Practicum I (3 Credit Hours)
Pre-requisites: Restricted to IPS Spiritual Direction Students
The Ignatian Spiritual Direction Practicum is for those who have experienced the transformative effects of the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola in the Spiritual Exercises and feel called to help others experience this quiet, abiding presence in their lives. Interns develop and deepen their capacity to listen contemplatively to the movements of God in the life and prayer of directees. This includes helping directees discern those movements, make large and small decisions in the light of those movements, and foster an intimacy with God.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: Define and demonstrate spiritual direction in the Ignatian tradition; differentiating between direction, therapy, and pastoral counseling; Recognize key moments in directees, including touchstone moments, images of God and self, key facts of one¿s spiritual journey, and how discernment is operative; Understand and experience the importance of supervision for on-going formation of all spiritual directors; and Identify and implement healthy and appropriate boundaries in a direction relationship
Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: Define and demonstrate spiritual direction in the Ignatian tradition; differentiating between direction, therapy, and pastoral counseling; Recognize key moments in directees, including touchstone moments, images of God and self, key facts of one¿s spiritual journey, and how discernment is operative; Understand and experience the importance of supervision for on-going formation of all spiritual directors; and Identify and implement healthy and appropriate boundaries in a direction relationshipIPS 421 Ignatian Spiritual Direction Practicum II (2 Credit Hours)
Pre-requisites: Restricted to Approved Ignatian Practicum Students
The Ignatian Spiritual Direction Practicum is for those who have experienced the transformative effects of the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola in the Spiritual Exercises and feel called to help others experience this quiet, abiding presence in their lives. Interns develop and deepen their capacity to listen contemplatively to the movements of God in the life and prayer of directees. This includes helping directees discern those movements, make large and small decisions in the light of those movements, and foster an intimacy with God. - Attend to and integrate one¿s personal grief as a way of increasing capacity to direct those who are grieving. - Understand and be aware of resistance in directees and how to respond.
- Define and demonstrate spiritual direction in the Ignatian tradition - Integrate learning into directing those with marginalized identities, including people of color, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and the aging
Outcomes
- Define and demonstrate spiritual direction in the Ignatian tradition - Integrate learning into directing those with marginalized identities, including people of color, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and the agingIPS 428 Introduction to Spirituality Praxis (3 Credit Hours)
Investigation of the ministry of spiritual direction/accompaniment in a Christian context. Understanding spiritual direction/accompaniment as a particular form of mentoring and teaching, the course helps students to become critically aware of and explicitly articulate their working spiritual theology.
Understand the nature of the ministry of spiritual direction; Interpret primary sources on the theme of spiritual formation; Analyze their working spiritual theology and their potential to become spiritual directors
Outcomes
Understand the nature of the ministry of spiritual direction; Interpret primary sources on the theme of spiritual formation; Analyze their working spiritual theology and their potential to become spiritual directorsIPS 429 Essentials of Spiritual Direction (3 Credit Hours)
Pre-requisites: IPS 428
This course invites students to consider the practical conditions, requirements and main challenges of the ministry of spiritual direction/accompaniment so as to further their discernment process and prepare them for the Contextual Education component of their program of study, where they will begin to serve as spiritual directors/companions.
Identify relational dynamics operative in spiritual direction; Measure the significance of developmental, relational and social-cultural factors for spiritual direction; Employ open listening, questioning and verbatim accounts
Outcomes
Identify relational dynamics operative in spiritual direction; Measure the significance of developmental, relational and social-cultural factors for spiritual direction; Employ open listening, questioning and verbatim accountsIPS 430 Spiritual Direction Development and Practice (3 Credit Hours)
Pre-requisites: Restricted to IPS Spiritual Direction Students
This course is designed for those called to the ministry of spiritual direction in the Christian tradition. It is structured to enable students to clarify their own frames of reference, develop interpersonal skills specific to spiritual direction, and experientially and academically consider the purposes and nuances of spiritual direction. In-class lecture, discussion, and practice of spiritual direction will be incorporated into synchronous sessions.
More deeply understand and articulate one¿s own spirituality and its influence in one¿s practice of spiritual direction; Identify and explain key components and considerations for the practice of spiritual direction; Engage in meaningful ways with doing spiritual direction with individuals from different identities, communities, and ideologies and how this impacts the practice of spiritual direction; and Demonstrate interpersonal maturity and active listening skills in the context of spiritual direction
Outcomes
More deeply understand and articulate one¿s own spirituality and its influence in one¿s practice of spiritual direction; Identify and explain key components and considerations for the practice of spiritual direction; Engage in meaningful ways with doing spiritual direction with individuals from different identities, communities, and ideologies and how this impacts the practice of spiritual direction; and Demonstrate interpersonal maturity and active listening skills in the context of spiritual directionIPS 433 Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton (3 Credit Hours)
Dorothy Day, Catholic Worker co-founder, and Thomas Merton, Trappist monk, were outstanding American Catholics. Their lives and teaching raise important questions concerning vocation and religious commitment, war and peace, contemplation and simplicity in modern life, Christian activism, racial justice, capitalism, women, laity, and, with Merton, Christianity's relationship to world religions.
A critical appropriation of activist-and-contemplative Christian/Catholic Christian spirituality and theology as understood and practiced in the lives of two outstanding American Catholic Christians
Outcomes
A critical appropriation of activist-and-contemplative Christian/Catholic Christian spirituality and theology as understood and practiced in the lives of two outstanding American Catholic ChristiansIPS 434 Art and Spirit: The Sacred and the Secular (3 Credit Hours)
An introduction to the visual arts exploring various approaches to understanding art, art history, terminology, techniques, media, and motivating factors for creating art from secular and sacred perspectives. A secular art appreciation textbook will be used in conjunction with Sacred Art Learning Units including lectures, readings, museum visits, and discussions on art from the Catholic tradition and other perspectives.
Students will gain an understanding of liturgical art and environment ministry; enriched sense of religious identity; understanding of basic components of secular and sacred visual art, art history, contemporary art, and the value of art
Outcomes
Students will gain an understanding of liturgical art and environment ministry; enriched sense of religious identity; understanding of basic components of secular and sacred visual art, art history, contemporary art, and the value of artIPS 435 Spirituality and Same-Sex Orientation (3 Credit Hours)
Spirituality is the lived experience of faith. What is the lived experience of Christian faith of gay and lesbian persons? What are the classical and contemporary resources biblical, theological, scientific, psychological, spiritual and experiential by which gay Christians affirm a spiritual core from which they live their lives and faith?
Demonstrated understanding of key elements by which gays and lesbians shape lives that are simultaneously faithful to the gospel of Christ, their religious tradition, and the truth of their sexuality
Outcomes
Demonstrated understanding of key elements by which gays and lesbians shape lives that are simultaneously faithful to the gospel of Christ, their religious tradition, and the truth of their sexualityIPS 436 Prayer: Ongoing Path of Conversion (3 Credit Hours)
The course combines theory and practice. It presents prayer as an intimate means of ongoing conversion in the Christian life. Content includes the biblical, historical, and theological foundations of prayer, psychological factors, and the actual practice of various Christian meditative and contemplative practices (lectio divina, meditation, Ignatian contemplation, centering prayer).
A demonstrated understanding of: the history of Christian prayer; growth and development models in prayer; biblical and theological foundations; the experience of 4 Christian and 1 non-Christian prayer form
Outcomes
A demonstrated understanding of: the history of Christian prayer; growth and development models in prayer; biblical and theological foundations; the experience of 4 Christian and 1 non-Christian prayer formIPS 440 The History of Israel (3 Credit Hours)
A study of the history of ancient Israel, with particular attention to the principal features of its religion and its historical evolution in the context of the ancient Near East. Students successfully completing this course can be expected to have achieved a deep level of understanding and of critical thinking with respect to the subject matter of the course.
IPS 441 The Pentateuch (3 Credit Hours)
An in-depth examination of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament , in their unity and discreetness, with a view to articulating the principal themes of the Pentateuch and the history of its composition. Students successfully completing this course can be expected to have achieved a deep level of understanding and of critical thinking with respect to the subject matter of the course.
Course equivalencies: IPS441/THEO 405
IPS 442 Prophetic Literature (3 Credit Hours)
This course examined the prophetic literature of ancient Israel, in its ancient historical context and as it can be illuminated by the contemporary sociological and anthropological perspectives. Standard historical critical methods will be used throughout.
Students successfully completing this course can be expected to have achieved a deep level of understanding and of critical thinking with respect to the subject matter of this course
Outcomes
Students successfully completing this course can be expected to have achieved a deep level of understanding and of critical thinking with respect to the subject matter of this courseIPS 443 Wisdom Literature and Psalms (3 Credit Hours)
This course will study the Wisdom tradition and the Psalms of Israel. Formal critical analysis and history of tradition studies will be emphasized. The rich diversity of these parts of scripture will be a prime focus.
Course equivalencies: IPS 443/THEO419
Students successfully completing this course can be expected to have achieved a deep level of understanding and of critical thinking with respect to the subject matter of the course
Outcomes
Students successfully completing this course can be expected to have achieved a deep level of understanding and of critical thinking with respect to the subject matter of the courseIPS 445 The Synoptic Gospels (3 Credit Hours)
Even though the course focuses on Matthew, there will be a continual comparison with the other two Synoptics and occasionally with John. By exegesis of the Gospel of Matthew and the study of its specificity among the gospels, it is hoped students will be able to connect their contemporary experience of Christian diversity to the experiences of the earliest followers of Jesus. Students successfully completing this course can be expected to have achieved a deep level of understanding and of critical thinking with respect to the subject matter of the course.
IPS 446 Luke-Acts and the New Testament Church (3 Credit Hours)
This course examines the material on the early church in the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles from a historical and critical point of view. Emphasis will be placed on the theological perspective of the writer of Luke-Acts and on the relationship of that perspective to other early Christian writers (Mark, Matthew, and Paul).
Students successfully completing this course can be expected to have achieved a deep level of understanding and of critical thinking with respect to the subject matter of the course
Outcomes
Students successfully completing this course can be expected to have achieved a deep level of understanding and of critical thinking with respect to the subject matter of the courseIPS 447 The Johannine Literature (3 Credit Hours)
The gospel of John has arguably exerted more influence on later Christian theology than any other gospel. Its unique Christology, possible anti-Judaism, the history of the Johannine community as reflected in the gospel, and the relation of the gospel to the Johannine epistles will be explored. Students successfully completing this course can be expected to have achieved a deep level of understanding and of critical thinking with respect to the subject matter of the course.
Course equivalencies: IPS 447/THEO426
IPS 448 St. Paul's Contribution to Christianity (3 Credit Hours)
This course looks to three goals: a careful understanding of Paul's thought, to be discovered through exacting analysis of often difficult Pauline passages; an attempt to formulate what is uniquely Pauline in the New Testament witnesses; and an awareness of how deeply Paul affected the formation of Christianity in its facets of spirituality, Christology, redemption, ecclesiology, worship, sacraments, sin, etc.
Students successfully completing this course can be expected to have achieved a deep level of understanding and of critical thinking with respect to the subject matter of the course
Outcomes
Students successfully completing this course can be expected to have achieved a deep level of understanding and of critical thinking with respect to the subject matter of the courseIPS 449 The Person of Jesus in the New Testament (3 Credit Hours)
In this course attention will be given to the presentation of the meaning of Jesus Christ within the earliest Christian communities. Emphasis will be placed on both the variety and the development of early Christian attempts to understand the meaning of Jesus. In addition this variety and development will be placed in the context of early Judaism and Graeco-Roman religions.
Students successfully completing this course can be expected to have achieved a deep level of understanding and of critical thinking with respect to the subject matter of the course
Outcomes
Students successfully completing this course can be expected to have achieved a deep level of understanding and of critical thinking with respect to the subject matter of the courseIPS 453 Grant Writing and Fundraising (3 Credit Hours)
This course is designed to provide the foundational elements needed to work successfully in resource development. Specifically, participants will become comfortable and confident using the donor moves management cycle with individual donors and board directors; submit grants to corporate, foundation, and government sources; and create and plan special donor events.
Feel comfortable with the importance and implications of fund-raising; Obtain practical skills in writing letter of inquiry, appeal letters, solicitation plans, and fund-raising events, grant proposals, budgeting and grant funders
Outcomes
Feel comfortable with the importance and implications of fund-raising; Obtain practical skills in writing letter of inquiry, appeal letters, solicitation plans, and fund-raising events, grant proposals, budgeting and grant fundersIPS 465 Psychology and Spirituality of Life Transitions (3 Credit Hours)
Course examines the dynamics of change, attachment, and loss, suffering and grief and the transition process of endings, empty spaces and new beginnings. Conscious and intentional living is recognized as the most precious gift to give to oneself, loved ones, and the world.
Students will learn how to face and incorporate change with increased faith and hope; more fully understand the psychological and spiritual impact of change; recognize value and meaning in events of daily life
Outcomes
Students will learn how to face and incorporate change with increased faith and hope; more fully understand the psychological and spiritual impact of change; recognize value and meaning in events of daily lifeIPS 467 Introduction to Canon Law (3 Credit Hours)
This course introduces students to Canon Law, also known as church law, which is grounded in the theology and ecclesiology of the Catholic Church.
General overview of canon law as needed for lay ecclesial ministry; basic understanding of canon law as a discipline; knowledge of canons as related to sacrament of marriage and sacraments of initiation
Outcomes
General overview of canon law as needed for lay ecclesial ministry; basic understanding of canon law as a discipline; knowledge of canons as related to sacrament of marriage and sacraments of initiationIPS 472 Pastoral Counseling in an Intercultural Context (3 Credit Hours)
This course invites students into a reflective, interactive, experiential process of exploring the place of culture, values, beliefs, and biases in the counseling context. Students examine their own cultural experiences, with special attention to power dynamics, even as they study the complex dynamics of other cultures.
Deepen awareness of one's own cultural dynamics; develop an increased understanding of other cultures; consider strategies and interventions for sensitively meeting the needs of those encountered in pastoral counseling
Outcomes
Deepen awareness of one's own cultural dynamics; develop an increased understanding of other cultures; consider strategies and interventions for sensitively meeting the needs of those encountered in pastoral counselingIPS 473 Family Therapy and Personal Transformation (3 Credit Hours)
Family therapy is a unique way of working with individuals, couples and families. This course will examine the foundations of, and theory and practice of family therapy as expressed in five major schools. We will integrate psychological and theological dimensions throughout. The course will balance didactic input and experiential exercises.
Demonstrated knowledge of application ability of family system theory, family therapy, and understanding of culture and other effects on family systems
Outcomes
Demonstrated knowledge of application ability of family system theory, family therapy, and understanding of culture and other effects on family systemsIPS 474 Addictions & Modes of Therapy (3 Credit Hours)
Addictions are among the most pervasive and potentially destructive entrapments of the human condition. Their presence in manifold forms, underscores the importance of understanding the roots and sources of its patterns, in order to ultimately shape treatment and therapeutic strategies from a holistic and integrative point of view.
Gain understanding of general addictive patterns/processes as they are discernible across addictions; Grapple with the roots, causes, and extent of addictions, from various viewpoints; Understand various treatment approaches
Outcomes
Gain understanding of general addictive patterns/processes as they are discernible across addictions; Grapple with the roots, causes, and extent of addictions, from various viewpoints; Understand various treatment approachesIPS 478 Couples Counseling (3 Credit Hours)
This course prepares clinicians to understand and work with couples in crisis by examining five therapy approaches. Marital development, premarital counseling, healthy marital functioning, sexuality, spirituality, physiology, enrichment and working with affairs will be addressed. Class built upon lecture, case study, video presentation, role play, small and large group processing.
Working knowledge of marital health, conflict and role of affect; ability to assess family dynamics and prepare treatment plan; comfort level with couples
Outcomes
Working knowledge of marital health, conflict and role of affect; ability to assess family dynamics and prepare treatment plan; comfort level with couplesIPS 480 Mindfulness and Pastoral Ministry (3 Credit Hours)
Participants will examine: a) historical overview of mindfulness in Christian and certain Eastern religious traditions; b) integration of mindfulness in pastoral ministry; c) emerging neuroscience regarding mindfulness; and, d) clinical research on the effectiveness of mindfulness in promoting positive mental health.
Participants will gain the ability to describe the benefits of mindfulness and how mindfulness can be integrated into personal life and utilized in professional and/or ministerial roles; be personally knowledgeable about the experience of developing mindful awareness
Outcomes
Participants will gain the ability to describe the benefits of mindfulness and how mindfulness can be integrated into personal life and utilized in professional and/or ministerial roles; be personally knowledgeable about the experience of developing mindful awarenessIPS 483 The Pastoral Care & Counseling of Men (3 Credit Hours)
This course explains what it means to be male and masculine in this time and culture. Psychological development, influence of culture, power, the Male Code, intimacy, emotions, sexuality, spirituality, and inner life will all be explored. Individual and group, clinical and educational approaches will be discussed.
Appropriated gender-based approach to working with men; and acquired inquisitiveness to men's issues and upbringing
Outcomes
Appropriated gender-based approach to working with men; and acquired inquisitiveness to men's issues and upbringingIPS 485 Religious Education, Evangelization & Cultures (3 Credit Hours)
Religious education, including catechesis, evangelization, religious instruction, and faith formation, occurs within cultural settings (e.g., urban/suburban/rural; secular/religious; settled/immigrant; ethnically diverse/uniform; Millennial/GenX/Boomer/Greatest generation). This course provides the tools to analyze a cultural context, identify barriers to ongoing conversion, and teach effectively for religious and spiritual growth. Understand the educational significance of cultural context; Develop ethnographic and contextual analytical skills; Analyze and evaluate themselves, curricula and others for cultural appropriateness; Create culturally sensitive learning events.
Know basic catechesis
Outcomes
Know basic catechesisIPS 486 Principles of Religious Education (3 Credit Hours)
Religious education, including catechesis, evangelization, religious instruction, and faith formation, occurs in many contexts often targeted for a particular age or cultural group. This basic course in religious education reveals the theological and educational roots and introduces the basic elements and processes including assessment, backward design, curriculum and learning. Analyze learning contexts; Apply theories to real life contexts; Evaluate oneself, curricula, and others with standards; Create a lesson addressing a real-life teaching challenge.
Know and understand basic catechesis
Outcomes
Know and understand basic catechesisIPS 493 Health Care Integration Project Portfolio (0 Credit Hours)
Pre-requisites: This course must be taken in the last year of study after fulfilling the other requirements for the concentration including: 3 designated health care courses, 2 workshops, basic CPE and CPE residency; Focused on the Certification process, an Integration Project portfolio is required for completion of the Health Care Chaplaincy Concentration in the MA Pastoral Studies program; This 0 credit course seeks to assist in the process by providing supervision for the student
Focused on the process for Board Certification. Health Care Integration Project portfolio is required for completion of the Health Care Chaplaincy Concentration in the MA Pastoral Studies program. This 0 credit course seeks to assist in the process by providing supervision for the student.
Completed portfolio for Board Certification with the National Association of Catholic Chaplains or Association of Professional Chaplains
Outcomes
Completed portfolio for Board Certification with the National Association of Catholic Chaplains or Association of Professional ChaplainsIPS 499 Guided Study (1-6 Credit Hours)
Topics will vary.
IPS 501 Advanced Human Relation Skills (3 Credit Hours)
Provides the skills needed for the interpersonal involvement essential in any helping relationship. Participants learn and practice the skills of communicating empathy and challenge to others as well as exploring and disclosing oneself. Learning consists of applying theory to the experience of relationships in small groups.
Students will effectively use ten essential skills to communicate and connect in relationships; Students will practice these skills with one another to understand the effect of these skills on the receiver
Outcomes
Students will effectively use ten essential skills to communicate and connect in relationships; Students will practice these skills with one another to understand the effect of these skills on the receiverIPS 502 Theology of the Developing Person (3 Credit Hours)
This course seeks to help the students think theologically about human personhood. It offers students a theological anthropology presented with developmental considerations in mind. It offers a theological dialogue partner for psychological perspectives on development.
Students will form a more abiding and working connection between theology and human experience; Students will understand how pastoral and therapeutic practice is strengthened by theological awareness and supports therapeutic and caregiving relationships
Outcomes
Students will form a more abiding and working connection between theology and human experience; Students will understand how pastoral and therapeutic practice is strengthened by theological awareness and supports therapeutic and caregiving relationshipsIPS 503 Fundamentals of Pastoral Counseling (3 Credit Hours)
Pre-requisites: IPS 501 (minimum grade of C+)
This course focuses on the process and skills of pastoral counseling. Emphasis is on training in basic listening and influencing skills. Students practice selected strategies drawn from various approaches to counseling.
At the conclusion of this course, students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of two classes of core counseling skills (listening and influencing), which they will practice in small peer groups under the supervision of the instructors
Outcomes
At the conclusion of this course, students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of two classes of core counseling skills (listening and influencing), which they will practice in small peer groups under the supervision of the instructorsIPS 505 Group Counseling Approaches (3 Credit Hours)
This course introduces students to the theory and practice of group approaches to counseling and preventative, psychoeducation work. Group dynamics and leadership issues are explored. Students will design and lead a group of their choosing.
From various approaches to structured and unstructured groups, students develop a design for a specific group in which they are interested and which they plan to use in their subsequent career
Outcomes
From various approaches to structured and unstructured groups, students develop a design for a specific group in which they are interested and which they plan to use in their subsequent careerIPS 507 Pastoral, Psychodynamic Assessment and Intervention (3 Credit Hours)
This course offers students the opportunity to integrate theoretical insights with the practical issues of assessment, diagnosis and response strategies for individuals and families. Psychodynamic and theological models are used in this effort, as is a strong commitment to naming the pastoral dimensions of assessment and response.
Gain awareness of how healing and renewal is strengthened therapeutically; Examine how prevailing cultural attitudes contribute to human distress and / or renewal
Outcomes
Gain awareness of how healing and renewal is strengthened therapeutically; Examine how prevailing cultural attitudes contribute to human distress and / or renewalIPS 509 Psychopathology (3 Credit Hours)
Pre-requisites: IPS 517
Students will learn how to use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-5) for diagnosing various psychopathological disorders.
Familiarity with the DSM-5; DSM-IV TR multi-axial system; examine the etiology, treatment, and prognosis of selected mental disorders; develop interviewing skills to identify psychopathology; integrate a pastoral dimension of dealing with persons suffering from psychopathology
Outcomes
Familiarity with the DSM-5; DSM-IV TR multi-axial system; examine the etiology, treatment, and prognosis of selected mental disorders; develop interviewing skills to identify psychopathology; integrate a pastoral dimension of dealing with persons suffering from psychopathologyIPS 511 Internship Supervision I (3 Credit Hours)
Internship Supervision/Practicum I intend to facilitate entrance into the clinical internship site. Students will obtain further development of theory and skills of pastoral counseling. The course will facilitate the integration of theory and praxis, psychological and theological, and the personal and professional dimensions of one's identity as a pastoral counselor.
Demonstrate growing integration of pastoral counseling skills and psychological theory into practice; Develop knowledge and understanding of competencies and diverse perspectives needed by spiritually integrated and clinically informed pastoral counselors
Outcomes
Demonstrate growing integration of pastoral counseling skills and psychological theory into practice; Develop knowledge and understanding of competencies and diverse perspectives needed by spiritually integrated and clinically informed pastoral counselorsIPS 512 Ethics, Pastoral Counseling, and Spirituality (3 Credit Hours)
This course introduces students to the richness and diversity of the Christian moral tradition, giving particular attention to the deep interconnections between spirituality and ethics. It also introduces students to the codes, procedures and theoretical underpinnings of professional ethics, essential for those pursuing vocations as pastoral counselors and spiritual directors.
Articulate ethical methodologies, relationship between spirituality and ethics, knowledge of several professional codes, skills of assisting clients, awareness of personal ethical stances and their integration in counseling and spiritual direction
Outcomes
Articulate ethical methodologies, relationship between spirituality and ethics, knowledge of several professional codes, skills of assisting clients, awareness of personal ethical stances and their integration in counseling and spiritual directionIPS 513 Internship Supervision II (3 Credit Hours)
Pre-requisites: IPS 511
Supervision II/Practicum intends to facilitate ongoing development of theory and skills of pastoral counseling. Students will facilitate the integration of theory and practice, psychological and theological, personal and professional dimensions of one's identity as a pastoral counselor. The course includes the completion of the clinical integration project.
Demonstrate integration of pastoral counseling skills and psychological theory into practice; Consolidate knowledge and understanding of competencies and diverse perspectives needed for spiritually integrated counseling by pastoral counselors
Outcomes
Demonstrate integration of pastoral counseling skills and psychological theory into practice; Consolidate knowledge and understanding of competencies and diverse perspectives needed for spiritually integrated counseling by pastoral counselorsIPS 515 Research Methods (3 Credit Hours)
This course familiarizes students with research methods quantitative and qualitative approaches, experimental research design, interview and survey methods, descriptive and analytical statistics and evaluative research.
Increased knowledge of research methods and statistics; critically evaluate research literature; become familiar with current research in counseling and pastoral counseling; identify research topics of personal and professional interest
Outcomes
Increased knowledge of research methods and statistics; critically evaluate research literature; become familiar with current research in counseling and pastoral counseling; identify research topics of personal and professional interestIPS 517 Models of Pastoral Counseling (3 Credit Hours)
Models act like paradigms that inform therapists about what is important to focus on in their clients and what is healing, restorative, and growth-inducing in therapy. Each says something about what normal and abnormal functioning looks like and how therapy helps a person move from unhealthy to healthy functioning.
Become familiar with basic counseling theories; articulate key concepts, assumptions about human nature, therapist, client relationship, process and goals, techniques, as well as strengths and limitations of each approach
Outcomes
Become familiar with basic counseling theories; articulate key concepts, assumptions about human nature, therapist, client relationship, process and goals, techniques, as well as strengths and limitations of each approachIPS 518 Career Counseling for the Pastoral Counselor (3 Credit Hours)
This course will shed light on the value of the career counseling process by integrating career counseling theory, career inventories case studies, experiential learning and class discussion.
General understanding of major career development theories and their relevance to the counseling process; Utilize multiple career development exercises and job search strategies, including resume-writing and interviewing techniques
Outcomes
General understanding of major career development theories and their relevance to the counseling process; Utilize multiple career development exercises and job search strategies, including resume-writing and interviewing techniquesIPS 520 Testing, Measurement & Assessment (3 Credit Hours)
Pre-requisites: Completion of a minimum of 24 credit hours, including Models of Pastoral Counseling (517), Psychopathology (509), and Human Development (555)
The course is required for licensure but is not a prerequisite for other courses. This course will provide an understanding of the role of individual and group approaches to assessment and evaluation and its role in diagnosis, clinical intervention, and treatment planning. It will cover assessment of the various attributes of a person though standardized tests, and also include an overview of statistical procedures relevant to test standardization and interpretation. Students will gain first-hand exposure to specific tests and learn to read and evaluate such instruments.
This course is being added to the MA PC curriculum in response to a new requirement in state licensure for master level counselors
Outcomes
This course is being added to the MA PC curriculum in response to a new requirement in state licensure for master level counselorsIPS 530 Clinical Pastoral Care Registration (0 Credit Hours)
Pre-requisites: Must be in MDiv or MAPS program to register for this course
CPE site must be approved prior to engagement. Clinical Pastoral Care registration for MDiv and MAPS students provides confirmation of CPE requirement for degree. This course serves as continuous enrollment and fulltime status verification for IPS students for whom CPE is a program requirement.
Fulfills CPE or Contextual Ed requirement for MDiv and MAPS students
Outcomes
Fulfills CPE or Contextual Ed requirement for MDiv and MAPS studentsIPS 531 Christian Doctrine (3 Credit Hours)
The course is divided into two sections: (1) the historical evolution of Christian doctrine and its theological interpretations through Vatican II; (2) the development of doctrine in the post-Vatican II era, including an in-depth study of Karl Rahner's fundamental theology and contemporary theological issues with applications to present-day pastoral ministry.
Course equivalencies: X - IPS 531 / BEHL 502
Students will discover the tools of historical theology and correlation; revising theological understanding in changed historical-cultural contexts; and the hermeneutical task of translating their meaning into present contexts
Outcomes
Students will discover the tools of historical theology and correlation; revising theological understanding in changed historical-cultural contexts; and the hermeneutical task of translating their meaning into present contextsIPS 532 Social Context of Ministry (3 Credit Hours)
Christian life and ministry are socially located; they take place in specific social, cultural, political and economic contexts. We cannot minister effectively if we do not have a better understanding of the context in which we are called to serve. These contexts are the environment within which persons minister.
Gain skills of critical social analysis and theological assessment for strategies of social change to facilitate ministry in a given context
Outcomes
Gain skills of critical social analysis and theological assessment for strategies of social change to facilitate ministry in a given contextIPS 541 Liturgy and Christian Sacraments (3 Credit Hours)
The Sacraments express our faith bringing us into an encounter with God's grace, forming us into the image of Christ. This course explores the theological, religious, and cultural origins of the liturgy and the sacraments as they have developed in response to the needs of the Church communities throughout time.
Students will develop the ability to articulate a sacramental theology and understanding of the sacraments that enables them to address the meaning of the sacraments in connection to contemporary culture
Outcomes
Students will develop the ability to articulate a sacramental theology and understanding of the sacraments that enables them to address the meaning of the sacraments in connection to contemporary cultureIPS 545 The Foundations of Christian Spirituality (3 Credit Hours)
Enrollment Conditions: This course is required of all students in the MASp: Contemporary Spirituality Concentration and/or the Spiritual Direction Concentration; Is also required of all MDiv students. Christian spirituality (the "lived experience of Christian faith") is a separate but partnered academic field with theology today. Key issues are: defining "spirituality", methods in the field, spirituality vs. institutional religion, Jesus Christ (christology), major figures and movements in Christian spirituality's 2000 year history, and classical and contemporary themes.
Facility defining spirituality and Christian spirituality, and an informed understanding of the person Jesus Christ, the history of Christian spirituality, and the relationship of spirituality to theology and institutional religion
Outcomes
Facility defining spirituality and Christian spirituality, and an informed understanding of the person Jesus Christ, the history of Christian spirituality, and the relationship of spirituality to theology and institutional religionIPS 551 Social Ethics in the Catholic Tradition (3 Credit Hours)
Students should ideally complete IPS 416, 417, and 531 prior to taking this course. This course focuses on the tradition and practice of Catholic social thought. Students will become familiar with the documentary tradition of Catholic social teaching, as well as the ways that Catholic social thought has been embodied and advanced through the lives of Catholic activists and liberation theology. Particular attention will be given to history, texts, methodology, and significant figures in the tradition.
Upon completion of this course, students will have a thorough knowledge of the tradition of Catholic social thought, will be able to analyze contemporary issues through the lens of this tradition, and will be able to enact this tradition in their ministerial contexts
Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will have a thorough knowledge of the tradition of Catholic social thought, will be able to analyze contemporary issues through the lens of this tradition, and will be able to enact this tradition in their ministerial contextsIPS 553 Moral Theology and Christian Ethics (3 Credit Hours)
This course focuses primarily on methods in ethics. Students will become familiar with the tradition of Catholic moral theology as well as different contemporary methodologies in ethics. Particular attention will be given to the history of the discipline, the role of scripture in moral reasoning, and Catholic social teaching. To articulate the history and central categories in Catholic moral theology; to analyze a variety of contemporary methodologies in theological ethics.
IPS 555 Human Person and Psychological Development (3 Credit Hours)
Human beings are created to grow and mature into their full humanity. Every phase of life carries particular psychological and spiritual agendas. While each person is unique, our developmental story from birth to death is also our universal human story with particular variations, sharpened around gender and cultural differences.
Exploration of developmental differences; Discovery of reliable markers for ministry to persons throughout the life cycle
Outcomes
Exploration of developmental differences; Discovery of reliable markers for ministry to persons throughout the life cycleIPS 560 Liturgical Leadership (3 Credit Hours)
This practicum develops skills in preparation for preaching and presiding at liturgical celebrations. The student will become familiar with different preaching styles, as well as theories of preaching and presiding. The focus includes public communication and preaching skills, as well as supervising and training volunteer liturgical ministers. Knowledge of preaching and presiding styles and theory.
Ability to preside at liturgical celebrations; Development of preaching and public speaking skills; Familiarity with liturgical rites
Outcomes
Ability to preside at liturgical celebrations; Development of preaching and public speaking skills; Familiarity with liturgical ritesIPS 564 Foundations of Pastoral Care (3 Credit Hours)
Pastoral Care is the ministry of accompanying people in the difficult times of their lives. Students explore the history, theology and purpose of pastoral care, including their own personal loss experiences. Students will be able to assess who they are as minister and what they bring into the pastoral care environment. Students will demonstrate the ability to implement pastoral care skills.
IPS 565 Pastoral Leadership (3 Credit Hours)
Examines recent and contemporary leadership theories, principles and practices, and assists students' applications as pastoral leaders in their own religious traditions and institutions. Offers a wide array of readings from the organizational and corporate literature, church documents, and pastoral literature from Roman Catholic, hierarchical church, and congregational church perspectives.
Apply leadership literature from organizational, corporate, and pastoral perspectives, growing personal capacity for integrating pastoral management and leadership performances appropriate to their religious traditions, governance structures, and communities
Outcomes
Apply leadership literature from organizational, corporate, and pastoral perspectives, growing personal capacity for integrating pastoral management and leadership performances appropriate to their religious traditions, governance structures, and communitiesIPS 570 Introduction to Theology and Ministry (3 Credit Hours)
IPS 570: Introduction to Theology and Ministry is recommended as the first course in the program. This course explores the interplay among traditions of theology and ministry, the history of ministry and the challenge of relating foundational traditions to the present array of ministries. The course allows you to become more certain and deliberate about the skills that constitute ministerial practice and ministerial theology.
Students clarify and articulate a theory of ministry and method of ministry from which to operate; The heart of the course is development of self-confidence ministerial capacities as a professional
Outcomes
Students clarify and articulate a theory of ministry and method of ministry from which to operate; The heart of the course is development of self-confidence ministerial capacities as a professionalIPS 572 Ignatian Spirituality (3 Credit Hours)
This course invites students to consider core elements and principles of Ignatian spirituality, through the study of Ignatius of Loyola's major works and relevant Ignatian literature. Particular attention will be given to the Spiritual Exercises and their use for spiritual direction and formation, discernment and prayer.
Identify the distinctive characteristics of Ignatian spirituality; Acquire practical knowledge of Ignatian imaginative prayer and discernment of spirits; Learn to adapt and direct Ignatius' Spiritual Exercises for spiritual direction
Outcomes
Identify the distinctive characteristics of Ignatian spirituality; Acquire practical knowledge of Ignatian imaginative prayer and discernment of spirits; Learn to adapt and direct Ignatius' Spiritual Exercises for spiritual directionIPS 578 Contextual Education Preparation (0 Credit Hours)
Restricted to Institute of Pastoral Studies students. Prepares students to engage in the practice of contextual education by orienting students to the contextual education framework, focusing on their own vocational identity, and reflecting on how students view the work of ministry. It also covers the logistics of procuring a site and conducting theological action research.
Facilitate site selection and completion of site agreement; introduce the practice of Theological Action Research; be orientated to contextual education
Outcomes
Facilitate site selection and completion of site agreement; introduce the practice of Theological Action Research; be orientated to contextual educationIPS 579 Contextual Education Introduction (0 Credit Hours)
Restricted to Institute of Pastoral Studies students. Facilitates the student's initial foray into work at their contextual education site, through regular coaching for reflection and guidance as well as workshops on useful skills for ministry. Students gain 100 hours of hands on experience at their site of ministry and begin to develop a community-based theological action research project.
To gain basic familiarity with the contextual education site and to build relationships within the community, and gain basic experience in the work of ministry pertaining to the site
Outcomes
To gain basic familiarity with the contextual education site and to build relationships within the community, and gain basic experience in the work of ministry pertaining to the siteIPS 580 Contextual Education I (3 Credit Hours)
Pre-requisites: Completion of at least 18 credit hours, attendance at prep session, approval of site and supervisor by CCE, completed required documentation
Students apply for placement with an approved site at which they will exercise & develop professional/ministerial skills. Students engage in a minimum of 200 hours of leadership praxis. Students receive practically oriented instruction, participate in practice-based workshops & reflect on their leadership experience with their peers & an experienced coach.
Course equivalencies: IPS 580/IPS 640
Gain tangible skills for leadership in ministry; Test vocational commitments and refine vocational identity; Develop capacity for theological reflection especially toward the integration of discipleship, leadership and mission
Outcomes
Gain tangible skills for leadership in ministry; Test vocational commitments and refine vocational identity; Develop capacity for theological reflection especially toward the integration of discipleship, leadership and missionIPS 581 Contextual Education II (3 Credit Hours)
Pre-requisites: IPS 580
Students continue in their field placement exercising professional/ministerial leadership and further developing their self-identified professional/ministerial skills. While continuing to engage these contexts, students meet in class to further reflect on their leadership in ministry, discerning emerging strengths and areas of needed growth.
Course equivalencies: IPS 641/IPS 581
Gain further proficiency in skills for leadership in ministry; Deepen & refine vocational identity in relation to present & future work; Further develop capacities of theological reflection on their work of ministry
Outcomes
Gain further proficiency in skills for leadership in ministry; Deepen & refine vocational identity in relation to present & future work; Further develop capacities of theological reflection on their work of ministryIPS 593 Integration Project (0 Credit Hours)
The Integration Project (typically a written paper) involves the personal integration and application of one's course of studies at IPS into one's vocational/ministerial identity. 593 is required for MDIV, MASJ, MASp, MAHCML and MAPS students (though MAPS-Health Care Chaplaincy concentration students take 493 instead). Enrollment Conditions: Students should register in their final semester of coursework, or when they are within 9 credits of completing the degree. Registration requires a signed copy of the Integration Project Proposal.
Successful integration and assessment of students' studies and vocational development
Outcomes
Successful integration and assessment of students' studies and vocational developmentIPS 596 Special Topics in Health Care Ethics (1-3 Credit Hours)
This course is restricted to IPS graduate students.
IPS 599 Special Topics (1-6 Credit Hours)
Topics will vary. Restricted to IPS graduate students.
IPS 605 Master's Study (0 Credit Hours)
IPS students who have not completed their degree are required to be continuously enrolled in a course until their degree is completed. This zero credit hour course fulfills that requirement for those who are finished with their coursework but not their final projects. Maintaining enrollment for those who are finished with their coursework but not their final projects.
IPS 610 Foundations of Social Justice (3 Credit Hours)
This course explores the philosophical, ethical and theological foundations for social justice with a particular emphasis on Catholic Social Teaching and Catholic social ethics, addressing the practice of justice with attention to concrete dilemmas which confront Christians in their efforts to do justice.
To develop an in-depth understanding of social justice in the Catholic social teaching tradition, and in the Jewish and Christian scriptures; to articulate and support a working definition of social justice informed by the course
Outcomes
To develop an in-depth understanding of social justice in the Catholic social teaching tradition, and in the Jewish and Christian scriptures; to articulate and support a working definition of social justice informed by the courseIPS 615 Liberation Theology (3 Credit Hours)
Liberation Theology refers to several related theologies that emerged in Latin America. Many more have been developed but all share the same basic methodology, focus their efforts on issues of social justice, and proceed with a prophetic voice. The course introduces the method of liberation theology and surveys a selection of primary texts from a variety of social contexts.
Students will critically and constructively assess the contributions of Liberation Theology in the broader theological conversation; develop the skills necessary to assess and respond theologically to their own social contexts
Outcomes
Students will critically and constructively assess the contributions of Liberation Theology in the broader theological conversation; develop the skills necessary to assess and respond theologically to their own social contextsIPS 620 Diversity and Equity (3 Credit Hours)
This course explores diversity in a global environment characterized by color, ethnicity, culture, national origin, class, gender, age, religion, physical or mental ability, gender identity and sexuality. Students will effectively analyze and assess the cultural and institutional context of social justice issues. IPS 620 is cross-listed with SOWK 502: Oppression,Privilege,Diversity.
Course equivalencies: ASIA/SOWK/URB370/AFR369/SOWK50
IPS 625 Social Ethics: Politics and Global Economics (3 Credit Hours)
Economic institutions and issues of global justice are considered in the writings of philosophers, economists and socio-political theorists. Students effectively analyze institutional contexts of social justice issues and understand foundational local, national, and international justice issues linked to the political, economic, and social arenas. Analyze & evaluate current trends in international relations policy, economic markets & environmental impact from social justice perspective. Develop tactics for engaging in the work of social change within emerging global context.
IPS 627 Social Entrepreneurship (3 Credit Hours)
Intensive consideration of different examples of social entrepreneurship, including at least one utilizing Catholic Social Teaching; and more general observations of other models of social engagement and challenging unmet needs.
Creation of an initial business sketch for a viable social entrepreneurship project to address a specific need
Outcomes
Creation of an initial business sketch for a viable social entrepreneurship project to address a specific needIPS 635 Community Organizing and Community Development (3 Credit Hours)
This course combines experiential learning with theories of community organization and development, exploring methods, strategies and key ideas of broad-based community organizing. Students will learn and practice the tools needed to organize as well as exhibit initial (foundational) competencies in social advocacy, community organizing and social change. IPS 635 is cross listed with SOWK 509: Community Intervention.
Increase understanding of approaches and methods of community organizing and community development; Become competent in evaluating resources available for the work of community organizing and development
Outcomes
Increase understanding of approaches and methods of community organizing and community development; Become competent in evaluating resources available for the work of community organizing and developmentIPS 651 Clinical Bioethics (3 Credit Hours)
This course will provide an overview of the major areas of clinical biomedical ethics. Issues that will be examined and analyzed include problem-solving methods, the theory and practice of informed consent, end-of-life decision making, physician-assisted suicide, pediatric ethical dilemmas, spirituality in clinical encounters, the injustice of health care disparities, and the role of ethics committees.
Participants will gain familiarity with the terminology, resources, and major frameworks of ethical analysis in biomedical ethics
Outcomes
Participants will gain familiarity with the terminology, resources, and major frameworks of ethical analysis in biomedical ethicsIPS 652 Organizational Ethics I (3 Credit Hours)
This is a two-month long blended course of online learning and a two-day intensive experience on the HSD campus. This course examines ethical issues in health care from the vantage point of decision makers who shape the system, e.g., physicians within a group practice, administrators within a health system, or advocates within a community.
Social and economic context of health care in the United States will be overviewed as the background for considering the responsibilities social justice entails to self, one's profession, one's patients, and the underserved
Outcomes
Social and economic context of health care in the United States will be overviewed as the background for considering the responsibilities social justice entails to self, one's profession, one's patients, and the underservedIPS 653 Organizational Ethics II (3 Credit Hours)
This is a two-month long blended course of online learning and a two-day intensive experience on the HSD campus. This course examines the theory, role, and elements of leadership that effectively serve non-profit healthcare systems. In particular, the nature of leadership is examined.
Questions of leadership style and theories of what constitutes effective leadership are considered; Communication strategies and methods of organizational change key focuses
Outcomes
Questions of leadership style and theories of what constitutes effective leadership are considered; Communication strategies and methods of organizational change key focusesIPS 654 Catholic Bioethics and Clinical Practice (3 Credit Hours)
This course offers a topical survey of bioethical issues pertinent to clinical practice in the Catholic context. Topics and concepts considered include abortion, contraception, sterilization, nutrition and hydration, withdrawal of life support, care of the dying, cooperation, conscience, human dignity and personhood.
Course equivalencies: IPS 654/BEHP 415/BEHL415
Assist students in establishing a substantive familiarity with the positions and moral reasoning of the Catholic tradition in clinical bioethics
Outcomes
Assist students in establishing a substantive familiarity with the positions and moral reasoning of the Catholic tradition in clinical bioethicsIPS 655 Catholic Bioethics and Social Justice (3 Credit Hours)
Course involves an historical study of the development of the body of official Catholic Social Teaching specific to its impact on healthcare delivery in the United States. Current developments in select key social issues and movements are also addressed insofar as those issues and movements influenced healthcare delivery.
Develop the participants understanding of the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and their application to the healthcare context
Outcomes
Develop the participants understanding of the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and their application to the healthcare contextIPS 656 Advancing Health Equity Practice (3 Credit Hours)
A two-month long blended course of online learning and a two-day intensive experience on the HSD campus. Topics cover the role of racial and economic health disparities in the process of care and health outcomes, Cultural and Linguistic Appropriate Standards (CLAS) in health care, self-assessment and evaluation of institutional needs.
Knowledge and skills gained in this course can be used to develop an advocacy role for evaluating and promoting cultural competency within a health care system
Outcomes
Knowledge and skills gained in this course can be used to develop an advocacy role for evaluating and promoting cultural competency within a health care systemIPS 657 Advanced Concepts in Health Systems Management (3 Credit Hours)
The course is structured around a framework that links strategic management with health care outcomes for today and tomorrow. Areas covered include: leadership, team building, planning, customers, markets, information and analysis, communication skills, conflict resolution, resource management, budgeting and organizational performance.
Analyze major strategic management processes, describe how evidence-research practice can be applied in health systems management, and integrate a framework for strategic management with the key concepts of outcomes-based performance management
Outcomes
Analyze major strategic management processes, describe how evidence-research practice can be applied in health systems management, and integrate a framework for strategic management with the key concepts of outcomes-based performance managementIPS 658 Fiscal Management for Health Care Organizations (3 Credit Hours)
The course explores the relationship between the national economic environment and the financial context for current models of health care delivery. A variety of fiscal concepts and techniques such as cost accounting, cost behavior, budgeting, cost benefit/cost effectiveness analysis, cost-volume-profit analysis, cost variance analysis, and performance budgeting are explored.
Students will develop a framework for understanding key issues in health care financial management; Students will develop a quantitative approach to decision making in health care administration through application of concepts
Outcomes
Students will develop a framework for understanding key issues in health care financial management; Students will develop a quantitative approach to decision making in health care administration through application of conceptsIPS 659 Management of Professionals in Healthcare Organizations (3 Credit Hours)
This course offers students the opportunity to analyze, expand, and synthesize their understanding of technical, human relations and conceptual skills essential to functioning within the role of manager/administrator in health care settings.
Course equivalencies: X-IPS 659/CMAN568
Analyze and synthesize knowledge of the concepts of professional role and organizational dynamics for use as a foundation for the role of manager/administrator in health care settings
Outcomes
Analyze and synthesize knowledge of the concepts of professional role and organizational dynamics for use as a foundation for the role of manager/administrator in health care settingsIPS 660 Leadership in Social Justice Organizations (3 Credit Hours)
This course explores different approaches to leadership on behalf of social justice with a strong focus on developing a personal leadership style and practices to deepen students' sense of vocation. Develops a number of practical leadership skills connected to discernment, leading through adaptive challenges, team development and bridge building, management, and visioning.
To understand leadership models and techniques for social justice organizations; To integrate spiritual practices and disciplines into leadership and management; To develop skills managing and interfacing with faith-based and non-profit
Outcomes
To understand leadership models and techniques for social justice organizations; To integrate spiritual practices and disciplines into leadership and management; To develop skills managing and interfacing with faith-based and non-profitIPS 672 Media for Ministry and Mission (3 Credit Hours)
For more than a hundred years, film, radio, and television have had a profound effect on the practice on ministry and pastoral care. Now in the 21st century, the explosion of new types of interactive and social media have revolutionized our interactions, our economy, and our world. Churches and social justice organizations, however, have often been slow to adopt or even explore these new technologies.
Participants will leave this course with an understanding of how to navigate the changing media landscape, think theologically about digital communications, and put media tools to work for ministry and mission; You will learn to plan strategic campaigns, create content, and measure results; Coursework will include engagement with various platforms, as well as an introduction to key concepts from media history and theory