Advance Your Calling with a Spiritual Direction Certification from United

If you feel called to help others deepen their spiritual lives, a spiritual direction certification can help you turn your calling into action. United’s Certificate 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.

Designed for those who feel called to support the spiritual growth of others, this program provides the theological foundation, practical skills, and personal development necessary to make a meaningful impact. This program addresses the increasing demands for credentials and competency in the field. For those who want focused spiritual direction training without pursuing a master’s degree, this flexible certificate program (available online and in person) is an ideal choice.

Discover Where a Spiritual Direction Certificate Can Take You

A Certificate in Spiritual Direction can open the door to meaningful work in a variety of ministry, wellness, and community settings. As a graduate of this program, you can pursue a career either in non-ordained church ministry with a specialty in spiritual direction or a spiritual direction vocation outside of the congregational context. Settings for spiritual directors include churches and other congregations, retreat centers, wellness centers, and independently in your home or office. The contemplative skills gained through participation in this program are transferable to a wide variety of other helping professions.

Explore More Spiritual Direction Programs

United is proud to offer a range of spiritual direction programs to prepare students for their ideal career path. If you would like to receive more comprehensive ministerial training at a master’s level, check out the MAL in Spiritual Direction or the MDiv in Spiritual Direction. Credits earned through this certificate program can be applied towards completion of a master’s level spiritual direction degree.

Certificate Overview

Program Details

Required Credits

To graduate with a Certificate in Spiritual Direction, you will be required to complete a total of 15 credits at a reduced tuition per credit hour. This typically involves the completion of five 3-credit courses, including a practicum. All courses can be applied towards the completion of United’s MAL or MDiv in Spiritual Direction.

Time to Complete

This 15-credit program can be completed within 2 years on a part-time course load. Certificate students will be required to participate in ongoing sessions with a spiritual director during the program and create and carry out a spiritual formation plan under their direct supervision.

Distance Learning

At United, you can earn a Spiritual Direction certificate online from wherever you are. All Spiritual Direction courses are offered synchronously only. Only the required elective course can be taken asynchronously (without timed class meetings).

Explore Distance Learning >

Learning Outcomes

The program emphasizes both personal formation and practical application, helping you grow as a spiritual companion while developing skills you can use with individuals and groups. You’ll be prepared to serve others with greater presence, empathy, and intention. A graduate of United’s Certificate in Spiritual Direction program will be able to:

  • 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.
  • Apply deep listening, evocative questions, presence, silence, compassion, and empathy to the soul care and spiritual guidance of others.
  • Apply the Guidelines for Ethical Conduct to their professional role as a spiritual director/companion.
  • 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.
  • Demonstrate skills and articulate strategies for providing effective spiritual care for those experiencing trauma in a variety of given situations.

By combining reflective practice with practical, hands-on preparation, this program helps you build the confidence, skills, and experience needed to move from an interest in spiritual direction to meaningful practice in your community.

Earn a Certificate in Spiritual Direction Online or In-Person & Put Your Calling into Practice

Whether you choose to study online or in-person, United’s spiritual direction certificate provides an enriching learning experience designed to help you grow personally and effectively prepare for impactful work as a spiritual director. If you’re looking to turn your calling to support others’ spiritual development into a meaningful practice, this program is your next step. Apply online today and put your calling into practice.

Program Course Guide Sheet

For Academic Year 2026–2027

COURSE
 CREDITS
The Art of Discernment 3
Spiritual Direction/Companionship 1 3
Spiritual Direction/Companionship 2 3
Spiritual Direction Practicum (two terms) 3
One elective course (approved by the Director of Spiritual Direction) 3
TOTAL 15

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Certificate in Spiritual Direction FAQs

Can I get a Certificate of Spiritual Direction online at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities?

United’s Certificate in Spiritual Direction includes courses that are offered synchronously, meaning students participate in live, scheduled online class sessions. This format allows for real-time interaction, discussion, and formation in the community. While the program offers online access, students should plan to attend live virtual sessions as part of their spiritual direction training experience.

 

What can I do with a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from United?

Graduates of our program are equipped to support others in their spiritual growth and personal discernment serving as spiritual directors in congregational contexts, retreat centers, wellness ministries, or independent practice. The contemplative skills and theological grounding gained can also be applied in counseling, pastoral care, and other ministry roles that value spiritual direction training.

 

How long does it take to earn a Certificate in Spiritual Direction?

The Certificate in Spiritual Direction at United can typically be completed in two years, depending on course load and specific supervised experience requirements.

 

Why do students choose United’s Certificate in Spiritual Direction program?

Students often choose this spiritual direction certification at United because it combines theological depth with practical contemplative skills training, preparing them to accompany others spiritually while also enhancing ministry and pastoral capacities. This certificate also integrates this training into broader degree pathways and provides community‑based learning experiences that support formation.

 

Is United’s Certificate in Spiritual Direction considered among the best spiritual direction programs?

While “best” will depend on individual goals and context, United’s certificate is rooted in theological and supervised practice components and can be paired with other graduate degrees, making us a strong option for those seeking spiritual direction training that balances academic integrity with real‑world application.

 

What is the difference between a spiritual direction certificate and full ordination?

A spiritual direction certificate equips students with the skills to guide others spiritually, focusing on listening, discernment, and contemplative practices. It is a professional or ministry credential and does not replace ordination, which involves broader theological, pastoral, and ecclesial requirements.

 

Can I combine a spiritual direction certificate online with other United degree programs?

Yes! Credits received in United’s Certificate in Spiritual Direction can be applied to graduate degrees like the MDiv or MAL, allowing students to earn a recognized spiritual direction certification alongside their degree studies.

 

Is prior ministry experience required for a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from United?

No formal ministry experience is required, but students should have a readiness for self-reflection, listening, and spiritual engagement. The program is designed for individuals from a variety of backgrounds seeking to grow in spiritual accompaniment skills.

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