Advanced Continuing Education Certificate in Pastoral Studies

Online Program

The Advanced Continuing Education Certificate in Pastoral Studies helps to prepare students to develop their understanding of themselves and particular areas of service as they deepen their spirituality and earn a further credential. Those who have already earned a 36 CEU credential from the Institute for Ministry or a similar credential may pursue this certificate.

Continuing Education Units

Continuing education units (CEUs) are defined by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools;�� one credit hour equals one CEU. CEUs are recorded on an official Loyola transcript and kept in the permanent records of the university.��Students who study as continuing education students have extensive ministry experience, often in diocesan, school, or parish leadership positions, and have the ability to do the graduate-level reading and discussion. Some CEU students lack the required bachelor’s degree to enroll for the graduate degree, while others already have graduate credentials and do not wish to earn another graduate degree.��

This credential is also available for��

Information Session

Thursday, April 24, 2025 7:00 – 8:00 PM Central Time

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12 Continuing Education Units

Advanced Continuing Education Certificate in Pastoral Studies

Loyola’s Advanced Continuing Education Certificate in Pastoral Studies online consists of 12 continuing education units, which include:

Courses in��Focus area 1��(6 CEUs)
Courses in��Focus area 1��(6 CEUs)

Check out the to view further curriculum information about Loyola's Advanced Continuing Education Certificate in Pastoral Studies. Click to download a program worksheet.

Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

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Focus Area Courses (12 continuing education units)

Students will complete two courses in two Focus Areas of their choosing.�� Focus Areas and courses include:

Christian Spirituality for Ministry

This focus area in Christian spirituality recognizes that theological reflection and ministry are rooted in and foster the minister’s lived relationship with God. The goal of this focus area is to enable students to become familiar with the Christian tradition of spirituality and so enrich their personal and communal lives as ministers. Courses include:

LIM 827: Spirituality for Ministers (3 ceus)
LIM 828: History of Christian Spirituality (3 ceus)

Digital Culture and Ministry

This focus area invites students into the communicative aspects of theology and ministry. Communication is especially relevant in our digital age, for the potential of social and digital media to extend the reach of our ministries requires us all to become professional communicators in the context of our work. Courses include:

LIM 826: Digital Media and Ministry (3 ceus)
LIM 885: Religious Communication (3 ceus)

Marketplace Ministry

The focus area of Marketplace Ministry assists students in reflecting upon the spirituality of work in its various manifestations. Pastoral studies students then explore the meaning and avenues for Christian praxis in the midst of organizational settings in the world of work, beyond church structures. Courses include:

LIM 819: Spirituality and the Theology of Work (3 ceus)
LIM 820: Ministry in the Marketplace (3 ceus)

Pastoral Life and Administration

The focus area in pastoral life and administration helps prepare pastoral leaders for ministry in the growing number of parishes without a resident pastor or to serve as pastoral administrators or assistants on parish teams. Courses include:

LIM 844: Parish Life and Ministry (3 ceus)
LIM 845: Contemporary Issues in Pastoral Ministry (3 ceus)

Religion and Ecology

This focus area explores the natural world as revelatory of God and grapples with the implications of the universe and its story for all people of faith. Courses include:

LIM 813: The Universe as Divine Manifestation (3 ceus)
LIM 814: The Emergent Universe: Our Sacred Story (3 ceus)

Youth and Young Adult Ministry

This focus area introduces students to the dynamic foundations of youth and young adult ministry with an emphasis on the developmental needs of adolescents, young adults, the lived experience of contemporary youth and young adult ministers, the prevalence of social media, and ministry models and practices that best promote healthy Christian development in youth and young adults during these challenging times. Courses include:

LIM 870: Foundations of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (3 ceus)
LIM 876: Youth and Young Adults: Spirituality and Methods of Faith Development (3 ceus)

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