Christian Spirituality

The advanced certificate in Christian spirituality program is for those who wish to deepen their understanding of Christian spirituality. Students may complete the program for faith formation, personal enrichment, or to aid their ministry work in houses of worship. The certificate can also serve an introduction to our M.A. in Christian spirituality or our programs in religious education, pastoral mental health counseling, and pastoral ministry. Successful completion of the certificate program will grant you admission to the M.A. in Christian spirituality.

• Choose one of three degree program concentrations: spiritual direction, research, or generalist.
• Teach and learn with our renowned faculty and international students from more than twenty countries.
• Take courses at the member schools of the New York Theological Consortium.
• Prepare for doctoral work by pursuing the research concentration. 
• Consider becoming an accredited spiritual director; pursue the concentration in spiritual direction.
• Be enriched by spiritual retreats and campus ministry experiences.

• Academic Transcripts: All transcripts from previously attended post-secondary institutions MUST be submitted in English, or be accompanied by a certified English translation. Transcripts and credentials conversion information is available on the GSAS International Students page.
• Letters of Recommendation: When communicating with your recommendation letter writers, please provide them with at least one month’s advance notice to submit their recommendations. You will enter each recommendation provider’s name and email address directly into the online application. They will be notified electronically of your request. Please note: you may submit your application even if the submission of your recommendation letters is still in progress.
   
• Statement of Purpose/Intent: Can be submitted directly in the online application. Requirements for the statement may vary by program. Please see individual program requirements.
   
• Resume/CV: Can be submitted directly in the online application
   
• Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE scores): Due to the impact of COVID-19 on standardized testing, submission of GRE scores is optional/not required for select GSAS programs for the 2022-2023 application. However, some programs are still requiring the GRE. Please see the admissions information/requirements page on the individual program pages to determine if the GRE is optional/not required, required, or not accepted at all for your chosen program. Students who do not submit GRE scores will not be at any disadvantage in the process.

• Spiritual director
• Retreat facilitator
• Chaplain
• Religion teacher
• Parish or diocesan faith formation leader
• Archivist

Thank you for your interest in Fordham University's graduate programs. Please note that in addition to the application found here, each program has its own admission requirements. Please check the webpage of the program to which you are applying, or consult with the program director, to be sure you are including the proper documentation with your application.

Once you begin your application, you may save it and return to it at a later time.