How to Become a Chaplain

Yes, you can become a chaplain online through online coursework. Although difficult to find, complete online bachelor's degrees in chaplaincy do exist.

Education requirements for chaplains will vary depending on the hiring organization. Some institutions require a candidate to have a bachelor's degree in divinity, while other organizations require a master's degree.

While few colleges offer complete degree programs online, many offer coursework relevant to someone considering a career as a chaplain.

There are select colleges and universities that do offer divinity-related degrees completely online. Grace Christian University offers a bachelor's degree in ministry leadership and a master's degree in ministry studies.

Liberty University offers a bachelor's degree in applied ministry and has numerous online master's degree offerings.

Yes, a chaplain must be ordained in their recognized faith. While chaplains belong to a specific religious faith, they can serve all members of a community.

A chaplain is an ordained and certified faith-based counselor. While a chaplain identifies with a specific faith, those he serves need not be religiously affiliated. Hospitals, prisons, universities, and the military all employ chaplains.

The role of the chaplain is to support individuals and their families through faith-based techniques such as scripture or through counseling.

Those seeking the help of a chaplain may subscribe to a religion other than that practiced by the chaplain or have no affiliation at all. The role of the chaplain is to listen and provide support for anyone seeking those services.

Becoming a certified chaplain is a lengthy process involving both educational and work-related requirements. Once these requirements have been met, candidates are able to apply for certification.

The educational requirements for someone applying for chaplain certification involve a master's degree in a relevant theological or psychological field of study as well as graduate-level coursework in clinical pastoral education.

Candidates seeking certification are also required to have logged a standard number of work experience hours. Applicants are required to submit proof of 2,000 hours of relevant work experience. In addition to work experience, chaplain candidates will need to submit the endorsement of their recognized faith group.

When these criteria have been met, candidates are ready to submit their applications. The review process can be as short as six months or last as long as one year. Candidates willing to travel to a certification committee meeting tend to see quicker results.

It will take someone six to eight years to become a chaplain. The process of becoming a chaplain is lengthy and involves both educational and work experience requirements.

Chaplain candidates typically hold a master's degree in a relevant theological or psychological field of study. It is important that these degrees are obtained at recognized and approved learning institutions. The educational requirements for someone seeking chaplain certification is a minimum of 72 semester hours.

Work experience requirements vary depending on the various faith groups. Some groups will require relevant work-related experience, while others may grant candidates an internship in place of experience. Certificate-seeking candidates will need 2,000 hours of work-related experience and an endorsement from their faith group.

The difference between a pastor and a chaplain has to do primarily with the people that they serve. Pastors and chaplains serve two different segments of the population. In addition, some of the requirements to work in this field can vary significantly.

Candidates aspiring to become a pastor are typically required to obtain a master of divinity degree after securing their bachelor's degree in a relevant theological field of study. Chaplain candidates are also required to obtain similar educational degrees.

Post-degree training will differ because their jobs address different populations. For example, pastors serve a specific congregation, while chaplains serve the needs of a changing population.

A pastor will tend to serve a community in a specific geographic location, while a chaplain will work through a branch of industry and therefore see an ever-changing population. Chaplains are employed by hospitals, prisons, mental health institutions, and the military.