Master of Arts in Health Care Chaplaincy
Compassionate Care for the Healers and the Hurting
Enroll NowProgram Overview
The Master of Arts in Health Care Chaplaincy (MAHCC) is a specialized graduate program designed to equip spiritual leaders for compassionate and effective service within diverse healthcare environments. This program provides comprehensive theological education combined with practical skills in pastoral care, ethical decision-making, and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing graduates to offer spiritual and emotional support to patients, families, and healthcare staff. Students will gain expertise in navigating the complexities of medical crises, grief, end-of-life care, and diverse spiritual traditions within a healthcare context.
Key Highlights
Specialized Healthcare Focus
Gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills tailored specifically for spiritual care in medical environments.
Clinical Pastoral Integration
Bridge theological study with hands-on clinical experience through structured education units and internships.
Holistic Patient Care
Learn to address the spiritual, emotional, and existential needs of patients, families, and staff.
At a Glance
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS
60
PROGRAM DURATION & COMPLETION
1.5–2 years (Full-time)
Max 5 years (Self-paced)
PROGRAM COST
US $5,310
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Health Care Chaplaincy, graduates will be able to:
- Provide holistic spiritual care to patients, families, and staff in diverse healthcare settings, respecting various religious and cultural backgrounds.
- Apply ethical principles and legal considerations to complex situations in healthcare chaplaincy, ensuring compassionate and responsible care.
- Communicate effectively and empathetically with individuals experiencing crisis, trauma, suffering, and grief.
- Integrate theological understanding with psychological principles to offer informed pastoral counseling.
- Lead and envision ministry initiatives within institutional and community chaplaincy.
- Understand and navigate diverse religious beliefs and practices with respect and sensitivity.
- Develop personal and professional resilience to sustain long-term ministry in demanding healthcare environments.
- Interpret and teach biblical texts relevant to health, healing, and spiritual well-being.
Career Prospects
The Master of Arts in Health Care Chaplaincy prepares graduates for impactful and compassionate service across a broad spectrum of professional and volunteer roles within the healthcare system. Potential career paths include:
- Hospital Chaplain: Providing spiritual care to patients, families, and staff in acute care, rehabilitation, and long-term care facilities.
- Hospice Chaplain: Offering comfort and spiritual support to patients and families facing end-of-life journeys.
- Palliative Care Chaplain: Providing spiritual care to those with serious illnesses, focusing on quality of life and comfort.
- Crisis and Trauma Chaplain: Responding to medical emergencies, critical incidents, and community disasters, offering immediate spiritual and emotional support.
- Military Healthcare Chaplain: Serving the spiritual needs of service members and veterans within military medical facilities.
- Community Health Chaplain: Providing spiritual support in community clinics, mental health centers, and public health initiatives.
- Spiritual Care Coordinator/Director: Leading and managing spiritual care departments within healthcare systems.
- Grief and Bereavement Counselor: Specializing in support for individuals and families experiencing loss within healthcare contexts.
- Bioethics Committee Member: Contributing spiritual and ethical perspectives to healthcare policy and decision-making teams.
Courses for this Program (60 credits)
| Course | Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Hermeneutics | This course focuses on principles and methods of interpreting and understanding biblical texts. | 3 |
| How to Read and Teach the Bible | This course provides instruction on effectively studying and teaching the Bible. | 3 |
| World Religions | This course explores various religions and promotes an understanding of religious diversity and interfaith dialogue. | 3 |
| Survey of the History of Christianity | This course provides an overview of the history of Christianity, including major events, figures, and theological developments. | 3 |
| Theology of Christianity | This course examines the core beliefs and doctrines of Christianity. | 3 |
| Fundamentals of Theology | This course covers the foundational concepts and principles of Christian theology. | 3 |
| Christian Ethics | This course explores ethical principles and dilemmas from a Christian perspective. | 3 |
| New Testament Survey I | This course provides an in-depth study of the books, themes, and teachings of the New Testament. | 3 |
| New Testament Survey II | This course provides an in-depth study of the books, themes, and teachings of the New Testament. | 3 |
| Old Testament Survey I | This course provides an in-depth study of the books, themes, and teachings of the Old Testament. | 3 |
| Old Testament Survey II | This course provides an in-depth study of the books, themes, and teachings of the Old Testament. | 3 |
| Systematic Theology I | This course explores the major doctrines and theological principles of Christianity. | 3 |
| Systematic Theology II | This course explores the major doctrines and theological principles of Christianity. | 3 |
| Biblical Foundations of Leadership | This course examines biblical teachings and principles related to leadership in a religious context. | 3 |
| Course | Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Chaplaincy Ministry | This course provides an overview of the role and responsibilities of a chaplain in various settings. | 3 |
| Development of the Chaplain | This course focuses on the historical development and evolution of the chaplaincy profession. | 3 |
| Chaplain Ethics for Advisement and Pastoral Care | This course addresses ethical considerations and dilemmas that chaplains may encounter in their work. | 3 |
| Chaplain Evangelism and Discipleship | This course explores approaches to evangelism and discipleship within the context of chaplaincy ministry. | 3 |
| Intercultural Communication | This course helps chaplains develop effective communication skills when working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. | 3 |
| Preparation of the Sermon | This course covers the principles and techniques of sermon preparation and delivery. | 3 |
| Chaplain Resilient Leaders | This course focuses on building resilience and emotional well-being in the chaplaincy profession. | 3 |
| Healthcare Chaplaincy | This course provides specialized training in providing spiritual care in healthcare settings. | 3 |
| Course | Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Pastoral Counseling | This course introduces the foundational concepts and skills of pastoral counseling. | 3 |
| Premarital and Marital Counseling | This course focuses on counseling couples before and during marriage, addressing common issues and providing guidance. | 3 |
| Research, Writing, and Ministry Preparation | This course helps students develop research and writing skills necessary for ministry-related projects and preparation. | 3 |
| PTSD and Combat-Related Trauma | This course focuses on understanding and addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of individuals dealing with trauma. | 3 |
| Trauma Assessment and Interventions | This course covers various assessment tools and intervention techniques for working with individuals who have experienced trauma. | 3 |
| Crisis Intervention in Pastoral Counseling | This course provides training in crisis intervention skills and strategies within the context of pastoral counseling. | 3 |
| Theories and Techniques in Pastoral Counseling | This course explores different theoretical approaches and counseling techniques used in pastoral counseling. | 3 |
| Integration of Theology and Psychology | This course explores the integration of psychological theories and principles with theological perspectives in counseling. | 3 |
| Crisis and Trauma Counseling | This course provides training in counseling individuals experiencing crisis and trauma. | 3 |
| Cross-Cultural Counseling | This course focuses on developing cultural competency and effective counseling skills in diverse cultural contexts. | 3 |
| Ethical and Legal Issues for Counselors | This course examines the ethical and legal considerations relevant to counseling practice. | 3 |
| Final Paper | This assignment allows students to synthesize their learning and demonstrate their understanding of counseling principles. | 3 |
| Course | Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Mentoring for Clinical Pastoral Education Unit I | This mentoring program provides supervision and guidance during the clinical pastoral education unit. | 3 |
| Mentoring for Clinical Pastoral Education Unit II | This mentoring program provides supervision and guidance during the clinical pastoral education unit. | 3 |
| Mentoring for Clinical Pastoral Education Unit III | This mentoring program provides supervision and guidance during the clinical pastoral education unit. | 3 |
| Mentoring for Clinical Pastoral Education Unit IV | This mentoring program provides supervision and guidance during the clinical pastoral education unit. | 3 |
| Clinical Pastoral Education I | This clinical education unit provides hands-on experience and supervision in pastoral care. | 3 |
| Clinical Pastoral Education II | This clinical education unit provides hands-on experience and supervision in pastoral care. | 3 |
| Clinical Pastoral Education III | This clinical education unit provides hands-on experience and supervision in pastoral care. | 3 |
| Clinical Pastoral Education IV | This clinical education unit provides hands-on experience and supervision in pastoral care. | 3 |
| Chaplaincy Internship | This practical experience allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in a real chaplaincy setting. | 3 |
Students are required to complete 24 credits of elective courses, which can be chosen based on their specific interests or career goals from the broader curriculum offered by Shiloh College.
Graduation Requirements
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 throughout the program.
- Complete all required courses and electives (60 total credit hours).
- Complete the program within 10 years.
- Submit a Degree Completion Application in the last semester before the anticipated graduation date.
These requirements ensure that students have a well-rounded education in chaplaincy ministry and are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to serve in various pastoral and counseling roles.
Ready to offer spiritual care in healthcare settings?
Begin your compassionate journey in Health Care Chaplaincy today!
Download and fill the application form from the link below and send it to: registrar@shilohcollege.com
Register Today!Shiloh College Admissions Office: registrar@shilohcollege.com Website: www.shilohcollege.com
To find a Shiloh College Campus near you, visit our Contact page.
© 2025 Shiloh College | Master of Arts in Healthcare Chaplaincy