
Our MA in Chaplaincy is a professional degree program where education is structured around the integration of theory and practice. We train the next generation of religious leaders, who view chaplaincy as the professional practice of spiritual care for all people.
You will develop the concrete skills and deep understanding necessary for working in a multifaith environment, as outlined in “Common Qualifications and Competencies for Professional Chaplains” and the “Standards of Practice for Professional Chaplains” of the Association of Professional Chaplains. Our graduates are confident in their ability to care for and empathize with people of all backgrounds in many settings – from hospitals and prisons to universities, the military, and in various religious communities.
Program Structure
The MA in Chaplaincy is a 36-credit professional degree program. It can be completed online in two years by a full-time student, apart from the Field Education and Clinical Pastoral Education requirements (which may be completed at students' local sites), and a required 3-day on-campus retreat. The first of these retreats is scheduled for Summer 2024. Students may attend the retreat during the first or second year of their program. For students who enrolled in the program prior to Fall 2023, this retreat is encouraged but not required.
Where Your Journey May Lead
MA in Chaplaincy Career Paths
Hospital Chaplaincy
State and Federal Prison Chaplaincy
University Chaplaincy
Military Chaplaincy
Community Chaplaincy
Courses you may take
Here is a small sample of courses students in the program take. To view the entire course listing, use the link below.
The Value of Experience

Faculty
Our faculty bring years of academic and practical experience teaching and serving communities of different faiths as practicing chaplains and religious leaders. They are award-winning authors, scholars of religion, and passionate leaders of faith, with teaching and research experience that makes them experts in their fields. They have spoken to their research on international stages, emphasizing sociological contexts, gender, and religion in the modern world.
Learn moreAlumni
With a foundation in interreligious education and professional spiritual care, our alumni are serving as chaplains across the globe – from top academic institutions to leading religious organizations. They hold religious leadership roles where they serve people in diverse communities and are focused on faith as a means to inclusivity and wellbeing while erasing religious dogmatism.
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Program Faculty

Bilal W. Ansari
Faculty Associate in Muslim Pastoral Theology, Co-Director of MA in Chaplaincy, Director of Islamic Chaplaincy program
Imam Dr. Bilal W. Ansari, a 2011 graduate of Hartford International University, is Co-Director of the MA in Chaplaincy program and Director of the Islamic Chaplaincy program, as well as Faculty Associate in Muslim Pastoral Theology.
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Janet E. Fuller
Co-Director of MA in Chaplaincy; Faculty Associate
Jan Fuller spent her early life in the Middle East, living through four wars before she was 23 and returned to the US. She considers Beirut Lebanon her home and is fluent in Arabic. At an early age she felt called to a ministry bringing heart and mind, scholarship and faith, together as part of a whole life and found that calling in University Chaplaincy. Her career as a University chaplain has served students, faculty, and staff over 40 years at Yale, Hollins, and Elon. At Elon, as a part of her Chaplaincy, she built a multifaith center, program, and staff for the purpose of offering the university population skills to build bridges of respect, honor, and friendship.
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Related Blog Posts

From the Blog
Finding a Meaningful Chaplaincy Career in a One-of-a-Kind Setting
Denise Wolferman ’23 left the corporate world in search of a more meaningful career. The Master's in Chaplaincy graduate says finding HIU was life-changing, and a crucial part of her journey to preparing as an HIU educated chaplain.
The post Finding a Meaningful Chaplaincy Career in a One-of-a-Kind Setting first appeared on Religion & Peace.

From the Blog
What Are the Roles of Chaplain, Minister, Pastor, or Priest
A pastor, minister, priest, and chaplain are all religious leaders of one kind or another. But there are differences between each of these roles. Read more to find out the similarities and differences in each of these.
The post What Are the Roles of Chaplain, Minister, Pastor, or Priest first appeared on Religion & Peace.

From the Blog
What Does a Chaplain Do and How Much Do They Get Paid?
Chaplaincy is a critical field that is growing around the world. Chaplains provide spiritual and emotional support to individuals who may be going through difficult times, and they are trained to provide care and counseling...
The post What Does a Chaplain Do and How Much Do They Get Paid? first appeared on Religion & Peace.
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Broaden your perspective. Deepen your ability to make a difference. Hartford International University programs prepare religious leaders and peacemakers who go beyond their own beliefs to embrace people of all faiths.


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