Chaplaincy (M.Div.)

Program Overview

The Master of Divinity in Chaplaincy at Abide University is a specialized graduate program designed to prepare students for professional chaplaincy ministry in diverse institutional settings. Our RCSAI-accredited curriculum integrates theological education with clinical pastoral training, covering chaplaincy contexts, crisis intervention, interfaith ministry, and Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). Students develop expertise in providing spiritual care to individuals facing illness, trauma, grief, and life transitions in hospitals, military settings, prisons, and other institutional environments. The program emphasizes interfaith competency, cultural sensitivity, and evidence-based pastoral care practices while cultivating the spiritual resilience and professional identity essential for effective chaplaincy ministry.

Core Courses

• CHAP 601 — Foundations of Chaplaincy Ministry (4 credits)
• CHAP 610 — Crisis Intervention and Trauma Care (4 credits)
• CHAP 620 — Clinical Pastoral Education I (4 credits)
• CHAP 621 — Clinical Pastoral Education II (4 credits)
• CHAP 630 — Interfaith Ministry and Dialogue (4 credits)
• CHAP 640 — Grief, Loss, and End-of-Life Care (4 credits)
• CHAP 650 — Ethics in Chaplaincy Practice (3 credits)
• CHAP 690 — Chaplaincy Residency (6 credits)
• CHAP 670 — Biblical Resources for Institutional Spiritual Care (6 credits)
• CHAP 671 — Theology of Suffering, Hope, and Human Dignity (6 credits)
• CHAP 672 — Institutional Systems and Collaborative Care (9 credits)
• CHAP 673 — Cultural Humility and Religious Literacy in Care (6 credits)
• CHAP 674 — Integrative Chaplaincy Case and Research Portfolio (12 credits)

Credit requirements

• Core courses: 72 credits
• Required elective credits: 18 credits

Total required: 90 credits

Elective Courses

Complete 18 credits from the options below (18 credits offered).

• CHAP 710 — Healthcare Chaplaincy (3 credits)
• CHAP 720 — Military Chaplaincy (3 credits)
• CHAP 730 — Correctional Chaplaincy (3 credits)
• CHAP 740 — Pediatric and Family Chaplaincy (3 credits)
• CHAP 750 — Mental Health Chaplaincy (3 credits)
• CHAP 760 — Disaster and Emergency Chaplaincy (3 credits)

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Demonstrated call to chaplaincy ministry
• Active involvement in faith community
• Pastoral recommendation from ordained minister or chaplain
• Personal statement of faith and chaplaincy calling
• Background check and health clearance for clinical placements