On Campus, Hybrid
Christian Spirituality (Master of Arts)
Grounded in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Christian Spirituality Program (CSP) at Creighton University combines graduate-level study, community learning, and a commitment to apostolic ministry.
Creighton's Theology Department and renowned visiting faculty collaborate to offer one of the nation's most respected graduate programs in the field of Spirituality. For over 50 years, CSP has integrated Ignatian spirituality with other Catholic and Christian spiritual traditions. Students from all Christian traditions are welcome.
After earning this degree, you'll join an alumni network of more than 1,000 students from 40 states and 15 countries, connecting Christian spirituality with the most pressing issues facing the church and 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 can be completed in three years. MA students study together in community for four to five weeks each summer on Creighton’s beautiful campus, and they can take online courses during the fall and spring semesters.
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 paper integrating your academic, spiritual and personal growth within the program.
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.
“The eight-day retreat at Griswold was the most profound of my 15 years as a priest. Through contemplation, evocative prayer and discernment, the program strengthened my personal relationship with God. This experience deepened my compassion, wisdom and authenticity, leaving me eager to return for another retreat.”
— Godwin Akpowho
“The hallmark of this mission-centered program is its integration of academics, faith, prayer and community. CSP invites and evokes a Spirit-filled interconnectedness within the student learning community. Graduates leave with a bittersweet feeling: sad for the program to end but eager to share their gifts with others.”
— Sr. Janice Bachman
“As an international student, Creighton has become my “home” in the US, where I am loved and fully grown academically and spiritually. Immersed in Jesuit teachings, I’ve learned to find God in all things. CSP has deeply influenced my spiritual life, inspiring me to “go, set the world on fire” with passion and zeal for the Kingdom of God.”
— Sr. Lien Chu
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 and/or your academic preparations for the program
- 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 admissions advisor for personalized assistance.
ON-CAMPUS/HYBRID
| START CLASSES IN | APPLY BY |
|---|---|
| August | July 15 |
| January | December 1 |
| June | April 15 |
International students should apply by January 1 to start in June.
Students who start in August and January can take classes online during the fall and spring semesters and can come in person to campus for the summer term.
2025 Summer Schedule
- 4-week term: June 9–July 3
- 1-week term: July 7–July 12
Certificate Options
Creighton University offers a Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction and Directed Retreats for students pursuing formal training and certification in spiritual direction without committing to a full master’s degree program. Options include:
Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction and Directed Retreats (21 credits)
- Ideal for a student with strong pastoral ministry background, this graduate certificate helps students become certified spiritual directors. 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.
- The SDDR Certificate requires summer on-campus residency for three practicum-track courses. Other courses can be taken in-person or online.
