The Starr King Certificate in Chaplaincy Studies, directed by Rev. Dr. Pamela D. Hancock, enables you to study the full complement of Chaplaincy topics to help you understand the types of Chaplaincy positions available today, go through a formation process at your own pace, and become prepared to minister to the world.
Certificate in Chaplaincy Studies
Earn your graduate-level certificate in Chaplaincy entirely through online study at Starr King School for the Ministry. This Certificate is perfect for those who already have an MDiv (or other type of theological Master’s Degree) and wish to bolster their education in order to serve in this way.
Complete your 18 unit certificate through a set of six formation stages (1.5 units each) and three courses in the Spiritual Practice & Care of the Soul Threshold (3 units each) taken 100% online. The successful completion of one unit of CPE (no SKSM fees/units for this work) is also required for the certificate program—this is done through an Accredited CPE Center during or after your coursework. See list of accredited centers here: https://profile.acpe.edu/accreditedcpedirectory (If you have already completed one unit of CPE recently, you may present your evaluation to the Director for consideration to fulfill the requirement.)
Program Prerequisites
- MDiv or comparable Master’s Degree is also required for enrollment.
- SKSM’s ECO Core – Educating to Create Just and Sustainable Communities that Counter Oppressions
- This counter-oppressive philosophy is at the core of Starr King’s degree programs. Drawing on Unitarian Universalist and multi-religious sources, this online synchronous course explores how in the midst of a world marked by tragedy, sorrow and injustice there remains abiding resources of beauty and grace that nourish resistance, offer healing and call us to accountability and community building. All students entering the Certificate in Chaplaincy Studies must have this ECO Core or equivalent background (as determined by Director of Program) before starting.
Required Courses
Chaplaincy Formation – 3 Stages
This set of 3 units per semester courses [for a total of 9 units] is taken with your incoming Cohort, providing you with a group with whom to traverse the formation process. This is done in preparation of ordination with whatever ordaining body you choose.
- Stage 1 – Personal Formation: exploring personal theology and the different types of chaplaincy & settings.
- Stage 2 – Community Formation: exploring Starr King’s ECO Philosophy in connection to your work as a Chaplain & Ministering to those in Specific Traditions.
- Stage 3 – Resilience Formation: focuses on your own personal spiritual formation, with the emphasis on being able to articulate your beliefs in writing. This stage also includes being a chaplain in the environmental crisis we all face and specially designed trauma training.
Courses to Choose from in the “Spiritual Practice and Care of the Soul Threshold”
Choose three:
- Spiritual Practices for these Times (3 Units)
- Deep Listening for All Forms of Ministry (3 Units)
- Depth Psychology for Chaplains (3 Units)
Optional Additional Courses:
- Disaster Chaplaincy + Nova certificate (.50 Unit) A good choice for those pursuing Hospital, First Responder, or Climate Crisis oriented Chaplaincy
- Engaging Moral Injury (3 Units) A good choice for those pursuing VA or Military Chaplaincy