Chaplaincy Preparation
Graduate studies at CSTM offer a unique opportunity to engage in rigorous theological studies for ministry in one of the world's most expansive health care settings. Students interested in chaplaincy can immerse themselves in interfaith theological formation through the Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium, the largest existing theological consortium.
BC, Boston, and Beyond
STM is an unparalleled place to begin exploring chaplaincy. Here are a few reasons why.
As a global hub for health care, the Boston area's 25 hospitals and 20 community health centers offer many supervised ministry options.
As members of the prestigious Boston Theological Interrelgious Consortium (BTI), CSTM students may take courses at 10 other area schools.
STM is a proud partner of Brandeis University's Chaplaincy Innovation Lab, which supports students interested in careers in chaplaincy.
With their advisor's permission, students may use elective credit to take courses in other BC schools, including social work and nursing.
Degree Program Options
STM offers two master's degree programs that are well suited for chaplaincy preparation. Both offer rigorous theological study, spiritual formation, and supervised ministry, as well as the option to pursue Clinical Pastoral Education, an interfaith professional education for ministry.
Master of Divinity (M.Div.) at a Glance
Typically completed in three years of full-time, in-person study, this 82-credit program is our most comprehensive program for lay and ordained students interested in ministry or chaplaincy.
- Study and reflect in a small, suportive cohort model
- Participate in a robust Spiritual Formation for Ministry program
- Complete a Supervised Ministry placement that aligns with your interests and goals
M.A. in Theology and Ministry at a Glance
This 48-credit program can be completed full-time and in-person in two years, or in a part-time, hybrid model that combines online courses and in-person summer sessions.
- Prepare for diverse vocations through a broad-based theological curriculum with additional courses in Pastoral Studies for Ministry
- Design and complete your own spiritual formation plan
- Complete a Contextual Education placement
While a master's degree in theology or its equivalent is typically required to become a Board Certified Chaplain (BCC), the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) also offers a certification as a Certified Associate Chaplain (CAC), which requires 18 graduate credits or its equivalent. CSTM offers several 18-credit graduate certificates that NACC views as meeting the necessary course requirements:
- Certificate in Theology and Ministry (able to be completed fully online)
- Certificate in Spiritual and Pastoral Care
- Certificate in Hispanic Ministry
In addition to rigorous study across all foundational areas of theology, CSTM offers a wide range of coursework that prepares students well for professional chaplaincy.
Introduction to Pastoral Care and Counseling
Grief and Loss
Death and Dying
Pastoral Care of the Family
Lifespan Pastoral Care
Healing Ministries
Professional Chaplaincy
Trauma Healing and Prevention
Socio-Spiritual Care
Job and Suffering
Theological Anthropology and the Body
Biblical Spirituality
Healthcare Ethics
Disease, Illness, and Chronic Pain in the Biblical World
Impasse and Spiritual Formation
All students are eligible to apply for CSTM's Holistic Healing Chaplaincy Scholarship, which supports students who recognize the important role that chaplaincy can play in holistic healing in hospitals and health care settings. CSTM honors the legacy of Boston and its healthcare system through a commitment to the education and formation of professional chaplains, enabling students to help shaping the future of whole-person care in Boston and beyond.
Candidates for this scholarship should demonstrate an interest in advancing hospital chaplaincy work and spiritual care ministries that are rooted in rigorous theological study and aligned with the dynamic work for which Boston's health care system is renowned.
Clinical Pastoral Education
STM students have the option of fulfilling their supervised ministry requirement through Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), an interfaith professional education for ministry. CPE brings students and ministers of all faiths into intense involvement with persons in need, under the direction of supervisors with professional training beyond hospital chaplaincy. Key aspects of CPE include:
Students in CPE are supported by on-site supervisors who have extensive professional training that goes beyond hospital chaplaincy.
Through feedback from peers and supervisors, as well as daily theological reflection, CPE catalyzes deeper understandings of ministry and helps students develop new interpersonal skills that will inform their ministerial identities.
STM provides financial support for one unit of CPE at the same percentage as a student's scholarship award.
Recent CPE Sites
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston
- Boston Medical Center, Boston
- Hebrew Senior Life, Newton
- Lahey Clinic, Burlington
- Holy Family Hospital, Methuen
- McLean Hospital, Belmont
- Bay State Medical Center, Springfield
- John Hopkins Bayview, Maryland
- Upstate Medical University, New York
- Cedars Sinai, California
- Cleveland Clinic, Ohio