The Spiritual Direction Concentration provides MA in Christian Spirituality students the opportunity to focus their formation on acquiring the theoretical and practical skills they need to provide spiritual direction, where they will accompany others with their spiritual development and relationship with God. Spiritual directors walk alongside each person on his or her spiritual journey, accompanying individuals as they become more fully realized spiritual beings. Students also have the unique opportunity to learn to direct and use the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola in and for spiritual direction, offering spiritual accompaniment framed by and infused with the Jesuit perspective and values.
This degree is suited to those holding a bachelor's degree in any field and who are interested in forming themselves for the vocation of spiritual director, including the integration of spiritual direction into existing careers and current contexts, including retreat centers, community programs, church and parish offices, and more.
Those already holding a graduate degree in theology, ministry, or related fields may qualify to pursue formation as a spiritual director through the Spiritual Direction Certificate.
Available Online.
CURRICULUM
MA in Christian Spirituality students opting for the Spiritual Direction concentration (MACS-SD) must complete the 33 credit hour core course of the MACS plus two additional specialized spiritual direction courses. Students must also complete the Contextual Education requirement (3 credit hours) and the Integration Paper (a capstone writing project).
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| IPS 545 | The Foundations of Christian Spirituality | 3 |
| IPS 417 | Introduction to the Old Testament | 3 |
| IPS 416 | Introduction to New Testament | 3 |
| IPS 555 | Human Person and Psychological Development | 3 |
| IPS 531 | Christian Doctrine | 3 |
| IPS 403 | Spiritual Paths in World Religions | 3 |
| IPS 501 | Advanced Human Relation Skills | 3 |
| IPS 430 | Spiritual Direction Development and Practice | 3 |
| IPS 512 | Ethics, Pastoral Counseling, and Spirituality | 3 |
| IPS 572 | Ignatian Spirituality | 3 |
| IPS 578 | Contextual Education Preparation | 0 |
| IPS 579 | Contextual Education Introduction | 0 |
| IPS 580 | Contextual Education I | 3 |
| IPS 593 | Integration Project | 0 |
| 3 |
| Total Hours | 36 |
Students must also complete 4 semesters of spiritual direction. The 30-day or 30-week version of the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola (optional) will count for 2 semesters of personal spiritual direction.
Students in the MACS-Spiritual Direction concentration with the goal of learning how to direct the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius must have completed the 30-day or the 30-week (19th Annotation) format of the Exercises prior to beginning the Contextual Education component of their program (before your final year begins). This requirement will be waived for those who have completed the Spiritual Exercises within 5 years of commencing their studies at IPS.
The Contextual Education requirement is adapted to enable MA in Christian Spirituality: Spiritual Direction Concentration students to acquire the practical skills for and experience of spiritual direction in learning interaction with their peers and under the supervision of an experienced spiritual director. Students have the unique opportunity to learn to direct and use the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola in and for spiritual direction. They also have the possibility of learning to practice spiritual direction in a spiritual tradition other than Ignatian (e.g., Carmelite, Benedictine, Franciscan, etc.) under the guidance of a trained mentor. Suitable field learning settings may be found in the Chicago area, elsewhere in the United States or in other countries, upon approval by the Faculty Coordinator of Contextual Education.
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.
