An online Master’s Degree in Chaplaincy is designed for students who are preparing for a profession in Christian ministry. Completing an online chaplaincy masters degree prepares the student to counsel those in need of spiritual guidance. This may include those who are seriously ill, incarcerated, serving in the military, or suffering in their personal lives. An online masters in chaplaincy degree also trains a person to be a spiritual teacher with a deep understanding of theology and faith.

Online Master’s Degrees in Chaplaincy Requirements

Anyone who wishes to obtain a chaplaincy masters degree online should be compassionate, patient, and empathetic. A chaplain is often called upon when a person is experiencing great hardship in their lives. Good listening skills and the ability to provide guidance in times of adversity are required of chaplains. They are also turned to for advice on subjects such as marriage and child raising. Online master programs in chaplaincy provide students with the skills needed for this and more.

A student who wishes to earn an accredited online chaplaincy master‘s degree will be required to currently hold a related bachelor‘s degree such as:

• Christian Studies
• Leadership and Ministry
• Pastoral Ministry
• Youth Ministry

Students pursuing a online masters degree in chaplaincy may have prior experience in counseling, physiology, or social services.

Online Chaplaincy Master’s Degree Education

Good online master’s degree programs in chaplaincy typically take between 2 to 3 years to complete. The types of chaplaincy degrees offered by the best chaplaincy master’s programs online include:

• Master of Science in Chaplaincy (MS in Chaplaincy)
• Master of Arts in Chaplaincy (MA in Chaplaincy)
• Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MA in Theological Studies)

Top schools offering online masters programs in chaplaincy will provide the background necessary to enroll in an accredited online PhD in chaplaincy program.

Information on Chaplaincy Courses

In order to earn an accredited online masters degree in chaplaincy, a student must complete the required coursework and write a thesis paper. Some courses offered by the top online masters degree programs in chaplaincy will include:

• Organizational Leadership
  This online masters chaplaincy course builds leadership skills through an understanding of institutional organization structures.
• Pastoral Counseling
  In this online master in chaplaincy class, the student will learn what it means to be a pastoral counselor. Topics of discussion focus on faith-based guidance techniques.
• Military Chaplaincy Practice
  As part of a good online masters degree program in chaplaincy, this course will prepare students for the unique situations faced by military personnel.
• Religious History
  As part of a good online master in chaplaincy program, religious history explores the foundation and evolution of religion through time.

Specializations and Concentrations

Because chaplaincy is a broad field, in order to become an expert in a specific niche, some online master’s chaplaincy students will pursue specialties or concentrations in areas including:

• Nursing Homes
• Hospice
• Religious Education
• Law Enforcement/Correctional Institutions
• Youth Counseling
• Family Counseling

Careers in Chaplaincy

Upon completion of a chaplaincy masters degree online, the student will have many career choices available to them. Possibilities include a wide variety of work environments. Some options open to online master in chaplaincy graduates include:

• Military Chaplain
  With an online master’s in chaplaincy degree, one can have an exciting career offering religious services to military personnel all over the world. The expected salary for a military chaplain $62,000. Due to the projected number of active military, job growth for military chaplains is expected to be excellent through 2018.
• Hospice Chaplain
  Upon finishing an online master’s degree chaplaincy program, a spiritual leader may find a calling as a hospice chaplain. This field involves ministry to those near death and their families. The expected yearly earning is $32,000. Job growth is favorable with an expected increase around 13% through 2018.
• Correctional Institution Chaplain
  Online master’s programs in chaplaincy prepare students to work with prisoners in correctional institutions. Earnings in this field average $45,000 per year. Job growth is expected to remain stable through 2016.
• Clergy
  Church leaders are looked upon by communities for spiritual guidance. After completing an online masters degree chaplaincy program, members of the clergy can expect to earn an annual salary of $45,000. Outlook in this field is expected to be competitive through 2018.
• Religious Education
  As a teacher in the field of religious studies, a chaplain can go on to help others through education. Chaplaincy masters programs online qualify students to earn an average of $53,000 per year. Employment growth in the field of education is expected to reach 12% by 2018.

Good online master degree programs in chaplaincy prepare students for
challenging and rewarding careers revolving around faith and religion. For those who seek a career helping others through spiritual leadership, then an online master program in chaplaincy could become the beginning of an ideal career pursuit.