Home/
Online Degree and Training Programs for Aspiring Chaplains
Online Degree and Training Programs for Aspiring Chaplains
Chaplains provide spiritual guidance to people in need, and several degree programs can prepare you for this work. Find out about your options along with commonly offered courses.
What Are the Degree and Training Programs for a Chaplain?
In order to become a chaplain, you must consider a study in divinity or theology. Both are the study of God and divine powers. While many colleges offer online degrees and training, hybrid courses are available as well. If you want to be a chaplain, you are strongly urged to have faith and be a Christian. Chaplains are needed in a variety of settings, including prisons, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, churches and colleges.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Areas of Study</b></td><td>Divinity, theology</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Degree Levels</b></td><td>Master's for divinity, associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral for theology</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Course Topics</b></td><td> Gospels, world religion, morality, spiritual counseling</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $51,940 (<i>for all clergy</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 4% growth (<i>for all clergy</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatProgramsAreAvailableOnline">What Programs Are Available Online?</h3><p>While a master's degree isn't the only degree program you'll find online in divinity, you'll have much better luck considering a degree in theology. Online theology programs are available at the associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree levels. This program is also coupled with or referred to as Biblical studies.
</p><p>Some of these online programs are hybrid programs, because at least some of your study must be completed on-campus or through internships. When it comes to religious programs, many non-accredited programs are available through online colleges. Be sure to check that your program is accredited prior to applying.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillIStudy">What Will I Study?</h3><p>In an online divinity program, you'll learn how to provide spiritual care in a number of settings. You'll also spend time learning how to maintain your spiritual and emotional wellness while providing spiritual counseling to others. You'll study ministering techniques and ethical issues in spiritual counseling. Some of the subjects you may look at include gospel studies, rituals, grief counseling, world religions, hermeneutics, and the theories of pastoral counseling.
</p><p>The associate degree in Biblical studies provides a strong foundation for ministering. You'll study the Bible as a piece of literature and begin to interpret the Bible for ministering purposes. The bachelor's degree spends more time focusing on individual gospels and how they can be used for ministry, such as Revelation, Ephesians, prophetical books, Psalms, apostles and Pauline literature.
</p><p>A master's degree in theology studies a number of concentrations in pastoral counseling, such as history, morality and systematic. The point of a master's degree program is to develop your skills in ministering to others. You'll look at world religions, Christianity in today's world, youth ministry, the teaching of Jesus Christ and women in Christianity. The Ph.D. program develops your teaching and researching skills through a research project and courses in cultural theory, psychology, Biblical interpretation and research methodologies.</p>
