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Masters · School of Pastoral Studies

Master of Arts in Christian Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care

Advanced chaplaincy training for complex care environments.

school60 semester credits schedule2 years (part-time, online) languageOnline

Programme overview

This master’s programme develops expert chaplains who can provide spiritual care in hospitals, prisons, schools and secular settings with pastoral wisdom and professional competence.

What you'll gain

check_circle A Christ-centred academic foundation in your field
check_circle Practical skills you can apply immediately in ministry or work
check_circle Mentorship from experienced, global faculty
check_circle A clearly documented programme with published semester credits

Credit structure

Component Semester credits

Core Courses

Foundational graduate courses in the discipline

 18

Advanced Courses

Specialised study and electives

 9

Capstone / Research Project

Integrating project or thesis

 3
Total 60

Total programme requirement: 60 US semester credit hours beyond an earned bachelor's degree. Normal duration: two academic years part-time online.

One semester credit equals at least 15 hours of instruction plus preparation, or an equivalent amount of properly planned and assessed online learning. Read our credit-hour policy.

Curriculum & modules

Master of Arts in Christian Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care 10 modules expand_more

  • Introduction to Biblical Studies

    Introduction to Biblical Studies

  • Christian Theology and Doctrine

    Christian Theology and Doctrine

  • Church History and Tradition

    Church History and Tradition

  • Hermeneutics and Scripture

    Hermeneutics and Scripture

  • Foundations of Christian Ministry

    Foundations of Christian Ministry

  • Spiritual Formation and Discipleship

    Spiritual Formation and Discipleship

  • Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care

    Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care

  • Pastoral Counselling

    Pastoral Counselling

  • Pastoral Theology and Care

    Pastoral Theology and Care

  • Christian Ethics and Morality

    Christian Ethics and Morality

Entry requirements

  • task_alt A recognised bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a related field.
  • task_alt Substantial ministry, leadership or professional experience may be considered in lieu of a first degree.
  • task_alt A personal statement and, where requested, a reference.
  • task_alt Proficiency in English (the language of instruction).

Unsure if you qualify? Talk to admissions — we assess experience as well as qualifications.

Where this can take you

trending_up Pastoral ministry & church leadership
trending_up Chaplaincy — hospital, prison or education
trending_up Missions & cross-cultural work
trending_up Theological teaching & training
trending_up Christian writing, media & discipleship

Related programmes

Certificate

Certificate in Pastoral Care

Care skills for counseling, crisis support and spiritual presence.

View programme arrow_forward Certificate

Certificate in Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care

Foundational training for chaplains in hospitals, prisons, schools and organisations.

View programme arrow_forward Diploma

Diploma in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care

Applied chaplaincy skills for pastoral care in secular and sacred environments.

View programme arrow_forward

Ready to answer the call?

Begin your GDCU journey today

Join a global learning community in affordable, flexible, Christ-centred study — wherever your calling takes you.

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