Fordham’s Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education is now offering a graduate certificate in Spiritual Direction for social workers, psychologists, counselors and other professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of spirituality. “People are beginning to realize that spirituality is a real resource for healing,” said Associate Professor Janet Ruffing, R.S.M., Ph.D., the program’s director.
“There are people who already have clinical degrees and would be attracted to the specific focus on spirituality and spiritual direction, but may not necessarily want another master’s degree.” The 18-credit program includes courses such as Theology and Practice of Spiritual Direction, a supervised Practicum in Spiritual Direction and Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Direction Skills. It includes lectures, skills training courses and an internship.
The program can be completed in two to four semesters and courses may be applied to the 36-credit Master’s Degree in Religion and Religious Education. Fordham’s Graduate Institute of Religious Education was founded in 1969 and was raised to the graduate school status in 1975. In addition to the new certificate, the graduate school offers master’s degrees in Religion and Religious Education, Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Care, Education (Religion), and a doctoral degree in Religious Education.
