The Master of Divinity in Spiritual Direction program will provide you with the knowledge and skills required for effectively practicing spiritual direction in both one-on-one and group settings along with generalized training for congregational pastoral care. The degree involves a partnership between United and St. Catherine University, using the St. Kate’s Spiritual Direction certification courses as concentration courses for an MDiv from United. You will engage in theological study and spiritual formation as you prepare for a career providing soul care and spiritual guidance for others.
If you would like to focus on spiritual direction without pursuing ministerial training or ordination, check out the MAL in Spiritual Direction.
This degree program may be a good fit for you if you are interested in:
St. Kate’s Spiritual Direction certification courses are taken at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota. The remaining classes in this program can be taken via distance learning if you choose.
LEARNING OUTCOME |
NUMBER OF COURSES | COURSES |
Formation | 2 | Intro to Spiritual and Personal Formation
Organizational Leadership and Administration |
Religious Texts | 4 | Hebrew Bible 1: Orientation
Hebrew Bible 2: Contextualized Interpretation New Testament 1: Epistles, Acts, and Revelation New Testament 2: Four Gospels |
Theological Tradition | 4 | Religious and Theological Interpretation
History of Christian Theologies History of Modern Theologies Constructive Theology |
Ethics/Justice | 2 | Choose two:
|
Cultural Contextualization | 1 | Choose one:
|
Arts and Theology | 1 | Choose one:
|
Social Transformation | 1 | Leadership and Strategies for Social Change |
Integration | 1 | Capstone Seminar |
CORE SUBTOTAL |
16 | |
Vocational Contextualization & Skills | 8 | Preaching and Your Public Voice
One United Elective THEO6740 Introduction to Spiritual Direction* (2 credits) THEO6750 Foundational Issues in Spiritual Direction* (2 credits) Choose two: (4 credits): THEO6780 Spirituality and Life Stages* (2 credits) THEO6790 Jung and Spiritual Guidance* (2 credits) THEO6820 The Art of Discernment* (2 credits) Choose one: (4 credits): THEO6440 History of Spirituality I* (4 credits) THEO6540 History of Spirituality II* (4 credits) THEO7764 Spiritual Direction Practicum* (4 credits) Choose one:
|
CONCENTRATION SUBTOTAL |
8 | |
DEGREE TOTAL |
24 |
* Consortium courses taken through the St. Catherine University.
** Although not specifically required for degree completion, Interreligious Pastoral and Spiritual Care must be completed to be eligible for CPE registration.
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