LMU Extension

Carla Cortez
Director

Suzie Taracena
Academic Affairs Associate

Mission and Core Values

As the continuing education department of Loyola Marymount University, LMU Extension offers professional certificate programs, community education, and customized learning opportunities that support the academic and professional goals of adult learners and non-traditional students. Drawing upon the University’s academic, research, and active engagement principles, LMU Extension is committed to empowering communities, helping students realize their potential, and improving their quality of life. All programs are designed to address the evolving social, economic, and educational needs of our society. All coursework and programs are dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for adult learners and non-traditional students through training and workforce development programs that meet the needs of our communities.

LMU Extension's work is guided by the following core values:

Community Engagement - We make a meaningful impact through focused partnerships with local and state organizations, working together to strengthen our communities.
Continuous Learning - We recognize that true transformation requires a commitment to continuous learning, embracing new perspectives, and the courage to innovate.
Student Success- Our work is aligned with LMU’s commitment to ensuring that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to succeed and achieve their personal and professional goals, contributing to the growth and advancement of their communities.
Service - Grounded in a strong tradition of service and social responsibility, we are committed to making a positive difference for our students, staff, faculty, and the broader community.
Innovation -We strive to offer students dynamic career education and workforce development programs that promote career mobility, provide in-demand skills, and foster opportunities for reskilling and upskilling, preparing students to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving global society.

LMU Extension is located in University Hall, Suite 1840

For more information, please call 310.338.1971 or visit the website at Extension - Loyola Marymount University

Center for Religion and Spirituality

Robert A. Hurteau, PhD
Director

Elsy Arévalo
Assistant Director, Center for Religion and Spirituality

Established as the Center for Pastoral Studies in 1977, the Center for Religion and Spirituality (CRS) is one of Loyola Marymount’s interdisciplinary centers, and an embodiment of the University’s commitment to serve the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, neighboring dioceses, and religious communities throughout Southern California. CRS is a unit of the Office of Mission and Ministry.

The purpose of the Center is to provide educational opportunities for adult learners that strengthen their religious and spiritual formation as ministers, educators, and leaders who are committed to service and the pursuit of justice in their own communities.

In collaboration with University faculty, the local Church, and religious leaders, the Center carries out this purpose in three ways: degree programs and continuing education in theology, religion, and spirituality with an emphasis on pastoral leadership; theological research that is interdisciplinary, intercultural, and interreligious; and outreach to individual parishes, religious institutions, and faith-based organizations.

The Center offers certificate programs, courses, and short workshops on campus and online, in English and Spanish. Professional development credit is offered for nearly all CRS courses.

The Center for Religion and Spirituality is located in Xavier Hall 129. For more information, please call 310.338.2799 or visit the website at http://crs.lmu.edu.