Master of Arts in Spiritual Direction Career Opportunities
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 laypeople 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.
Spiritual directors can work independently or offer their services through organizations such as:
- Religious congregations
- Nursing homes
- Universities and schools
- Community centers
- Military support associations
- Spiritual retreats
- Arts communities
Spiritual Direction Master’s Degree Curriculum
Merrimack’s Master of Arts in Spiritual Direction integrates coursework from a variety of disciplines and religious traditions. You’ll examine spiritual texts, practices and forms of spiritual expression through history and across cultures. Our spiritual direction program 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 pays special attention to religious diversity and tolerance, encouraging respect for the integrity of all traditions and faiths.
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 the 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.
