Master of Divinity with Concentration in Chaplaincy

Program Goals:
Preparation of candidates for chaplaincy ministry through academic study and supervised practice integrating theology, life experience, and pastoral practice.

• Theological and Ministerial Formation: Provide students with a strong foundation in scripture, theology, tradition, and pastoral practice consistent with the MDiv degree and OST’s mission.

• Professional Chaplaincy Preparation: In collaboration with CPE programs, equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for spiritual care in clinical, multicultural, and interfaith environments.

• Pastoral Identity and Presence: Form students in emotional maturity, intercultural competence, ethical leadership, and a reflective pastoral identity grounded in the Christian tradition.

• Integration of Theory and Practice: Combine academic coursework with clinical pastoral experience to develop the capacity for critical reflection, compassionate presence, and effective spiritual assessment.

• Pathway Toward Certification: Prepare graduates to meet prerequisites for national chaplaincy certification.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate theological proficiency by interpreting scripture and tradition for ministry in pluralistic and interdisciplinary contexts.

• Provide effective spiritual care using evidence-based pastoral methods, spiritual assessment models, and trauma-informed practices.

• Integrate pastoral theology with clinical experience through reflective practice, supervision, and peer engagement.

• Communicate across cultures and faith traditions with sensitivity, clarity, and respect for diversity.

• Exhibit professional ethical standards consistent with national chaplaincy organizations and Catholic moral teaching.

• Demonstrate pastoral presence grounded in self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and

  spiritual maturity.

• Collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams and institutional structures.

Required Courses: 65 credit hours
Electives: 7 credit hours
Total: 72 credit hours

Prerequisites (as needed):

• 9 Credit Hours of Undergraduate Philosophy

• 9 Credit Hours of Undergraduate

Religious Studies including:

• ____PL 4323 History Method of Christian Thought

• ____RS 4101 Reading the Bible

• ____RW 4200 Introduction to Masters Studies

Scriptural Studies (14 credit hours)

• SS 6100 Canon and History

• SS 6200 Scriptural Hermeneutics

• SS 7213 Wisdom Literature

OR

• SS 7229 Praying the Psalms

• SS 7311 The Torah

• SS 7331 Synoptic Gospels

• SS 7333 Johannine Literature

Theological Studies (30 credit hours)
Systematic

• TS 6301 Theology of Revelation and Faith

• TS 6305 Culture and Religion

• TS 7313 Christian Anthropology

• TS 7311 Christology

• TS 7315 Theology of Church and Ministry

Sacramental

• Sacramentality, Ritual, and Prayer in Catholic and Interfaith Chaplaincy* (New Course)

Moral

• TS 6350 Foundations of Moral Theology

• TS 7353 Bioethics

• TS 7350 Catholic Social Thought

OR

• TS 7350 African American /Protestant Social Ethics

OR

• TS 7323 Ecumenism

Spirituality

• TS 6360 Introduction to Christian Spirituality

OR

• DSC 7303 Contemporary Spirituality

Interdisciplinary Studies (1 credit hour)

• TS 8196 Chaplaincy Integrating Seminar

Pastoral Studies (11 credit hours)

• PS 6350 Basic Pastoral Care

• PS 7351 Pastoral Counseling

• PS 6177 Pastoral Formation Seminar I

• PS 9895 CPE

Chaplaincy (9 credit hours)

• Intro to Chaplaincy* (New Course)

• Chaplaincy and Trauma* (New Course)

• Chaplaincy Elective* (New Course)

Electives (7 credit hours)