Chaplain Degrees : Where to Begin

If you want to serve the Lord, and not only as a minister to a traditional congregation, but for those in extenuating circumstances-such as hospital patients, hospice patients, law enforcement members, or military members-becoming a chaplain may be the ideal career path for you.

Getting Started on Your Journey

There are several things you’ll need to decide, and research, before you commit to the process of becoming a chaplain, or begin to enroll in programs that offer chaplain degrees.

1. Ordination requirements for your denomination of choice (including academic requirements)
2. Choose a career path as a chaplain-working with the sick and injured, working with military or law enforcement, etc.
3. Find out certification/training requirements for the specific field you want to work within. These are often specific not only to the field, but to the state you reside and/or wish to work in.

Education

Regardless of which path you choose, you’ll have to begin looking at chaplain degrees offered by accredited institutions. But if you know which career specialty you are aiming for, it helps, because many pastoral degree programs offer specific concentrations. Some schools have more classes and coursework, geared toward chaplain degrees in one specialty or another.

Beyond Academics

Many denominations have additional requirements for becoming part of the clergy. You may need to sit for a review board, or complete work study programs in addition to enrollment at a school that offers chaplain degrees.

Also, depending on which specialty you pursue as a chaplain, you may need to fulfill other requirements for that field. Most military services, for example, require that chaplains become officers in that service. You may also need to have additional education regarding the traditions and beliefs of other religions, since chaplains often offer comfort or aid to those who aren’t Christian.