Ministry beyond church walls
Meet people where they are. Take your calling into the world where it’s needed most.As a student, you'll engage in hands-on learning, stepping out of the classroom to directly impact communities.
Our graduate chaplaincy programs place a strong emphasis on community engagement, teaching you to understand and address diverse needs. We advocate for spiritual vocations that lead by listening, elevating and supporting the voices of individuals and communities for social justice and transformation. It opens doors to a wide range of opportunities beyond conventional ministry, including roles in non-profit organizations and community organizing. You'll gain versatile skills applicable across various fields while learning to extend the impact of ministry beyond congregational walls.
Within the supportive community of the center, leadership development is a focal point. You'll acquire the skills needed to lead initiatives, manage programs, and drive community transformation. It's an opportunity to develop as a leader who can bring about positive change, not only within the church but also in the wider world where your skills and passion are needed most.
Which chaplaincy program is right for you?
Master of Divinity
Concentration in Community Transformation and Chaplaincy
A transformative 3-year journey that blends the wisdom of biblical studies, theology, and practical ministry with insights from trauma and spirituality and transformational leadership courses. With flexible options for in-person and online classes, this program equips aspiring leaders with the tools they need to make a profound impact in their communities.
Credit hours: 75
Master of Arts
in Community Transformation and Chaplaincy
A dynamic 2-year program designed to equip future and current faith leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to serve as chaplains and community organizers. With convenient online evening courses, this program provides an opportunity for pastors with previous graduate theological education to earn supplemental income while making a difference in the lives of those they serve. From trauma and spirituality to transformational leadership to clinical pastoral education, our curriculum is tailored to empower pastors to meet the diverse needs of their communities.
Credit hours: 36 | *Previous graduate theological education required
Graduate Certificate
Trauma and Spirituality
In just 3 courses, this online evening program empowers pastors, faith leaders, and compassionate individuals alike to become trauma-informed and bring about positive change in their communities. Discover the profound connection between spirituality and healing as we delve into the complexities of trauma and its impact on individuals and communities. From understanding trauma to fostering resilience and offering compassionate support, this certificate equips you with the tools to make a lasting difference.
Credit hours: 9
Graduate Certificate
Trauma-Informed Leadership
This 3-course certificate provides essential training for ministry and community leaders to address trauma within congregations and communities. This emerging field intersects trauma and theology, empowering leaders to integrate care skills with theological practice. Designed for both theological graduates seeking further education and individuals new to theological studies, this program equips students to responsibly serve those affected by trauma.
Credit hours: 9
Graduate Certificate Transformational Leadership
This online evening program offers 3 courses designed to equip pastors, faith and non-profit leaders, and aspiring change-makers with essential skills. From fundraising to conflict resolution and decision-making, our dynamic curriculum empowers you to inspire lasting impact. Join a diverse cohort of visionary leaders and ignite your potential for positive change.
Credit hours: 9
Our programs are offered through Palm Beach Atlantic University, an associate member of The Association of Theological Schools and an accredited institution by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
What can I do with this degree?
Community Pastoring
and Urban Chaplaincy
Congregational
Leadership
Co-vocational
Ministry
Hospital/Hospice/
Military & Prision
Chapliancy
Non-Profit
Community
Transformation
Para-Church
Ministry
Curriculum Overview
Our unique curriculum consists of three main aspects to equip faith leaders for transformation in their congregations and communities.
Trauma & Spirituality
These courses equip students to engage with communities impacted by trauma stemming from social justice issues, poverty, and generational trauma. By developing an understanding of how these issues impact individuals and communities, students will develop a trauma-informed approach to ministry.
Transformational Leadership
These courses will empower students to foster the development of transformational praxis and empower students for practical leadership. The knowledge and skills gained in these courses will equip students to lead initiatives, manage programs, and engage in community organizing endeavors that are dedicated and tasked with driving community transformation.
CPE Training
CTC students have the unique opportunity to enhance their theological knowledge and pastoral skills through Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). Students gain invaluable hands-on experience, integrating theology with pastoral care in institutional and community-based settings.
These environments include placements in: Hospitals / Extended care facilities / Non-profit organizations / Social-justice organizations / Congregational settings
CPE offers a supervised learning experience where students engage in a minimum of 300 hours of practical experience and 100 hours of education. These programs typically span 24-25 weeks (extended) or 10-11 weeks (accelerated).
Admissions Process
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Discuss with coordinators and CTC staff to learn more about our programs.
Book an interest meeting with Jeremy Morse > -
Visit apply.pba.edu to create an account and begin the application for your program of choice.
Application requirements:Baccalaureate degree
GPA of 2.75 or above on a 4.0 scale
References
Transcripts
Ministy and calling essay
Research paper (if you have an undergraduate religious studies background)
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After you complete your application, you’ll be scheduled for an interview. Once notified of your acceptance, you will receive scholarship applications. You can begin your course six weeks after acceptance.
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CTC and PBA will reach out to discuss your first courses, enroll you in the upcoming term, and inform you of upcoming orientations.
Costs
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2024-2025 Tuition Rates: $575/credit hour; Fees: $52.50/credit hour | Tuition and fees can also be found on PBA’s website.
Total cost by program:MA: $22,590
MDiv: $47,063
Certificate: $5,648
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We are pleased to offer scholarships for CTC-specific courses which can cover up to 50% of CTC-specific courses ($8,625 over the course of the degree). Students are also eligible for various Graduate School of Ministry scholarships.
To help address the gap from loss of income-earning opportunities involved with fulfilling the CPE requirements, students may apply for living expense stipends. Stipends may be awarded for each unit of CPE, up to $7500.
Outside scholarships and grants are available for theological education, especially for women and people of color. CTC will connect you with the Financial Aid for additional options and payment plans.
In addition to having the opportunity to learn from leading Christian theologians and biblical scholars within Palm Beach Atlantic University’s School of Ministry, the forward-thinking CTC faculty will challenge your thinking, encourage exploration of new ideas, and provide guidance on your transformative journey.
Faculty
