Graduate Certificate of Spiritual Direction

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Program Overview

Designed for clergy, religious and lay persons who seek a deeper grounding in the ministry of spiritual direction, as well as personal formation in Ignatian spirituality. It is ordinarily taken at the graduate level, but also available for undergraduate credit, with appropriate adjustments in course expectations. For students who wish to earn a degree, the CSD may be incorporated into the Master of Pastoral Studies.  The CSD follows a cohort system, with the same class taking the same courses over a two or three-year period. All courses are offered in a blended format, combining online and onsite sessions. For distance learning, the onsite sessions can also be joined by Zoom video conferencing. Onsite courses are available in Mobile, AL (at our home campus) and Columbia, SC (in partnership with the Diocese of Charleston). Admission is limited to 20 applicants for each two-year cohort. A new cohort is formed every other year.  Because effective preparation for this ministry requires both professional training and distinctive personal qualities, the CSD has selective admission requirements, including a minimum age of 30, extensive theological and spiritual prerequisites and ongoing discernment and evaluation of each candidate’s aptitude during the two years of coursework. On top of the online student application (see Apply button above), applicants must also fill out the CSD application and complete the prerequisites below.

CSD Application
Prerequisite Form

Delivery:

Online, On Campus

Average Class Size:

13

Time To Degree:

2 Years

Faculty Count:

7

Program Goals

Designed for clergy, religious and laypersons, the Certificate in Spiritual Direction is for those who seek a deeper grounding in the ministry of spiritual direction, as well as personal formation in Ignatian spirituality.

Career Outlook

Students of our graduate certificate in spiritual direction provides students with a deep insight into the Christian faith and spiritual exercises. Graduates of this program will be able to work in churches, mission services, and ministries across the globe. 

View Curriculum

Testimonial

“Through different theology courses, interactions, and observations, I have been impacted in a very positive way. Because of my experience at Spring Hill, I know that I want to continue to study theology and be involved in some form of ministry in the future.” — Haley Troxclair

Faculty

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Graduate theology studies at Spring Hill College is built on over 30 years of adult theological formation in the Southeast. Deeply rooted in Catholic tradition with an ecumenical vision that enters into dialogue with the many frontiers of the 21st century.

  • Christopher Viscardi

    Professor

  • Nelida Naveros-Cordova

    Assistant Professor Theology, Graduate Program Director

  • Matthew Bagot

    Associate Professor

  • John Switzer

    Professor Emeritus – Adjunct

  • Stephen Wilson

    Professor, Division Chair of Philosophy and Theology

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Why SHC?

  • At Spring Hill College, we’re making our mark – With our small class sizes and affordable tuition, Spring Hill College is uniquely qualified to provide a high quality education to our students. Our Jesuit, Catholic college education is renowned as a well-rounded higher education approach, with an emphasis on empowering students with a passion for knowledge and personal growth. With our recent cut in tuition, Spring Hill College is one of the most affordable private colleges in the country.
  • We’re curious and inspired – Forbes Magazine has ranked Spring Hill College as one of the top ten best colleges for return on investment (ROI). In our class of 2019, 99.5% of graduates attained placement six months after graduation through employment, graduate/professional school, internship or service.
  • We’re doers – Our students contribute 24,000 hours on average to the local community through the Foley Center each year. 100% of the 2020 graduates that applied to medical school were accepted. Spring Hill College has a 100% certification rate and a 92% placement rate with our Education program over the last five years.

Learn more about our admissions process and policies, including our test-optional policy, at www.shc.edu/admissions

SHC offers a significantly reduced tuition rate of $355 an hour for students enrolled in our Graduate Programs of Theology & Ministry.  Limited assistance is also available through scholarships and financial aid. Contact the department for more information.

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