MAL in Spiritual Direction

United’s Master of Arts in Leadership in Spiritual Direction degree program is designed for students who feel called to accompany others in their spiritual growth, discernment, and search for deeper wholeness. Through theological study, leadership formation, and practical training in spiritual direction, students develop the skills to offer compassionate guidance in one-on-one, group, and non-ordained ministry settings. With flexible online learning options, United makes it possible to prepare for this meaningful vocation while remaining rooted in your current community, work, and personal commitments.

Who This Program is For

United’s MAL in Spiritual Direction program will prepare you with the required knowledge and skills to effectively support others in their personal spiritual development in both one-on-one and group settings. The MAL program specifically prepares you for spiritual direction in non-ordained settings and offers core theological and leadership training.

This program may be a good fit for you if you are interested in pursuing:

• A career in non-ordained church ministry with a specialty in spiritual direction
• A vocation in spiritual direction outside of the congregational context

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Other Spiritual Direction Programs at United

United offers multiple Spiritual Direction programs, allowing students to choose the path that best aligns with their vocational goals, ministry preparation, and desired level of study. If you also would like to receive a more comprehensive ministerial training and/or prepare for ordination, explore the MDiv in Spiritual Direction.

If you would like to obtain a certificate instead of a graduate degree, we encourage you to check our Certificate in Spiritual Direction program. This program’s course credits can be applied toward completion of an MAL or MDiv in Spiritual Direction at United.

Concentration Learning Outcomes

In addition to achieving the core MAL degree learning outcomes, graduates of the MAL in Spiritual Direction program will develop the theological foundation, spiritual formation, and practical skills needed to guide others with wisdom and care. This concentration prepares students to engage the ministry of spiritual direction in individual and group settings while reflecting thoughtfully on their own spiritual growth and vocational calling. A graduate of this program will be able to:

• Articulate the role of discernment in spiritual direction/companionship.
• Apply deep listening, their way of knowing, and their spiritual life to the use of discernment models used to guide others to go deeper into personal and communal wholeness and healing.
• Articulate the historical, theological, and spiritual foundations of spiritual direction/companionship.
• Apply deep listening, evocative questions, presence, silence, compassion, and empathy to the soul care and spiritual guidance of others.
• Articulate the historical, theological, spiritual, and ethical foundations of spiritual direction/companionship.
• Effectively participate in a one-to-one spiritual direction/companionship session.
• Effectively lead a group spiritual direction/companionship session.
• Effectively teach a contemplative spiritual practice.

Through these outcomes, students are prepared to offer thoughtful spiritual guidance rooted in theological understanding, deep listening, and compassionate presence. If you feel called to accompany others in their spiritual growth and discernment, United’s MAL in Spiritual Direction can help you take the next step. Apply online today and begin preparing for meaningful service in spiritual direction.

Apply Online Today

United’s MAL in Spiritual Direction Degree at a Glance

• Degree: Master of Arts in Leadership
• Concentration: Spiritual Direction
• Total Credits: 48 credits
• Courses: Sixteen 3-credit courses, including a practicum and final project
• Typical Completion Time: Can be completed in approximately two years if you take a full-time course load of 9 credits per trimester
• Learning Format: United’s MAL in Spiritual Direction can be completed online via distance learning or in person. Many courses can be taken completely asynchronously (without live class meetings)

Earn an Online MAL in Spiritual Direction

Earn an MAL in Spiritual Direction online at United and take the next step towards pursuing your calling from anywhere. United’s fully accredited MAL in Spiritual Direction is available fully online, giving students the flexibility to pursue graduate theological education from wherever they are. Through this accessible learning format, students can deepen their spiritual formation, develop practical skills in spiritual guidance, and prepare to lead individuals and groups in meaningful ways. With online coursework designed to support students in a variety of life and ministry contexts, United makes it possible to pursue your calling without uprooting your life.

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