Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Counseling - Pastoral at Loyola University Chicago is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at Loyola University Chicago. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in interdisciplinary studies, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 48 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in interdisciplinary studies.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at Loyola University Chicago.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Interdisciplinary Studies.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 48 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Pastoral Counseling: Career Connections
The MAPC program has a proud history of preparing exceptional pastoral counselors who have gone on to fulfilling positions in a wide range of settings.
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, you’ll have access to our comprehensive array of career advising services, resume assistance, mock interviews, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center , as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for clergy and other specific careers and fields that interest you.
Program Curriculum
Program Structure
The pastoral counseling degree is a 60-hour, three-year program that can be pursued full-time or part-time, with part-time students typically completing coursework in four to five years. The program is structured to best meet current licensure requirements of the state of Illinois and respond to developing nationwide trends toward interstate licensure portability. In-person classes are held weekday evenings at Loyola's Water Tower Campus , conveniently located off the Red Line in the heart of Chicago. Courses can be completed fully online, or through a blended delivery option.
Admission Requirements
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Pastoral Counseling MA include:
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- 3.0 Minimum GPA
- Statement of Purpose
Statement of Purpose Details
Please submit a 1,500-word essay describing your personal, educational, professional, and ministerial background and how these have prepared you for the specific MA or Certificate program for which you have applied. In your essay, also address the following:
- Prior undergraduate or graduate study in theology or philosophy, if any
- The ways in which your professional life and any volunteer service have emphasized spiritually, community and social justice
- A theological book(s) that has helped to shape your understanding of your proposed vocation and course of study
- Your vision of ministry, your strengths relative to this vocation, significant influences on your faith life (including ministerial mentors or role models), and the professional context in which you see yourself working upon completion of your program
- Why you are choosing to pursue this degree at Loyola's IPS
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 788/year (international)
Accelerated Master's Pathway Cost Benefit
This program has an Accelerated Master's Pathway (AMP) for current Loyola undergraduates . Through the AMP, you can lower the cost of a master's degree by earning graduate credits at undergraduate tuition rates (before your undergraduate degree is conferred). Once you graduate with your bachelor’s degree, you will also be eligible for the Returning Rambler Scholarship , offering 25% off graduate tuition.
Tuition and Costs
Program Credit Hours Cost Per Credit Hour Estimated Tuition and Fees Pastoral Counseling MA 60 $925.00 $ 55500 .00
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
Institute of Pastoral Studies Financial Aid & Scholarships
More information about financial aid opportunities can be found on the Institute of Pastoral Studies Financial Aid page .
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Financial Aid & Funding Opportunities
A range of funding options may be available to students enrolling at Loyola University Chicago. Explore all options early — many scholarships have deadlines months before programme start.
- University Scholarships: Loyola University Chicago may offer merit-based, need-based, or programme-specific scholarships for postgraduate students. Contact the international or financial aid office for current awards.
- Government Scholarships (): National governments often fund outbound and inbound student mobility. Check your home country's government scholarship schemes (e.g., national student loan bodies, ministry of education awards).
- International Scholarships: Major funders include: Commonwealth Scholarships, Fulbright (USA programmes), Chevening (UK), Erasmus+ (Europe), DAAD (Germany), Campus France, Australia Awards, and many more.
- Employer Sponsorship: Professionals returning to study may negotiate tuition sponsorship with their employer, particularly for MBA or executive programmes.
- Graduate Assistantships / Fellowships: Some universities offer funded research or teaching assistant positions that include a stipend and partial or full tuition waiver.
- External Foundations: Rotary Foundation, Aga Khan Foundation, Ford Foundation, and many discipline-specific bodies fund postgraduate study globally.
- Payment Plans: Flexible instalment plans may allow you to spread tuition payments across the academic year.
About Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, United States
Loyola University Chicago is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields....
University Profile- Language English
- Duration 48 months
- Credits 60–120 ECTS (confirm with the university)