Christian Spirituality (Master of Arts)
Gain a deeper understanding of Christian, Catholic, and Ignatian spirituality by earning your Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality at Creighton University.
Grounded in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, this program combines graduate-level study, personal prayer, community learning, and a commitment to apostolic work. After earning this degree, you'll be prepared to teach, minister to others, lead retreats, engage in spiritual direction, and integrate Christian spirituality with the most pressing issues facing the church and the world today.
Creighton offers a 50% tuition discount to help support and encourage students to engage in this mission-centered program. The program addresses one of the four universal apostolic preferences of the Society of Jesus, namely to "show the way to God through the Spiritual Exercises and Discernment."
As a student in the MA in Christian Spirituality Program (CSP), you will develop a deeper understanding of the Christian tradition through the lens of Ignatian spirituality. Internationally renowned visiting faculty collaborate with Creighton's Theology Department faculty to offer one of the nation's oldest and most respected graduate programs in the field of Spirituality. Although the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises lay at the foundation of CSP, the program also integrates a variety of other Catholic and Christian spiritual traditions as well as courses on Scripture, Church history, Christian doctrine, social justice and psychology.
A flexible, hybrid degree with summer retreats, in person community, and online learning.
The MA in Christian Spirituality is generally completed in three years. Students learn together in community for four to five weeks each summer on Creighton's beautiful campus, followed by online courses during the fall and spring semesters. Upon graduation, you will join a highly diverse alumni community of nearly 1,000 students in over forty states and fifteen countries.
Creighton Christian Spirituality Program Eight-Day Retreat
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 are CSP graduate students trained in the evocative-contemplative approach of spiritual direction and supervised by experiences spiritual directors. The retreats are open to the public.
2023 Eight-Day Retreat Date: Tuesday, May 30 to Thursday, June 8
For questions about the retreat or other non-admissions related questions, contact csp@creighton.edu.
New 2023 Summer Schedule: New and returning student orientation will be held on Friday, June 9. A single, four-week term with three-credit classes will run from Monday, June 12 through Saturday, July 8. Creighton will also offer an optional one-week term with one-credit classes from Monday, July 10 through Saturday, July 15.
Program Details
Program Goals and Curriculum
This MA in Christian Spirituality is best suited for those with a background in theology and/or ministry who are looking for a more focused degree in the field of Spirituality. To earn this Master's degree, you must complete 33 credits, including at least one course within each of the following areas: Ignatian Studies, Scripture, History, Prayer, Social Concern, and Human Development. You will also complete a thesis project integrating your learnings across areas.
Faculty
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.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the MA in Christian Spirituality program, applicants must:
- Complete an application
- 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
- Possess suitable academic, pastoral, and/or ministerial background that prepares you for an MA program in Spirituality, including 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 for the on-campus summer requirements.
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 & Financial Aid
Creighton University awards all Spiritual Direction and Directed Retreats students 50% tuition discount from the standard graduate school tuition. This discount is reflected on the financial aid page. Tuition rates change in the fall of each year. Visit our financial aid page for more details. Students must apply and be accepted for scholarship assistance by January 15.
To be considered for scholarship assistance for the upcoming academic year, new students must apply and be accepted to the program by January 15. Students must reapply for scholarship support each year.
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.
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 | April 1 |
International students should apply by January 1.
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
