Master of Arts (M.A.) in Spiritual Direction
Study online, on campus or a combination of both. Receive 100+ hours of direct, hands-on training!
With Merrimack’s spiritual direction master’s program, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to accompany people of all faiths on their spiritual journeys.
Spiritual Direction Master's Degree at a Glance
Mode of Study
Online, On-campus, Hybrid
Est. Time
2 years full-time (part-time study available)
Start Terms
Fall, Spring
View Application Deadlines
Credits
32
Evening Classes
Available
Accreditation
Fellowships
Not Applicable
Scholarships
Dean Scholarship &
Alumni Scholarship
Graduate & Doctoral Programs Virtual Information Session
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
from 6:00 pm
to 7:00 pm
Learn about Merrimack College's graduate community, your program's curriculum, the application process, financial aid, professional opportunities, fellowships and more!
Master of Arts in Spiritual Direction Tuition
Credits
Per Credit
Average Tuition Cost
Tuition for 2025-2026. Rates are subject to change.
Typical Tuition Savings for the M.A. in Spiritual Direction
Merrimack College offers generous scholarship opportunities to offset your graduate tuition.
Double Warrior Alumni Scholarships are awarded to all Merrimack College alumni, covering $6,547, or 33% of tuition, for recent graduates (25% for previously graduated alumni).
Dean Scholarships are merit-based awards offered to eligible graduate students who are not alumni of Merrimack College. These scholarships vary in amount and are awarded based on academic achievement and potential.
Visit the page below to find all up-to-date tuition and fees information.
Overview of Merrimack's M.A. in Spiritual Direction
Merrimack’s Master of Arts in Spiritual Direction prepares students to accompany individuals on spiritual journeys, drawing from diverse religious traditions and practices. The program blends Catholic theology with insights from Jewish, Protestant, Muslim, and Eastern spiritual teachings, fostering an inclusive, ecumenical approach to spiritual guidance. Students engage in hands-on training, and benefit from personalized mentorship in a close-knit, supportive community. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers in chaplaincy, counseling, spiritual leadership, and community outreach, making a positive impact across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and the arts.
During the spiritual direction master’s program, you’ll gain extensive experience and build proficiency as a listener, counselor, teacher and mentor. You’ll practice these roles through a pair of two-semester courses, held concurrently:
Seminars in spiritual life that foster individual and group reflection on the experience of acting as a spiritual director.
A year-long spiritual direction practicum, in which you’ll provide spiritual direction for one or two individuals under close faculty supervision.
Why Choose the M.A. in Spiritual Direction at Merrimack?
PRACTICAL AND RELEVANT
In Merrimack College’s spiritual direction master’s program, you’ll learn to guide people of all faiths on journeys of spiritual exploration. The program equips you with specific techniques to help people discover meaning in their lives, embrace codes of ethical behavior and exert a positive influence on their communities and environment.
INTERFAITH AND INTERDISCIPLINARY
Unlike many spiritual direction training programs, our master’s degree takes an inclusive approach that applies to all faiths. Along with Catholic theology (which aligns with Merrimack’s institutional mission), the curriculum draws upon Jewish, Protestant, Muslim and Eastern spiritual traditions. Our spiritual direction program caters equally to ordained clergy and laypersons.
COLLABORATIVE AND COMMUNITY-ORIENTED
Like all academic programs on Merrimack’s close-knit campus, our master’s degree in spiritual direction fosters strong relationships among classmates and faculty. You’ll belong to a welcoming community of fellow spiritual seekers who support, encourage and constructively challenge each other.
EXPERIENCE-BASED
Spiritual direction can only be learned through direct, hands-on practice. Merrimack provides you with two semesters (totaling more than 100 hours) of supervised training in spiritual direction, with ongoing feedback and reflection from faculty and fellow students.
Career Outlook: Where Can a M.A. in Spiritual Direction Take You?
Average Annual Salary
for Spiritual Directors in 2025
Hold a Master’s Degree
among clergy members
10:1
Estimated 20-year ROI*
Source: Career Explorer, Salary.com, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2025
*Estimated Return on Investment (ROI) based on average salary for roles with a Spiritual Direction master’s degree in relation to Merrimack’s stated tuition for the program, and a potential salary increase of $10k over 20 years. Actual results will vary depending on career path, location, and individual circumstances.
Jobs with a Spiritual Direction Master's Degree
Merrimack College’s spiritual direction master’s degree aligns with modern attitudes about spirituality, religion and tolerance. The desire for a greater spiritual dimension in daily life is increasing around the world, both within and outside of organized religious faiths. Spiritual directors are uniquely qualified to meet this demand, helping individuals understand their own spirituality and bring a sense of purpose to their lives.
Many ordained clergy offer spiritual direction as one part of their official capacities. However, a growing number of practitioners are lay people who have devoted themselves to serious study and contemplation. Some offer spiritual direction as part of a broader practice in counseling, teaching or community leadership.
- Religious congregations
- Nursing homes
- Universities and schools
- Community centers
- Military support association
- Spiritual retreats
- Arts communities
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
Where Merrimack's M.A. in Spiritual Direction Graduates Work
Spiritual Director
Youth Minister
Hospital Chaplain
College Campus Minister
What Our M.A. in Spiritual Direction Students and Alumni Say
Listen to Podcast Episode
Listen to Podcast Episode
What You'll Learn in Merrimack's M.A. in Spiritual Direction
Key Courses You'll Take
Topics and Method in the Study of Spirituality
RTS 5010
- Exploration of spirituality across religious traditions, texts, and practices, with a focus on definitions, religion’s role, and theological perspectives.
- Topics include Christian spirituality, mysticism (Western and Eastern), spirituality outside organized religion, and influential schools like the Augustinian tradition.
- Examination of ecological and embodied spirituality, along with the purpose and practice of spiritual direction.
Spirituality and Social Justice
RTS 5030
- Exploration of interiority, the search for meaning, and themes from Catholic Social Teaching, including human dignity, rights, the common good, and social justice.
- Examination of these themes across various spiritual traditions.
- Special focus on their roots in the teachings of the Hebrew Prophets.
Spirituality in a Religiously Diverse World
RTS 5040
Master of Arts in Spiritual Direction Curriculum
View Full Curriculum from the Graduate Catalog
Spiritual Direction Requirements
To see more details about the program, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.Skills You'll Learn
Merrimack’s Master of Arts in Spiritual Direction integrates coursework from a variety of disciplines and religious traditions. During this program, you’ll examine spiritual texts, spiritual practices, and forms of spiritual expression through history and across cultures.
Our spiritual direction program also explores the relationships among religion, philosophy, and concepts such as social justice and universal human rights. As part of its Catholic and Augustinian educational mission, Merrimack emphasizes religious diversity and tolerance, encouraging respect for the integrity of all traditions and faiths.
Students gain hands-on experience during their practicum, offering spiritual direction to at least two individuals under supervision. Practicum courses include bi-weekly group discussions with peers and a supervisor, guided by readings and reflective dialogue on their experiences. Additionally, students attend regular one-on-one supervisory meetings based on their journals, notes, and verbatims.
Graduate and Post-Graduate Certificates in Spiritual Direction
Merrimack College also offers four graduate certificates and one post-graduate certificate in spiritual direction that can be taken fully online, fully on campus, or a combination of both. Not only are all of these certificates a great way to build your skills and credentials, our graduate certificates are also “stackable” – the credits you earn in these programs can be transferred directly into the M.A. in Spiritual Direction with the same cost per credit!
View the expandable menu below for the description and curriculum requirements for each.
Certificate in Spirituality and Chaplaincy
The Certificate in Spirituality and Chaplaincy prepares students to provide compassionate, faith-informed care across a variety of settings. Students gain meaningful, real-world experience through Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), completing their hours under the mentorship of hospital administrators and certified supervisors. These hands-on placements allow them to apply classroom learning to real-life spiritual care, developing both professional and personal insight while receiving ongoing support from experienced mentors. The courses in this certificate explore spirituality across diverse faith traditions, sacred texts, and contemporary practices, helping students deepen their understanding of themselves and others. In addition to hospital-based placements, hospice and other approved pastoral settings may count toward the practicum requirement, offering flexibility for students to pursue experiences that align with their calling and career goals.
Program Requirements: 4 courses (16 credits)
Required Courses:
- RTS 6010 – Chaplaincy Internship I
- RTS 6011 – Chaplaincy Internship II
- RTS 5010 – Introduction to Methods and the Study of Spirituality or RTS 5020 – Christian Spirituality
Elective:
- One graduate-level course in Spirituality
Certificate in Spirituality and Wellness
The Certificate in Spirituality and Wellness bridges the connection between mind, body, and spirit, integrating spirituality with mental health and holistic healing practices. Agnostic of any specific religion, this certificate is designed for professionals in healthcare, counseling, and related fields, and empowers graduates to cultivate cultural awareness and provide compassionate, spiritually informed care.
Through a blend of theory and practice, students explore the powerful role spirituality plays in overall health and healing. The coursework in this certificate introduces approaches such as spiritual assessment, mindfulness, yoga, and wellness-based clinical care, offering a well-rounded foundation for supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. Whether enhancing your current practice or preparing for new opportunities in holistic and mental health fields, this program provides the tools to foster genuine connection and whole-person healing.
Program Requirements: 4 courses (16 credits)
Required Courses:
- RTS5010 – Introduction to Methods and the Study of Spirituality or RTS5020 – Christian Spirituality
- CMH5130 – Diversity and Culture in Counseling or other approved CMH or SC course
- CMH5060 – Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling or other approved CMH or SC course
Elective:
- One graduate-level course in Spirituality
Certificate in Interfaith Spirituality
The Graduate Certificate in Interfaith Spirituality offers an accessible and flexible path for students of all faiths to explore the world’s spiritual traditions. Rooted in Merrimack’s legacy of interfaith dialogue, the program combines academic study with personal reflection to deepen understanding and connection across cultures. Students examine topics such as religious diversity, social justice, and contemporary spirituality, guided by expert faculty. Ideal for professionals in education, healthcare, ministry, and counseling, this 16-credit program can stand alone or be applied toward a master’s degree in spirituality.
Program Requirements: 4 courses (16 credits)
Choose one of the following:
- RTS5010 – Method and Topics in the Study of Spirituality
- RTS5020 – Christian Spirituality
- RTS5030 – Spirituality and Social Justice
- RTS5040 – Spirituality in a Religiously Diverse World
3 Graduate Courses in RTS chosen from above or below in consultation with the Director:
- RTS5600 – Seminar in the Spiritual Life I
- RTS5601 – Seminar in the Spiritual Life II
- RTS 5025 Spirituality of the Pellagrinaggio
- RTS5750 – Independent Research
Certificate in Spiritual Direction
The Certificate in Spiritual Direction prepares students to guide others on their spiritual journeys through hands-on experience and interdisciplinary coursework. Designed for those called to help others deepen their faith, the program combines academic study with real-world practicum opportunities, blending spirituality, counseling, and reflective practice. With small class sizes, expert faculty, and flexible options—including fall or spring start dates, evening and daytime courses, and 20 total credits—students receive personalized mentorship and practical training. Graduates emerge as empowered spiritual directors, equipped with the insight and skills to counsel, support, and inspire others in their spiritual growth.
Program Requirements
Complete the following course (four credits):
- RTS 5040 Spirituality in a Religiously Diverse world
Seminar in Spiritual Life
Complete the following two required courses (eight credits):
- RTS 5600 – Seminar in the Spiritual Life I
- RTS 5601 – Seminar in the Spiritual Life II (another RTS graduate course may be chosen in consultation with the Director)
Practicum
Complete the following two required courses (eight credits) under supervision:
- RTS 5650 – Practicum in Spiritual Direction I
- RTS 5651 – Practicum in Spiritual Direction II
Post-Master’s Certificate in Spirituality and Research
The Post-Master’s Certificate in Spirituality and Research offers students the opportunity to explore spirituality through rigorous, independent research within a supportive academic community. Designed for those who already have a master’s degree and are looking to deepen their expertise, the program promotes advanced study, critical inquiry, and meaningful dialogue across diverse perspectives. Students develop the skills to conduct and present original research that contributes to the growing field of spirituality studies, building a foundation for publication, professional advancement, or continued doctoral work.
Program Requirements: 4 courses (16 credits)
Required Courses:
- RTS5750 – Independent Research or RTS5710 – Special Topics in Spirituality
(Both courses are repeatable for credit.)
Additional Coursework:
- Students may select additional existing courses offered at the college, provided they were not applied toward a previous degree or certificate.
Research Focus:
- Through these courses, students will design and complete research projects on specific topics within the field of spirituality.
Certificate in Spirituality and Chaplaincy
Certificate in Spirituality and Chaplaincy
The Certificate in Spirituality and Chaplaincy prepares students to provide compassionate, faith-informed care across a variety of settings. Students gain meaningful, real-world experience through Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), completing their hours under the mentorship of hospital administrators and certified supervisors. These hands-on placements allow them to apply classroom learning to real-life spiritual care, developing both professional and personal insight while receiving ongoing support from experienced mentors. The courses in this certificate explore spirituality across diverse faith traditions, sacred texts, and contemporary practices, helping students deepen their understanding of themselves and others. In addition to hospital-based placements, hospice and other approved pastoral settings may count toward the practicum requirement, offering flexibility for students to pursue experiences that align with their calling and career goals.
Program Requirements: 4 courses (16 credits)
Required Courses:
- RTS 6010 – Chaplaincy Internship I
- RTS 6011 – Chaplaincy Internship II
- RTS 5010 – Introduction to Methods and the Study of Spirituality or RTS 5020 – Christian Spirituality
Elective:
- One graduate-level course in Spirituality
Certificate in Spirituality and Wellness
Certificate in Spirituality and Wellness
The Certificate in Spirituality and Wellness bridges the connection between mind, body, and spirit, integrating spirituality with mental health and holistic healing practices. Agnostic of any specific religion, this certificate is designed for professionals in healthcare, counseling, and related fields, and empowers graduates to cultivate cultural awareness and provide compassionate, spiritually informed care.
Through a blend of theory and practice, students explore the powerful role spirituality plays in overall health and healing. The coursework in this certificate introduces approaches such as spiritual assessment, mindfulness, yoga, and wellness-based clinical care, offering a well-rounded foundation for supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. Whether enhancing your current practice or preparing for new opportunities in holistic and mental health fields, this program provides the tools to foster genuine connection and whole-person healing.
Program Requirements: 4 courses (16 credits)
Required Courses:
- RTS5010 – Introduction to Methods and the Study of Spirituality or RTS5020 – Christian Spirituality
- CMH5130 – Diversity and Culture in Counseling or other approved CMH or SC course
- CMH5060 – Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling or other approved CMH or SC course
Elective:
- One graduate-level course in Spirituality
Certificate in Interfaith Spirituality
Certificate in Interfaith Spirituality
The Graduate Certificate in Interfaith Spirituality offers an accessible and flexible path for students of all faiths to explore the world’s spiritual traditions. Rooted in Merrimack’s legacy of interfaith dialogue, the program combines academic study with personal reflection to deepen understanding and connection across cultures. Students examine topics such as religious diversity, social justice, and contemporary spirituality, guided by expert faculty. Ideal for professionals in education, healthcare, ministry, and counseling, this 16-credit program can stand alone or be applied toward a master’s degree in spirituality.
Program Requirements: 4 courses (16 credits)
Choose one of the following:
- RTS5010 – Method and Topics in the Study of Spirituality
- RTS5020 – Christian Spirituality
- RTS5030 – Spirituality and Social Justice
- RTS5040 – Spirituality in a Religiously Diverse World
3 Graduate Courses in RTS chosen from above or below in consultation with the Director:
- RTS5600 – Seminar in the Spiritual Life I
- RTS5601 – Seminar in the Spiritual Life II
- RTS 5025 Spirituality of the Pellagrinaggio
- RTS5750 – Independent Research
Certificate in Spiritual Direction
Certificate in Spiritual Direction
The Certificate in Spiritual Direction prepares students to guide others on their spiritual journeys through hands-on experience and interdisciplinary coursework. Designed for those called to help others deepen their faith, the program combines academic study with real-world practicum opportunities, blending spirituality, counseling, and reflective practice. With small class sizes, expert faculty, and flexible options—including fall or spring start dates, evening and daytime courses, and 20 total credits—students receive personalized mentorship and practical training. Graduates emerge as empowered spiritual directors, equipped with the insight and skills to counsel, support, and inspire others in their spiritual growth.
Program Requirements
Complete the following course (four credits):
- RTS 5040 Spirituality in a Religiously Diverse world
Seminar in Spiritual Life
Complete the following two required courses (eight credits):
- RTS 5600 – Seminar in the Spiritual Life I
- RTS 5601 – Seminar in the Spiritual Life II (another RTS graduate course may be chosen in consultation with the Director)
Practicum
Complete the following two required courses (eight credits) under supervision:
- RTS 5650 – Practicum in Spiritual Direction I
- RTS 5651 – Practicum in Spiritual Direction II
Post-Master’s Certificate in Spirituality and Research
Post-Master’s Certificate in Spirituality and Research
The Post-Master’s Certificate in Spirituality and Research offers students the opportunity to explore spirituality through rigorous, independent research within a supportive academic community. Designed for those who already have a master’s degree and are looking to deepen their expertise, the program promotes advanced study, critical inquiry, and meaningful dialogue across diverse perspectives. Students develop the skills to conduct and present original research that contributes to the growing field of spirituality studies, building a foundation for publication, professional advancement, or continued doctoral work.
Program Requirements: 4 courses (16 credits)
Required Courses:
- RTS5750 – Independent Research or RTS5710 – Special Topics in Spirituality
(Both courses are repeatable for credit.)
Additional Coursework:
- Students may select additional existing courses offered at the college, provided they were not applied toward a previous degree or certificate.
Research Focus:
- Through these courses, students will design and complete research projects on specific topics within the field of spirituality.
Featured Faculty
Peter Ellard, Ph.D.
Director, Graduate Program in Spirituality and Spiritual Direction & Associate Professor of Practice
Dr. Peter Ellard is the Director of the Graduate Program in Spirituality and Spiritual Direction and an Associate Professor of Practice at Merrimack College, specializing in early and medieval Christian theology, spirituality, and the writings of Thomas Berry. His research focuses on climate change, mindfulness, and religious-environmental integration, with notable publications and contributions to higher education on topics such as student success and retention.
Raymond Dlugos, O.S.A., Ph.D.
Vice President for Mission and Ministry at Merrimack College
The Rev. Raymond F. Dlugos, O.S.A., Ph.D., has served as Merrimack College's Vice President for Mission and Ministry since 2008 and is a licensed psychologist and ordained Roman Catholic priest. Previously, he led The Southdown Institute, a residential treatment center, and has extensive experience in psychology, counseling, teaching, and leadership.
Maria Teresa Dávila, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Religious and Theological Studies at Merrimack College
Dr. Maria Teresa (MT) Dávila, Associate Professor of Religious and Theological Studies at Merrimack College, specializes in racial and migrant justice, public and political theology, and Catholic social teaching. An accomplished author and frequent contributor to the National Catholic Reporter, she explores themes of justice, ethics, and faith in both academic and public forums.
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Gain Personalized Support from Our Success Coaches
Our Success Coaches are very important to your overall student experience. Throughout your time working towards your degree, your assigned Success Coach will help address many of the questions you may have outside the classroom. In doing so, they will help free more of your time to concentrate on mastering the content that is so important to your program progression.
Once you are accepted into your graduate program, your Success Coach will contact you via your student email. You will engage with your Success Coach from the time you are admitted until you graduate, allowing you to have a consistent point of contact as you work to achieve your goals. Many of our students and alumni appreciate the impact that their Success Coach had in their graduate journey.
At Merrimack College, you’re going to get all of the support that you would need to be successful. [...] Once the program starts, you are linked with a success coach who checks in with you regularly.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Merrimack College offers generous scholarships for M.A. in Spiritual Direction students:
- Dean Scholarship: Determined by academic merit and financial need. Students are automatically considered for a Dean Scholarship upon applying.
- Double Warrior Alumni Scholarship: Available to all Merrimack graduates. Students enrolling immediately after senior undergraduate year automatically receive a 33% discount, and 25% thereafter. Please note that Double Warrior alumni scholarships cannot be combined with Dean Scholarships.
Financial aid in the form of federal aid, private loans, and payment plans are also options available for graduate students. Click the link below to learn more about our scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
Application Information for the M.A. in Spiritual Direction
It’s easy to apply online! Simply create your account by registering a username and password. This will allow you to start an application, save and log back in at any time to complete it before submission.
A Completed Application Includes:
- Online application
- Official college transcripts from all institutions attended
- Resumé
- Interview OR personal statement
- Contact information for one reference OR one letter of recommendation
Important Information:
- No application fee or GRE requirement.
- Optional: Submit test scores to enhance or support your academic background.
Graduate Community and Student Support
As a graduate student at Merrimack College, you are welcome to visit campus and explore our resources to help you optimize your educational journey.
Our graduate students benefit from:
A dedicated success coach to support you throughout the program
A warm, inviting place to meet and network with faculty and peers face-to-face
All resources in our campus library to aid in your studying and research
Access to Merrimack's IT Help Desk
Availability of counseling and wellness services
Want to Learn More about the M.A. in Spiritual Direction?
Contact the Program Director, Peter Ellard!
Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)
At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way! Please feel free to contact our Graduate Admission team or join us at an upcoming event if you have any questions regarding scholarships, financial aid, or the application process.
Programs Related to the Master of Arts in Spiritual Direction
Explore other areas and where they can take you.
Grad Chat Podcast
Listen in for this Grad Chat episode featuring Maiyele Njuakom, also known as Father Ro, who is a current student in the Master of Arts in Spiritual Direction program. Father Ro is an international student from Cameroon and a Graduate Ambassador for Merrimack. Throughout the episode he discusses why he came to Merrimack and why this program is special to him. Want to learn more about Merrimack’s Spiritual Direction program? This is a must-listen!
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