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.


Healthcare Opportunities

As a global hub for health care, the Boston area's 25 hospitals and 20 community health centers offer many supervised ministry options. 


Interfaith Formation

As members of the prestigious Boston Theological Interrelgious Consortium (BTI), CSTM students may take courses at 10 other area schools. 


Chaplaincy Innovation Lab

STM is a proud partner of Brandeis University's Chaplaincy Innovation Lab, which supports students interested in careers in chaplaincy. 


Interdisciplinary Study

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

More About the M.Div.

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

More About the M.A.

Faculty Spotlights

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:

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

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