Detail from Transfiguration by Donald Jackson with contributions from Aidan Hart, Copyright 2002, The Saint John’s Bible, Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Master of Psychospiritual Studies (MPS)

Awarded conjointly by Regis College and the University of Toronto

The Master of Psychospiritual Studies (MPS) is a twenty course post-baccalaureate degree that equips persons for leadership in specialized areas of spiritual care, spiritual direction or social justice ministries.

Students must choose one of the following streams at admission:

Spiritual Care
The spiritual care stream prepares students for specialized ministry in a variety of settings, including in healthcare, educational, and spiritual care/chaplaincy settings. As a distinct field of study, this stream invites students to train in the specialized skills of pastoral care.

Spiritual Direction
This stream prepares students to provide one-on-one and small group spiritual accompaniment, rooted in the Christian spiritual traditions, in parish, retreat centre, and private settings. As a distinct field of study, this stream invites students to train in the specialized skills of spiritual accompaniment as a unique type of ministry.

Social Justice Ministries
This stream will be of interest to applicants seeking to take up ministries in religious and secular social service agencies and non-governmental agencies, particularly those attentive to providing direct service to disadvantaged populations and persons, to advocating for a more just society, and the building of the common good and prepares students to analyze the need social change and provides training for leadership in complex and rapidly changing social systems.

NOTE: Regis St. Michael’s does not offer the conjoint Certificate in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy (SCP Certificate). This certificate is only offered as part of the MPS at Emmanuel College and Knox College.

Goals

The MPS program prepares graduates to:

Be leaders in lay ministries in faith communities,
Pursue careers in the non-profit sector, and
Work as institutional chaplains, spiritual care practitioners, and community workers in public institutions.

Outcomes

MPS Outcomes Map (Coming Soon)

Admission Requirements

MPS applicants must fulfill the following minimum requirements:

Be a graduate of an accredited college or university or give evidence of having completed an educational program equivalent to a BA degree. Normally applicants should have a B- average in an appropriate bachelor’s degree.
Possess sufficient fluency in English to participate actively in seminars and to write essays and examinations.
Submit a brief Statement of Intent.
Select a program stream.
Submit official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended.
Participate in a short interview with the Recruitment & Enrolment Officer (or designate).
Pay a non-refundable application fee at the time of application.

Program Outline & Requirements

The Master of Pastoral Studies (MPS) requires twenty (20) courses (or 10 full-course equivalents).

PROGRAM DURATION

Full-time. Two years (5 courses per term for 4 terms).
Part-time. Up to eight years (maximum program length).

Program Requirements by Stream

SPIRITUAL CARE STREAM

Faith Foundation Courses. Seven (7) courses.
Ministry Core. Three (3) courses in Catholic Spiritual Care.
Stream Courses. Seven (7) courses in Spirituality & Pastoral Care, a Practicum and a Capstone course.
Electives. Three (3) courses.

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION STREAM

Faith Foundation Courses. Seven (7) courses.
Ministry Core. Three (3) courses in a theology of Catholic ministry.
Stream Courses. Eight (8) courses in Ministry, Spirituality and Spiritual Direction, a Practicum, and a Capstone course.
Electives. Two (2) half-courses.

SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY STREAM

Faith Foundation Courses. Seven (7) courses.
Ministry Core. Three (3) courses in a theology of Catholic ministry.
Stream Courses. Seven (7) courses in contemporary ministry contexts, a practicum and capstone course.
Electives. Three (3) courses.

Graduation Requirements

A passing grade in each of the 20 course units, including a pass in the pastoral component (RGP3218H) or equivalent.
An overall average of B-.

Application Materials

Application materials common to all certificate programs, basic degrees, and ecclesiastical degrees (see Admissions Process), plus/and more specifically:

Academic transcripts
Statement of purpose
Contact information for two (2) referees