Admissions
All applicants for admission must present an acceptable statement detailing the applicant’s reasons for pursuing the Master of Arts in Chaplaincy degree. Grade point averages, transcripts, prior work experience (if any), and the applicant’s statement will be considered in the admission decision.
Applicants must also satisfy the General Requirements and Application Procedures for graduate admissions at UIW.
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Chaplaincy program is designed to provide students with a solid and expansive foundation for the ministry of a chaplain. The program is rigorous in scope, emphasizing chaplaincy as a branch of pastoral ministry, copious study of Scripture, in addition to theological and self-reflection. Graduates of this program will be prepared to both accompany and lead as chaplains dedicated to ministering to individuals, families, and large-scale organizations. Students in this program will learn to nurture the living, care for those spiritually and physically sick or wounded, and to honor the deceased. The program requirement of 72 credit hours of coursework fulfills the educational requirements for the US military.
The Master of Arts in Chaplaincy program is intended to appeal directly to members of the armed forces who seek to pursue a career in chaplaincy in the military and beyond, but the program is open to all seeking the MA in chaplaincy. The 72-hours of coursework is a standard set by all branches of the US military. The Pastoral Institute is equipped to offer the courses needed in Theology, Scripture, Ministry, and Chaplaincy pending the approval of the new chaplaincy courses. UIW as a military-friendly institution, and being located in a city with a large active and retired military population makes the Pastoral Institute an ideal site for such a program.