Required Degrees to Become a Chaplain
A chaplain is a religious leader who performs spiritual and administrative functions in diverse settings. He may be appointed or employed in the military, a hospital, health care or rehabilitation facility, educational institution, correctional facility or even a cruise ship. He leads the celebration of worship services, conducts religious rites and administers sacraments. Aside from general pastoral care, other duties include counseling and crisis intervention; and providing comfort, spiritual guidance, and moral and emotional support in times of illness, injury, death and stressful situations. Due to the broad range of roles and responsibilities in various ministries, a graduate degree, specialized areas of study and a certification are usually required of a chaplain.
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Career Training
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Traditionally, a chaplain is chosen from the ranks of ordained members of the clergy. This career path may start with a preparatory bachelor's degree in philosophy or theology, followed by a higher degree in theology or divinity, with other coursework required for ordination in a particular religion. However, no hard-and-fast rule prevents a faith-based organization or an establishment from designating a layperson as a chaplain. A typical chaplaincy requires a master's degree in religious studies from seminaries, other educational religious institutions or universities. Degree titles include Master of Divinity, Master of Theology, Master of Arts in Practical Theology and Master of Arts in Marketplace Chaplaincy. Most master's degree programs have a requisite thesis, and may take two to three years to complete.
Further Studies
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A chaplain may choose to obtain a postgraduate degree, such as Doctor of Ministry, to upgrade his skills in core areas of ministry. Some doctoral programs may focus on a specialized field, such as the military. Others may offer coursework applicable across chaplaincy assignments, such as pastoral counseling, pastoral theology and care, conflict resolution, family life ministry and therapy, evangelism strategies and interfaith relations. A doctoral degree is usually a two-year program, with a required dissertation.
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Mission-Specific Requirements
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Depending on his mission territory, a chaplain may also pursue advanced studies in psychology, counseling, social work and other disciplines relevant to his area of service. For example, a clinical pastoral education may be required to qualify as a hospice chaplain. Prior military experience and specific educational credits may be necessary to be a chaplain in the armed forces.
Certifications for Eligibility
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Certifications with accredited associations are required to maintain professional standards and uphold the code of ethics of chaplaincy care providers. Organizations such as the Association of Professional Chaplains, National Association of Jewish Chaplains, National Association of Veterans Affairs Chaplains, Association for Clinical Pastoral Education and National Association of Catholic Chaplains have their respective requirements for member-practitioners.
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References
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