About Our Chaplaincy Program

At AdventHealth University, we understand the importance of whole-person health care. This is why we designed the Master of Science in Spiritual Care for those called to pastoral ministry within the specialized context of chaplaincy. Our online chaplaincy program provides a path for students interested in providing spiritual guidance in a variety of settings, such as:

  • Hospitals (including children’s and veterans’ facilities)
  • Hospices and rehabilitation centers
  • Military branches
  • Universities
  • Psychiatric and community care facilities
  • Corrections facilities
  • Corporations

Focus on Spirituality in Health Care With an Online Master’s in Chaplaincy

The Online M.S. in Spiritual Care program provides an approved alternative path to the traditional Master of Divinity requirement for chaplaincy certification. By focusing on spirituality in health care settings, you receive targeted education in the ministry of whole-person care.

The online chaplaincy program can be completed in under three years, offering an accelerated completion timeline.

Affiliated with AdventHealth, a national health care organization with over 30 years of providing Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), you will engage in a cutting-edge approach to online chaplaincy training that will challenge and expand your worldview.

A Master’s in Spirituality That Equips You to Serve

Completing our master’s in chaplaincy program equips graduates to serve in diverse ministry contexts, from hospital systems to community care facilities. Additionally, the degree meets a foundational requirement for graduates seeking board certification as chaplains through organizations such as the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC).

Graduates of the online M.S. in Spiritual Care program will:

  • Demonstrate cultural sensitivity in health care environments
  • Offer informed ethical perspectives in health care deliberations 
  • Practice well-researched and evidence-based spiritual care
  • Demonstrate practical knowledge of various religions, approaches to spirituality, and belief systems
  • Provide spiritual guidance in interdisciplinary settings

If you’ve already completed your M.Div. or equivalent degree and want to explore an online chaplaincy program, view your next steps and learn more about the world of Clinical Pastoral Education.

Launch Your Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy Career

Chaplains provide spiritual guidance to patients, their families, and facility staff members of various faiths and religious belief systems. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that some of the top industries for chaplains include general medical and surgical hospitals, home health care services, and federal, state, and local government.

Our master’s in chaplaincy degree prepares you for roles such as:

Chaplain with patient and family

Hospital Chaplain

Experience a range of spiritual care opportunities. From blessing a new life brought into the world to providing comfort as one nears the end of life, you will guide patients and their loved ones through a whole-person healing process and serve as a source of strength. Hospital chaplains also minister to clinicians and staff within the facility. 

Learn more about hospital chaplains and their duties and responsibilities.

hospice-chaplain

Hospice Chaplain

Provide focused care to patients and families experiencing life-altering illness. Chaplains minister to individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs, providing emotional and spiritual support. Hospice chaplains also assist families in coordinating end-of-life services.

Learn more about the roles and responsibilities of a hospice chaplain.

A soldier holding a bible

Military Chaplain

As commissioned officers, military chaplains support the spiritual well-being of armed forces members and their families, offering guidance on religion and morale in a caring and compassionate manner. Military chaplains oversee a variety of programs, including counseling sessions, religious education, and officiating ceremonies like funerals and memorial services.

Learn more about the roles and responsibilities of a military chaplain.

What Our Spiritual Care Students Say

I look at this degree as a pathway to learn how to offer spiritual support from an operational perspective. Continuing one’s education is a benefit to anyone willing to learn more about how to become a refined version of themselves. This program has been such an affirming walk of faith.

Brian Jones, Class of 2023
Regional Director of Clinical Mission Integration for AdventHealth

Frequently Asked Questions

No. While an MDiv is the traditional path, it is not the only one. The Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) requires a 72-semester-hour graduate theological degree. Our M.S. in Spiritual Care is designed to meet these rigorous standards without requiring a full MDiv.

Yes. While different faith groups have different standards, our program leadership works with organizations such as Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries (ACM) to ensure our curriculum meets the requirements for endorsement and externships.

Take the First Steps. Start Your Application.

Explore new opportunities to extend the healing ministry of Christ through our M.S. in Spiritual Care degree. Our Admissions team is ready to assist as you begin your journey.

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