The Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Care is an 18-hour graduate level ministerial program designed to build upon the student's ministerial gifts in preparation for pastoral service in the Church and society.
The goal of the program is to enhance the ministry of those offering pastoral care by increasing their knowledge and skills through the study of current theological thought from a pastoral perspective and through supervised experiences of pastoral practice. The certificate is not a license to practice pastoral care but evidence of pastoral care training.
With this certificate, where can I serve?
Well prepared for pastoral service to the Church and society, graduates work in hospitals, hospice organizations, churches and social service organizations.
How do I apply?
To apply, follow the instructions contained in the Application for Admission (417k PDF). If you have any questions about downloading the application, read About PDF.
Program Content
The 18 hours of required coursework are distributed as follows:
| Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Pastoral Theology | |
| Foundations of Pastoral and Ethical Care | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Cross-Disciplinary Seminar | |
| Sacramental and Theological Foundations of Ministry | 3 |
| Professional Ministerial Formation | |
| Supervised Practice of Ministry I | 3 |
| Supervised Practice of Ministry II | 3 |
| Electives | |
| ---- | 3 |
The Certificate in Pastoral Care is designed to expand and update students' knowledge of Christian theology in general and pastoral theology in particular. Students engage in a supervised ministerial setting and learn to identify theoretical and practical issues in pastoral care today.
Aquinas Institute of Theology
23 South Spring Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri
63108-3323
800.977.3869
314.256.8800
314.256.8888 (fax)
admissions@ai.edu