Pastoral Counseling, C.A.S.

C.A.S. Candidates

Applicants for the Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.S.) in Pastoral Counseling must have completed a master's degree from an accredited college or university in counseling, psychology, or a closely related field.

The C.A.S. offers advanced-level didactic courses, integrating seminars, intensive in-depth supervisory experiences, and an optional internship experience designed to meet student's career/licensure objectives. Students employed in the counseling field may submit their work for consideration as an optional internship. If approved, the certificate program enriches the work experience with didactic and supervisory experiences in pastoral counseling. The certificate program prepares the candidate for advanced-level practice as a pastoral counselor.

Learning Aims

As a result of successfully completing the program, students will be able to:

function as advanced-level clinicians with the ability to form clinical relationships with a variety of clients using pastoral counseling skills;
demonstrate the ability to identify spiritual issues as they present themselves, accept others' points of view concerning religious, spiritual, and faith issues and to assist clients to explore their own issues in a therapeutic manner;
demonstrate self-reflection through seeking opportunities to learn and grow in situations that require contemplation and deliberation of current behavior, thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, especially as these areas intersect with multicultural differences;
demonstrate ethical behavior as clinicians.

Degree Requirements

Degree requirements and course offerings are detailed in the following sections. For additional information on a specific degree, please contact the Pastoral Counseling Department.

Program of Study

The C.A.S. requires the satisfactory completion of 30 credits and provides an opportunity for a post-master's internship experience of 1,000 hours. It provides an opportunity to obtain certification by the National Academy of Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselors (NACCMHC), certification by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), and state licensure or certification.

Non-Loyola pastoral counseling M.S. graduates who do not have master's level theology, are required to take the following courses:

Notes:

For information about the estimated costs, related standard occupations, and normal completion time for this program, visit www.loyola.edu/department/consumer-information.