Ph.D. in Religious Education

The GRE Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Religious Education prepares women and men for leadership in religious education. Graduates are prepared to be professors and instructors at colleges, universities and seminaries; serve as religious educational professionals in parishes, congregations, and schools; provide diocesan and denominational leadership; direct college and university campus ministries; work in religious writing and religion textbook publishing; and seek employment in other church or public service organizations. Emphasis is also placed on preparing graduates to make a scholarly contribution to the field of religious education.

Doctor of Ministry Degree (DMin)

The goal of the Doctor of Ministry degree in the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education of Fordham University is to provide advanced understanding of the nature and purposes of religious ministry, increased competencies in pastoral analysis and ministry skills, sustained theological reflection on the practice of ministry, and new knowledge about the practice of ministry.

MA and MS in Religion and Religious Education

The GRE Master of Arts (M.A.) and Master of Science (M.S.) degrees provide a deepened understanding of core theological disciplines and opportunities to explore the various arts of pastoral ministry. The degrees are designed for those already serving the Church and those preparing to seek employment at parish, school, and diocesan levels. Those seeking personal enrichment through the study of Christian faith are also welcome to apply.

MA in Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Care

The GRE Master of Arts (M.A). program in Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Care trains students to be clinical pastoral counselors and serve as pastoral ministers who can address everyday psychological and spiritual issues and concerns. It also provides training for health care professionals who minister to the sick, the elderly, the dying as well as burdened ‘caregivers’ in family, parish and other professional institutions. Students will also have an option to apply for an MSW (Masters of Social Work)/MA in Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Care joint degree program in the near future.

Advanced Professional Diploma in Religion and Religious Education

The GRE Advanced Professional Diploma (A.P.D.) program offers opportunities for study, reflection and training beyond the master’s level. It is designed for those serving in positions of pastoral leadership who want full or part-time continuing education in pastoral ministry and religious education. The degree is also of interest to those who have recently completed a master’s degree and who want additional study and training before seeking a full-time position in religious education or pastoral ministry or applying to a doctoral program in theology, religious education or a related area.

Graduate Certificate Program in Spiritual Direction

This graduate certificate program is designed to provide essential specialized training in spiritual direction for pastoral ministers who already hold advanced degrees in theology or religious studies. It is also attractive to other professionals such as social workers, psychologists and counselors whose clients are asking them for spiritual direction or who wish to learn how spiritual directors and therapists might work in concert with one another.

Graduate Certificate Program in Faith Formation

This is an 18-credit certificate offered at St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Manhattan for St. Ignatius School (elementary) teachers, parish religious educators, other part-time and volunteer parish ministers, and others who are generally interested in the program. For some, the program further prepares them for parish service and/or religious education; for others it serves as enrichment.