Master of Arts (Residential)

Chaplaincy Concentration, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry

The Master of Arts in Chaplaincy Studies is designed to prepare students who feel called to provide spiritual support and guidance outside the local church context.

The Chaplaincy MA degree will provide a solid biblical and theological underpinning as well as a balanced training in pastoral counseling skills and intercultural studies. This Masters in Chaplaincy will provide solid foundational training that prepares individuals to become a chaplain for ministry in hospital, sports, marketplace and prison settings.

Unlike the Master of Divinity in Chaplaincy Studies, this chaplain degree does not require language training.

The following types of students are encouraged to consider this program:

Those already having had several years of vocational ministry experience who desire further theological study in order to be better prepared for a chaplaincy role.
Students desiring additional theological study for their particular field of ministry.

Career Opportunities

A chaplain's most important job is to provide religious services, spiritual guidance, and counseling to those in need.

Chaplains provide religious services and support to people who are hospitalized, incarcerated, or unable to attend religious services because they are on military duty.

Hospital Chaplain
Prison Chaplain
Hospice Chaplain
Workplace Chaplain
School Chaplain
Christian Camp Ministry
Airport Chaplain

Chaplaincy MA degree from Grace Seminary is for those who want a chaplain degree, with a master's in chaplaincy & military ministry skills. Learn more.

Course Overview

This course will examine Scriptural truths and principles along with a biblical theory of personality.

This course will examine how to effectively engage in pre-marital counseling to help couples prepare for marriage and to help couples who are struggling in their marriage.

In this course the belief systems of major religions are studied with a view to understanding why the tenets make sense and drive behavior for the adherents.

Through course material, individual reflection, and small group experiences, learners will explore the biblical foundations of relationships, personal relating style, small group dynamics, and roles and conflict management skills.

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introductory survey to the defense of the Christian worldview in its contemporary context.

Master of Arts in Christian Ministry FAQs

: The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry is a 48-credit-hour seminary degree that combines solid biblical and theological foundations with practical ministry skills, including pastoral counseling, intercultural ministry, spiritual formation, and leadership for local church and related ministries.
: It is designed for students preparing for ministry in or alongside the local church, as well as those already in vocational or support roles who want deeper theological training without a full MDiv.
: The MACM typically takes about 2 years of full-time study or three years of part time study. It’s a 48-credit graduate program.
: You’ll need a completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, official transcripts, and a spiritual life reference.
: Tuition for the MACM is approximately $470 per credit hour for a total of 48 credit hours for a total of $22,560. Note that institutional aid may reduce the price by up to $3,800 (see financial aid question below). Check out Grace’s current tuition and fees page for exact rates by campus/format.

Chaplaincy MA FAQs

Chaplain meaning: A ministry leader who provides spiritual care outside the local church, offering prayer, guidance, and support in places like hospitals, the military, and workplaces.

Chaplains serve in a wide range of settings outside the local church. Common opportunities include hospitals, the military, prisons, schools, workplaces, hospice care, camps, and even airports.

While the setting may change, the heart of chaplaincy stays the same. Chaplains provide spiritual care through counseling, prayer, and guidance for people in difficult or unique circumstances.

In hospitals or hospice care, they support patients and families during illness or end-of-life situations
In the military, they care for service members and their families
In prisons, they offer hope, discipleship, and spiritual direction
In workplaces or schools, they provide encouragement, counseling, and pastoral presence

At its core, chaplaincy is about bringing spiritual care to people who may not be able to access a traditional church.

Chaplain vs. Pastor: Both roles involve shepherding and spiritual leadership, but they serve in different contexts.

Pastors typically lead and shepherd a local church body
Chaplains minister outside the church, often in institutional or public settings

Grace Theological Seminary’s chaplaincy program provides strong biblical, theological, and pastoral care training for becoming a chaplain. However, Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is typically completed separately through approved clinical placements (such as hospitals or ministry sites). Many students pursue CPE alongside or after their chaplain degree as part of their professional preparation.

An MDiv is often considered the standard degree for many chaplaincy roles, especially in settings like hospitals or the military.

Grace’s Master of Arts in Chaplaincy Studies can be a good fit for those with prior ministry experience or those seeking a shorter pathway into chaplaincy. Specific requirements vary by employer or endorsing organization, so it’s important to explore the expectations for your desired setting.

Students typically complete clinical hours, such as CPE, in person at approved ministry or healthcare sites near where they live. This allows you to:

Apply what you’re learning in real time
Gain hands-on experience in your community
Stay rooted in your current ministry or life context

This combination of on-campus learning and local ministry experience helps bridge theory and practice in a meaningful way.

Entry Requirements

In order to be considered for enrollment in the Master of Arts program at Grace Theological Seminary, you must fulfill certain admissions requirements:

A four-year bachelor‘s degree or its equivalent (for international students) from a recognized institution of higher learning. Graduates of Bible colleges, liberal arts colleges, and state colleges and universities are encouraged to apply.
A student who received his or her pre-seminary education at an institution that is not accredited or who achieved less than a 2.5 GPA in pre-seminary education may be admitted on academic restriction.
Applicants without a bachelor’s degree who have completed some or no college may be admitted if they meet certain ministry and research/writing requirements. Please contact seminary admissions for more information; email: gtsrec@grace.edu or phone: 877.607.0012.

Admission Requirements

Grace Theological Seminary welcomes applications from all individuals who have a testimony of personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior

To be admitted as a Grace Theological Seminary student, you’re asked to provide:

Official transcripts from the school where you obtained your degree. (If you are currently working on your degree, you can submit an unofficial transcript for admission until term completion, at which time an official transcript is required. Transcripts should be sent to admissions@grace.edu.
A spiritual life reference
International applicant must provide a copy of TESOL test scores, and provide a financial certificate indicating sufficient funding for the program of study.
Master of Arts applicants may have additional non-academic requirements as well as longer ministry experience requirements. MA applicants are encouraged to contact admissions for more information.