The Master of Arts in Pastoral and Spiritual Care (MAPSC) program is for students who may be interested in employment as chaplains or spiritual caregivers through religious organizations, health care organizations, and hospice programs. This may include persons seeking ordination/consecration as a deacon or lay minister in many denominational traditions.

The curriculum provides an interdisciplinary approach through courses in the comparative study of religion; historical, biblical, theological and ethical studies of Christianity; and historical and contemporary approaches to pastoral and spiritual care.

Using a practice-reflection model of learning, students integrate knowledge and are formed as pastoral and spiritual caregivers through a first year colloquium experience, one unit of clinical pastoral education, and a counseling and guidance program that enhances self reflection.

A special option exists for those in military chaplaincy. The MAPSC for military chaplains is a professional degree for those already holding a MDIV that draws on courses from across the theological curriculum and allows for specialization, such as a focus on post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the military. See video.

Requirements for the degree are at least 80 quarter credits (or 40 quarter credits in addition to an MDIV degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution), with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better; specific requirements may be negotiated based on prior educational experience.

Request information or view the Masters Student Handbook.