College Of Mount St. Joseph

Program Information

Degree Offered

M.A. - Religious Studies, Certificate - Pastoral Administration; Certificate - Religious Education; Certificate - Spiritual Direction; Certificate - Spiritual and Pastoral Care

Program Description:

The College of Mount St. Joseph's graduate program in spiritual and pastoral care is designed to impart a deeper understanding of care-giving and its relationship to one's own religious heritage and spirituality, as well as the religious and cultural heritage of those served. Through increased awareness and understanding of self, others and tradition, the capacity to provide authentic and more meaningful care is enhanced. Pastoral care is the integration of attention to the person, the Christian message, and the social systemic context. The overall goal is to nurture the wholeness and wellness of the spirit of persons and communities. The graduate program in spiritual and pastoral care is built upon twenty years of expertise in pastoral education with the Religious Studies Department's bachelor's degree in pastoral ministry and master's degree in pastoral family studies. Pastoral care is rooted in 'caritas' or the charism of charity. This theological virtue is the core of our institutional mission as founded by the Sisters of Charity and the focal point of compassionate ministry in our world of diversity and complex systems interactions. Catholic in tradition, Christian in environment and ecumenical in composition, the master's in spiritual and pastoral care is designed to enhance and integrate the interpersonal, systems and theological skills of healthcare professionals, educators, and ministers who serve with diverse populations and social contexts. In addition to the master's degree, the Department of Religious and Pastoral Studies offers four cross-disciplinary graduate certificates for professionals who wish to enhance their careers in a spiritual context in the fields of education, health care, religious leadership, and business. Graduate certificate programs in pastoral administration, religious education, spiritual direction, and spiritual and pastoral care are offered.

Eligibility Requirements:

In addition to the standard requirements for all graduate programs, the following are also required: For the M.A. in Religious Studies - Three letters of recommendation; a short (five-page) essay explaining reasons for applying to the program and professional goals; interview with the Graduate Admission Committee. For the Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction - Two letters of recommendation; autobiographical essay on spiritual journey; criminal background check; professional psychological assessment; at least six months of spiritual direction with a trained director before beginning the program; interview with two department faculty and practicum coordinator.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: No

Format: Campus

Classification: Master's Colleges & Universities II

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Large Suburb

Size & Settings: 1,000 - 4,999