Master of Arts in Chaplaincy
The Master of Arts in Chaplaincy program is designed to provide students with a solid and expansive foundation for the ministry of a chaplain. The program is rigorous in scope, emphasizing chaplaincy as a branch of pastoral ministry, copious study of Scripture, in addition to theological and self-reflection. Graduates of this program will be prepared to both accompany and lead as chaplains dedicated to ministering to individuals, families, and large-scale organizations. Students in this program will learn to nurture the living, care for those spiritually and physically sick or wounded, and to honor the deceased.
The requirement of 72 credit hours of coursework fulfills the educational requirements for chaplains for the US military and some board certifying agencies.
Student Learning Outcomes
M.A. students trained in chaplaincy will develop the skills and knowledge to offer spiritual care and comfort to persons from all walks of life. The virtues of compassion and charity that the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word operate under are an inherent aspect of chaplaincy. M.A Chaplaincy students will also be taught to care and serve in religiously diverse settings in many of the spaces the Sisters already occupy, such as nursing homes, prison ministries, hospitals and counseling centers.Curriculum
The Master of Arts in Chaplaincy program requirement of 72 credit hours of coursework is highly advantageous for those seeking to become professional, full-time chaplains in their church, community or the military. This degree provides the deep education in theology, pastoral care, biblical studies, ministry, ethics and interfaith dynamics needed to work in contemporary settings where diverse religious and cultural perspectives are present, such as hospitals, prisons, schools and businesses. The 72-hour standard is required by many certifying boards and employers, and it fulfills the educational requirements for chaplains for the US military. The longer program also allows students more time to complete units of Clinical Pastoral Education, which is a path to board certification.
Students interested in chaplaincy work but who cannot commit to a 72-hour program should consider the Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry, a 36-hour degree, and pursue the Chaplaincy Concentration.
Due to our collaborative partnership with the Mexican American Catholic College, some coursework can be taken entirely in Spanish.
Certification and Training for Chaplaincy
"What is Board certification?"
Board certification is a professional credential that tells employers that rigorous standards have been met by those seeking to be employed as a chaplain. Certifying organizations, such as the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) and the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC), verify that a chaplain has met standard competencies in many areas of providing spiritual care and have passed a certification exam or peer review process.
Things To Know About Board Certification:
- A graduate degree in theological or religious studies is required by most certifying agencies. Many certifying organizations require a 72-credit hour graduate degree, but some require fewer hours.
- Most certifying boards, but not all, also require chaplains to earn up to four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and 2000 clinical hours.
- Depending on career goals and personal circumstances, a student may pursue certification during or after earning their master's degree.
Students should seek further information and full details from the certifying agencies themselves.
What is CPE?
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is a pathway to certification and is guided, hands-on training.
CPE is structured by units. One unit is made up of 300 hours of supervised clinical practice and 100 hours of class time with a certified educator for a total of 400 hours to a unit. Students can earn up to four units. Many certifying boards require chaplains to have four units of CPE. Most employers will require some units of CPE for employment.
The MA in Chaplaincy program at UIW allows students to earn graduate credit hours for CPE units earned in an ACPE certified program, pending approval by the director of the Pastoral Institute.
Admissions Criteria
Find out more about requirements, standards and processes to begin your journey as a student in the Master of Pastoral Ministry program.