Academic Program

Title

Master of Arts

Title (short)

MA

Headline

Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality

Degree Type

Master's Degrees

Location/Availability/Method

On Campus

Hybrid

Hero Image

Listing Image

Areas of Interest

Ministry Formation

Intro Text

Gain a deeper understanding of Scripture, the Christian faith and the Ignatian tradition by earning your Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality at Creighton University.

Description

In this program, you’ll combine graduate-level study, personal prayer, shared faith and a commitment to apostolic work. After earning this seminary degree, you’ll be prepared to teach, minister others and address urgent issues facing our world with a response from a Christian perspective.

As a student in the MA in Christian Spirituality program, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of Christianity under the guidance of expert faculty mentors. Our Theology Department faculty are widely published, nationally and internationally recognized, and dedicated to educating graduate students as individuals. Courses focus on Church Tradition and Christian heritage as well as contemporary theology and psychology, with an emphasis throughout on Ignatian Spirituality.

A flexible degree with summer retreats and online learning

The MA in Christian Spirituality is generally completed in three years. Two four-week courses are offered each summer, which are supplemented by online courses in the fall and spring. This hybrid approach makes it easy to fit your biblical studies into your schedule.

Creighton Christian Spirituality Program Eight-Day Retreats

Creighton's Christian Spirituality program conducts an eight-day silent directed retreat to contemplate, relax and enjoy God's work. The retreat is hosted at Creighton University's Retreat Center located near Griswold, Iowa. The directors of the retreat will be Christian Spirituality graduate students trained in the evocative-contemplative approach of spiritual direction and supervised by experienced spiritual directors. The retreats are open to the public.

2022 eight-day retreat date: May 26 to June 4

Transportation to and from the retreat house is available from the Creighton campus for anyone who does not want to drive. To register for the retreat, please reach out to program director, Paul McGreal, by email PaulMcGreal@creighton.edu or phone 402.280.3154.

Application Link

Apply Now

Admissions Representative

Eric Nordmeyer

Featured Information

Statistic Highlight

Statblock - Creighton University awards all Christian Spirituality students a 50 percent tuition remission

Statistic Highlight Image

Statistic Highlight

Statblock - 800+ Graduates across a wide range of ministries

Statistic Highlight Image

Details

PROGRAM DETAILS

Program Goals and Curriculum

This MA in Christian Spirituality is best suited for those already in ministry who would like to grow spiritually. Students learn to provide spiritual direction and lead individually directed retreats in the Ignatian tradition.

To earn this master’s degree, you must complete 33 credits:

An orientation to graduate study, which is held the Sunday before the first day of class
An extended Ignatian retreat before enrolling or during the course of study
Discernment of Spirits: Theory and Practice (offered online)
Scriptural Foundation in Christian Spirituality
One of the following:
- Liturgical Foundation of Christian Spirituality (offered online)
- Doctrinal Foundation of Christian Spirituality (offered online)
One of the following:
- History of Christian Spirituality
- Called to Holiness: The Christian Vocation
- History of Ignatian Tradition (offered online)
One of the following:
- Prayer and Christian Spirituality (offered online)
- Prayer, Intimacy, and True Christian Growth
- Contemplation in the Christian Tradition
One of the following:
- Biblical Roots for Peace and Justice Ministry
- Spirituality and Social Concerns
- Spirituality of Reconciliation: Global and Social Perspectives
Electives – 15 credit hour

View all courses for this program

Creighton University's Theology Department faculty has a number of scholars and teachers who are nationally and internationally recognized for their excellence in teaching and research. The MA in Christian Spirituality draws on this body of faculty to develop spiritual leaders in the Jesuit tradition.

Meet the program faculty

Specific Application Requirements

To be considered for admission to the MA in Christian Spirituality program, applicants must:

Complete an application and submit a $50 application fee
Possess a bachelor’s degree, regardless of field, with 3.0 GPA or higher
Provide official transcripts from all educational institutions attended. Read more about sending transcripts here
Have 12 recent credits in undergraduate theology and two years of regular spiritual direction
Submit a personal statement (see application for specific requirements)
Submit three recommendation letters addressing your life of faith and prayer
Be at least 30 years of age
Share the spiritual goals of the program

A personal interview may be requested in addition to the above requirements. The interview may be conducted in-person or virtually.

International students are welcomed into this program and F-1 visas will be supported upon admission.

International applicants must:

Meet English language proficiency requirements
Complete and submit a Certification of Available Finances Form through the Global Engagement Office if admitted

Tuition and Financial Aid

Creighton University awards all Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality students 50% tuition remissions from standard graduate school tuition. Tuition rates change in the fall of each year. Visit the Tuition and Fees page for more details.

Summer Housing and Meals
Housing is available for students attending on-campus residencies in the summer. This housing consists of a shared suite that includes two private bedrooms, a shared bathroom, a small common living space with some furniture, a microwave and a small refrigerator.

Financial Aid
To help make your graduate studies at Creighton University more affordable, we encourage you to file the FAFSA to apply for financial assistance. We also encourage you to apply for available graduate student scholarships and fellowships.

Learn more about funding your education

Still have questions? Email or call a friendly financial specialist at 402.280.2731 for any additional questions you may have.

Dates and Deadlines

The table below details the enrollment deadlines and starting dates of courses for the current academic year. If you have any questions about dates, deadlines, or application materials, please contact an enrollment specialist for personalized assistance.

ON-CAMPUS/HYBRID

Start Classes In	Apply By
June	May 1

International students should apply by January 1.

Apply Now

CERTIFICATE OPTIONS

Creighton University offers graduate certificates in ministry formation for students who wish to deepen their spiritual understanding without committing to a full master’s degree program. Options include:

Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction and Directed Retreats (18 credits)

Ideal for someone with a strong background in theology, this graduate certificate helps students develop ministerial skills and attitudes. Several of the core courses of the Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality program are included as part of this program.
Credits earned for this graduate certificate can be applied toward a Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality degree.
Available in on-campus or hybrid formats

See the full course listing

Graduate Certificate in Ignatian Tradition (9 credits)

Immerse yourself in the theology and history of the Ignatian tradition. Perfect for anyone employed by a Jesuit university, high school, refugee service, or other institution, this graduate certificate includes a 10-day travel course to Ignatian places of northern Spain, Paris and Rome. This trip incorporates the elements of personal prayer and reflection.
Credits earned for this graduate certificate can be applied toward a Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality degree.
Available in a hybrid format

See the full course listing

Ignatian Tradition (Graduate Certificate)

Catholic School Leadership (Graduate Certificate)

School/College/Department Link

Learn more about the College of Arts and Sciences

School/College/Department

Theology

Arts & Sciences

Next Steps

Next Steps Band – Program Detail A