Pastoral Counseling, C.A.S.

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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.

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 advanced-level didactic and supervisory experiences. 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:

identify the areas of professional growth that would advance their understanding of the field of professional counseling, specifically pastoral counseling;
function as advanced-level clinicians with the ability to form clinical relationships with a variety of clients using advanced levels skills;
demonstrate an advanced-level of 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 safe place;
demonstrate advanced-level 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 work toward member status in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC), 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:

To apply for AAPC membership, students must also include PC 805 and PC 806 to their program of study.

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