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Master's in Spiritual Care

The Master’s Degree in Spiritual Care is designed for students who are seeking additional preparation for pastoral ministry or seeking to complement another helping profession with spiritual care education. This one-year program includes onsite and online coursework and is built on the foundation of STM undergraduate programs.

Graduates will be equipped to serve in a variety of positions across church leadership, education, and community service organizations and also be eligible for ongoing mentoring after graduation through our Pastoral Flourishing program.

Why Pursue My Master’s in Spiritual Care at IWU?

This IWU master’s degree program emphasizes practical application and experience. Deepen your understanding, broaden your foundation, and connect the classroom to a life of Christian faithfulness. Students in the undergraduate Pastoral Ministries (Kern) Program can earn up to nine credits toward this master’s degree. You can complete your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in four years instead of five to seven. Faculty in the School of Theology and Ministry love to connect with students and invest in their spiritual, academic, and personal growth. Students will encounter theology professors who care about them and are invested in their education and faith.

What Will I Learn in this MA in Spiritual Care Program?

Throughout this Spiritual Care master’s degree program, students will participate in classes which pertain to their unique specialization. The Pastoral Counseling specialization prepares students to provide biblically grounded counsel, the Congregational Formation specialization prepares students to lead care and discipleship ministries, and the Human Services specialization prepares students to care for people and communities in need. This program is built on a foundation of spiritual formation, practical ministry, and biblical and theological studies to ensue all students develop the skills needed to succeed.

What Makes IWU Different?

Education Pioneer

IWU has provided on-campus education for more than 100 years.

Rooted in Christ

Faith-integrated curriculum and a commitment to changing the world.

Superior Support

Center for Student Success for counseling, tutoring, and more!

What You Will Study in this Master’s in Spiritual Care Program

The curriculum for the Master’s in Spiritual Care Program covers:

  • Articulation of a spectrum of Christian positions, as well as one’s own position on biblical, theological, and social issues
  • Appraisal of major theories and practices of pastoral care, counseling, and spiritual formation
  • Demonstration of specialized skills either in the area of pastoral counseling, congregational formation, or human services
  • Development of a formational attitude toward spiritual care that is integrated into one’s personal faith

...
After Graduation
Potential Careers

  • Pastor
  • Discipleship Pastor
  • Spiritual Director
  • Pastoral Counselor
  • Mental Health Counselor
  • Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Chaplain
  • Social Worker
  • School Counselor


Work in Various Industries

  • Industry

Program Requirements

Required Undergraduate GPA: 3.0 or higher

Graduate of an Undergraduate Ministerial Program.

Required ministerial competencies:

Pastoral Counseling and Human Services Specializations

  • Bible (6 hours of undergraduate coursework)
  • Theology and Philosophy (6 hours of undergraduate coursework)

Congregational Care Specialization

  • Bible (6 hours of undergraduate coursework)
  • Theology and Philosophy (6 hours of undergraduate coursework)
  • Christian Education (3 hours of undergraduate coursework)
  • Worship (3 hours of undergraduate coursework)
  • Completion of 120 semester hours; however, some majors may result in the student earning greater than 120 credit hours by graduation.
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
  • Completion of the designated semester hours in the major area with a GPA of 2.25 or higher as required by the major. Additional requirements as prescribed by each department must also be met.
  • Completion of all general education requirements
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Accreditation

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org, 312-263-0456. Other accreditations and associations of Indiana Wesleyan University are available at www.indwes.edu/about/iwu-profile/accreditation.

Take the Next Step

Ready to jumpstart your career? Apply now! Or, if you have any questions about the program, contact us via the Request Info button.

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