Program Description
The MS in Chaplaincy program is a professional degree that prepares students for ministry as chaplains. It combines foundational theological knowledge with specialty training and clinical experience. It is a unique and comprehensive master’s degree which meets all requirements for employment as a chaplain as defined by the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC). It has been developed using guidelines established by the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC), who oversees and rigorously maintains national “best practice” standards for the chaplaincy profession. This professional graduate degree:
- Meets the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) and Adventist Chaplaincy Institute (ACI) Full Board Certification academic requirements
- Blends theological study with clinical experience
- Provides specialty training in spiritual care and/or chaplaincy
- Prepares for employment as a professional Chaplain
- Provides professional spiritual care training for other healthcare disciplines
The program will also prepare students to meet competencies in four areas of chaplaincy:
- The students will integrate theory and practice competencies.
- The students will form professional identity and conduct competencies.
- The students will conduct themselves in professional practice skills competencies.
- The students will function effectively with organizational leadership competencies.
Program Length
108 quarter units. The average time to complete the degree is 3 years if enrolled full-time.Possible Careers
Graduates will meet the requirements for employment as a full, board-certified chaplain as defined by the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC). Chaplains may choose careers in healthcare, military, education, corporate, and beyond.Application Deadlines
Quarter | Application Open | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline |
---|---|---|---|
Autumn of 2026 | Jan 1, 2024 | — | Nov 1, 2025 |
Autumn of 2027 | Jan 1, 2025 | — | Nov 1, 2026 |
Admissions Requirements
- Undergraduate record from a regionally accredited institution with a grade point average of B (3.00) or better in the overall program and in the major field
- Critical essay
- Three (3) letters of recommendation (two academic and one pastoral)
- Admissions interview
- One (1) unit of CPE highly preferred
- All official transcripts of college/university work (mailed directly to LLU)
- International applicants must submit current TOEFL scores and evaluations of any international transcripts – please visit http://www.llu.edu/apply/intltrans.html
Expected Cost of Attendance
The following estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. Estimated amounts may vary based on a number of factors. Students may use these estimates when applying for financial aid.
Required Program Costs
Academic Year 2024-2025
Other Educational Costs
Non-required costs that can be funded with scholarships/loans.
Notes
Financial assistance at the graduate level is limited. Please refer to the Financial Aid section on the LLU website. Scholarships are available to enrolled students at the LLU School of Religion.- Estimated amounts are for the academic year specified only. Amounts are based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on these amounts.
- Amounts are expected to increase each year consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
- To qualify for financial aid, most students must be enrolled at least half time in an aid eligible program and be taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.