Students interested in pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Spiritual direction may now choose between on-campus and online programs of study.
The Online Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction is designed for those actively serving as spiritual directors. The program builds upon their spiritual and practical gifts. Applicants need to demonstrate experience of a call from others for this ministry, a commitment to discerning this call, and a response to the call by developing proper skills needed for spiritual direction.
The program will better equip directors in their ability to walk the spiritual journey with those seeking guidance. It is open to directors serving in a variety of pastoral settings. The certificate is not a license for practicing spiritual direction, but is evidence of training in this area.
Certificate students will engage in supervised practice of spiritual direction that provides guidance and stimulates growth in their own spirituality and in the ability to provide spiritual direction. They will explore theoretical and practical issues in spiritual direction in the context of an integrative seminar.
What specific skills does the program teach?
Students learn to identify and interpret biblical themes of spirituality as models for Christian maturity; integrate an understanding of Christian life with a holistic vision of spirituality; foster a theological understanding of faith, grace and personal response to God's spirit; ground the ministry in the community's pastoral life; engage in supervised practice of spiritual direction to develop and refine their skills; and identify issues of spiritual direction in integrative seminars with peers.
Program Objectives
Other Requirements and Information
Further Study
Graduate credits earned for the certificate may be applied to our Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies degree.
Designed for Your Busy Schedule
Full-time on campus students can complete the certificate in one academic year. Part-time students may finish the program over a period of two or three academic years.
Late afternoon and evening classes are offered on campus in addition to traditional daytime classes to accommodate students’ needs. Summer courses are available as well.
Online students can complete the program in two full years (including summer.) Coursework is posted weekly so that students may complete reading and writing assignments as their personal schedules allow.
Program Curriculum
The required on campus coursework is distributed as follows:
| Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Historical Studies OR Systematic Theology | |
| Foundations of Spirituality (offered every Spring) OR History of Spirituality (offered every other Spring) |
3 |
| Spiritual Direction | |
| Spiritual Direction (offered every Fall) | 3 |
| Biblical Interpretation | |
| Bible Interpretation (offered every Fall and Spring) | 3 |
| Supervised Practicum | |
| Offered every year, a two-semester course beginning in the Fall semester; taken the last academic year in the certificate program. | 3 |
| Electives | |
The remaining six credit hours may be satisfied by the completion of elective courses in pastoral theology, systematic theology, biblical studies, liturgical studies or other electives approved by the student’s academic advisor. | 6 |
| Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Foundations of Spirituality | |
| Foundations of Spirituality (offered in the Spring) | 3 |
| History of Spirituality | |
| History of Spirituality (offered in the Spring) | 3 |
| Spiritual Direction | |
| Spiritual Direction (offered in the Fall) | 3 |
| Bible Interpretation | |
| Bible Interpretation (offered in the Fall) | 3 |
| Supervised Practicum I & II (3 credits each) | |
| Students must have completed at least two semesters online before enrolling in the Spiritual Direction Practicum (offered in the Summer). | 6 |
Applying for Admission
The application includes two brief essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a telephone phone interview with the director of the program. Application forms may be downloaded online or received through the Aquinas Admissions Office. Financial aid is available.
To discuss the program in light of your background and interests, contact us at:
The Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction is available for full-time and part-time study to on-campus and online students. Full-time students may complete the program in one academic year; part-time students may choose to finish the program over a period of two or three academic years.
In addition to traditional daytime courses, late afternoon and evening classes are also available in order to accommodate student needs.
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