Degree		M.A.
Number of Credits		36 Credits
Overview		The 36-credit Master of Arts Degree in Pastoral Care is designed to prepare students engaged in ministerial work to be competent and effective pastoral caregivers in their present and future ministries. The program nurtures in-depth study, meaningful reflection, and the interdependence of theory and practice. A major goal is to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of the nature and purpose of pastoral care, increased effectiveness with pastoral care interventions, and sustained theological reflection on the application of pastoral care in specific situations of ministry. In combining theory and practice, students learn to integrate theology and psychological knowledge to increase effectiveness in pastoral ministry. The program advances the general practice of pastoral care in its many forms as well as the expertise in specialized areas of pastoral diagnosis. At the core of the MA program in Pastoral Care are philosophical, theological, historical, psychological, sociological, and cultural foundations. Various modalities of theological reflection are utilized: pastoral and practical theology, psychology, developmental theory, spirituality, and cultural and multicultural perspectives. In keeping with Fordham University’s Jesuit mission the program gives special, though not exclusive, attention to Ignatian pedagogy and spirituality. A major goal, therefore, in keeping with the mission of Jesuit education, will be to explore the role that pastoral care can play in dealing with issues of crisis, suffering, and emotional and spiritual healing. Click here for information.

Degree		M.A.
Number of Credits		36 Credits
Overview		The online program in Youth and Young Adult Ministry focuses on understanding adolescent and young adult religious, spiritual, moral and psychological development; exploring the various components of comprehensive youth ministry; and developing goals and objectives for youth and young adult ministry. In addition to foundation courses students also choose from among courses in community, family and religious education; curriculum and religious education; adult learning and development and other areas of religious education and pastoral studies.
Concentrations		Youth and Young Adult Ministry The Youth and Young Adult Ministry concentration focuses on understanding adolescent and young adult religious, spiritual, moral and psychological development; Students choose from among courses in community, family and religious education; curriculum and religious education; adult learning and development and other areas of religious education and pastoral studies. Students are asked to direct their studies in either religious education or pastoral studies as they prepare for a career path as either religious education/catechesis with youth and young adults in parishes, schools, college and university campuses, and dioceses. This program is also offered in the distance learning format as well as the traditional classroom venue. Click here for information.

Degree		Graduate Certificate
Number of Credits		18 Credits
Overview		An 18-credit certificate offered online for 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. For those who wish the 18 credits accrued may be applied towards the 36 credit Master of Arts degree with concentrations in Religious Education, Spirituality, or Pastoral Studies. Enrollment in the Certificate Program requires completion of an undergraduate degree. The competencies outlined by the United States Bishops in their document Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord are included in the courses offered in the Certificate Program in Faith Formation through the venue of a total course or components within the courses in the curriculum. Click here for information.

Degree		Graduate Certificate
Number of Credits		18 credits
Overview		An 18-credit certificate offered for teachers, parish religious educators and catechists, volunteers, parish ministers and those interested in deepening their knowledge and appreciation of the faith tradition. The program is grounded in solid theology, spirituality, religious education and scripture. There are sufficient electives offered in the program to allow flexibility in responding to individual needs and goals. The competencies outlined by the United States Catholic Bishops in their document, “Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord,” are included in the courses offered in either the traditional classroom setting or online. Click here for information.

Degree		Graduate Certificate
Number of Credits		18 credits
Overview		The Graduate Certificate Program in Spiritual Direction is comprised of 18 graduate credits focused specifically on the core competencies needed by a spiritual director. The spiritual direction courses are designed to identify the participant’s potential for becoming a spiritual director, to assist the participant in discerning a call to this ministry, to formulate a model of spiritual direction and to develop the specific skills needed by a spiritual director. The program is designed for pastoral workers or ordained ministers who already have an M.A., M.Div., D.Min. or Ph.D. in theology or religious studies. A second potential group of students are professionals with master’s or doctoral degrees in clinical areas such as social work, pastoral psychology, counseling, etc., who want to integrate spirituality into their practices or who wish to understand how spiritual directors and therapists might work in concert with one another. Click here for information.