Learn about our accredited online program to prepare you to become a spiritual caregiver.
If you want to learn more about chaplaincy and our certificate options, contact us today. Central Seminary has over 100 years of history launching students into the world to be a loving presence for people who are hurting. Let us be a part of your educational and vocational journey.
Chaplains offer guidance, counseling, and comfort to people of all faiths, especially during difficult times. If you are looking for meaningful work that allows you to care for people when they need spiritual support the most, a chaplaincy might be right for you. Chaplains work in a variety of settings, including medical facilities, universities, prisons, camps, and workplaces. There are many paths to a career in chaplaincy, including Central Seminary’s chaplaincy certificate program.
Our accredited online program is taught by experienced, compassionate faculty and provides a basic theological and biblical foundation for pastors, church leaders, and prospective students who want to develop a professional-level identity for spiritual caregiving.
“As Chaplain, I do not just minister to Christians. I minister to people of all faith, no faith, and everything in between. As a Chaplain, I have to be able to meet them where they are at and connect with their spiritual resources.”
Joy Freeman
MDiv ‘01
Chaplains are guides who help individuals tap into their psycho-spiritual needs. They use people’s beliefs to motivate them through their difficulties. Even those who are not looking for faith-based counseling may be able to benefit from the presence of a chaplain. Chaplains can serve in hospitals, retirement communities, military bases, corporate offices, corrections facilities, school athletic departments, veteran organizations, grief clinics, and government buildings, among other places.
Although many chaplains are ordained ministers, you do not have to be a minister to work as a chaplain. However, endorsement from a faith group is often required. An endorsement may be obtained after satisfying specific education and training objectives outlined by an authority in a specific church or faith tradition.
Educational requirements vary depending on the type of chaplaincy. For example, military chaplains need a master’s degree with a minimum of 72 hours in theology and ministry (MDiv), while an entry-level chaplain at a camp or workplace may only require a bachelor’s degree along with specific classes in chaplaincy.
A volunteer or part-time position as a chaplain in hospice or retirement communities may not require a bachelor’s or master’s degree or board certification, although they are helpful.
Several professional chaplaincy organizations offer board certification. Most, including the largest of them—the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC)—require candidates for certification to have significant educational credentials as well as four units of Clinical Pastoral Education. Central Seminary’s Graduate Certificate in Chaplaincy offers academic credits that can be counted toward the educational requirements for board certification.
Although board certification is not always required, it demonstrates that you have education, training, and experience as a chaplain that will make you more marketable when the time comes to find a job. Our chaplaincy faculty can help you get the board certification application process started when you’re ready.