How to Become a Correctional Chaplain
Correctional chaplains provide religious services and ministries to incarcerated individuals. They play an interesting role in the correctional system. They must ensure that all inmates receive the spiritual services they require, yet this need must be balanced against the needs of safety and security.
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Things You'll Need
- Bachelor's degree
- Masters of Divinity degree
- Ordination and endorsement from an ecclesiastically recognized religious institute
Instructions
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Graduate from an accredited college or university with an undergraduate degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. No specific field of study is required, but it would advantageous for a future correctional chaplain to focus his undergraduate career in the field of criminal justice, since that will prepare the applicant for the unique role a correctional chaplain has in the corrections system.
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Complete a program with an American theological school to attain the degree of Master of Divinity. Correctional chaplains must have religious study and training since their duties involve overseeing and performing religious rights.
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Become ordained in an ecclesiastically recognized religious institute. There is no hard definition for this term, but the major religions of Christianity, Islam and Judaism would qualify. In addition to this step, you need to have at least two years experience as a religious leader in a parish/ministry setting.
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Possess current endorsement from your faith's endorsing body. For example, if you are a Catholic priest, you must possess a current endorsement from your diocese.
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Be willing to provide religious services for inmates of all faiths.
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Find a job opening and apply for it. Check USAJobs for job openings with the BOP. State government websites list vacancies for state-run correctional facilities.
Send inquiries, resumes and cover letters to the correctional institutions you are interested in. Applicants interested in working for a federal prison should mail or email a resume and cover letter detailing their educational and religious backgrounds to the BOP (see Resources).
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