1,000+ EMPOWERED STUDENTS

Become a professional interfaith
chaplain or community minister through
education on your schedule.

This program combines the study of world religions with an
exploration of mystical paths and teachings, teaching skills for
ministry and spiritual care for all.

  • Online curriculum and flexible schedule

  • Payment plans and financial aid available

  • No risk – attend up to three courses without applying to the program

1,000+ EMPOWERED STUDENTS

Become a professional interfaith
chaplain or community minister through
education on your schedule.

Learn more about becoming a
chaplain or community minister today

Get a free call with our admissions advisor to learn more
about the program and how to secure your spot.

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Classes are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Limited spots are available.

Why choose our program for your interfaith education

Many individuals enroll in this program to satisfy their longing and curiosity to live meaningful,
engaged lives. Others arrive feeling called to a specific area of spiritual leadership or chaplaincy as a career.
Whether in traditional or emerging contexts, you will emerge prepared to serve the individuals
and needs of today’s increasingly intricate and diverse world.

“After 45 years working in technology, The Chaplaincy Institute is where I chose
to begin the work for my next career as a chaplain. It has been a totally life-altering
experience. This is work I can do the rest of my life.”

Why choose our program for your interfaith education

Many individuals enroll in this program to satisfy their longing and curiosity to live meaningful,
engaged lives. Others arrive feeling called to a specific area of spiritual leadership or chaplaincy as a career.
Whether in traditional or emerging contexts, you will emerge prepared to serve the individuals
and needs of today’s increasingly intricate and diverse world.

“After 45 years working in technology, The Chaplaincy Institute is where I chose
to begin the work for my next career as a chaplain. It has been a totally life-altering
experience. This is work I can do the rest of my life.”

What do interfaith chaplains do?
Who Are We?

“The work of this school – the lives and the personal growth experienced by each and every student it touches – multiplies. I hold much hope for the wonderful unfolding and continual evolution of The Chaplaincy Institute – all for the greater good that CHI provides to the world.”

Rev. Gina Rose Halpern

Founder of The Chaplaincy Institute

Certificates & Titles Bestowed

Certificates & Titles Bestowed

All Interfaith Studies Certificate Program graduates receive a Certificate of Completion from The Chaplaincy Institute and official transcript. Those who successfully complete the Interfaith Studies Program may apply for ordination approval and receive the title of professional interfaith minister or chaplain.

Program Structure & Independent Study

Program Structure & Independent Study

Students complete 22 credit hours through nine required courses, four elective courses and two residential learning retreats on the coast of California.

In addition to independent coursework, and Friday-Sunday live intensives, students work individually on requirements that include:

  • Working with a spiritual director or counselor/therapist with a spiritual focus

  • Committing to a personal spiritual practice and participating in a spiritual community (different traditions very acceptable)
  • Completing a written self-reflection assessment and assessment interview
  • Completing a practicum

Certificates & Titles Bestowed

All Interfaith Studies Certificate Program graduates receive a Certificate of Completion from The Chaplaincy Institute and official transcript. Those who successfully complete the Interfaith Studies Program may apply for ordination approval and receive the title of professional interfaith minister or chaplain.

Program Structure & Independent Study

Students complete 22 credit hours through nine required courses, four elective courses and two residential learning retreats on the coast of California.

In addition to independent coursework, and Friday-Sunday live intensives, students work individually on requirements that include:

  • Working with a spiritual director or counselor/therapist with a spiritual focus

  • Committing to a personal spiritual practice and participating in a spiritual community (different traditions very acceptable)
  • Completing a written self-reflection assessment and assessment interview
  • Completing a practicum

Join hundreds of our students who successfully
lead and serve in an interfaith capacity

Join hundreds of our students who successfully
lead and serve in an interfaith capacity

Terri D.

Professional with expertise in this field 10/08/2021

Chi is truly for everyone!

The Chaplaincy Institute is where my heart found a space to listen and to discover ways to live out the truth of my heart’s calling to serve in justice and healing. There truly is room for everyone- without judgment- only welcome and invitation to be formed as interspiritual healers in a wounded, life-giving world. I give thanks everyday for the teachers, classmates with whom I am in membership- and the ongoing mission of compassionate presence we support in one another.

Debra Hansen

Client Served 10/07/2021

Chi confirmed my multi-faith spirituality!

The Chaplaincy Institute prepared me well to serve as a hospital chaplain and interfaith spiritual director. ChI affirmed my multi-faith spirituality, encouraged my creative self-expression, and ordained and blessed my work in the world. Their approach to experiential learning grows the whole person, not just the intellect. I'm delighted to see ChI continuing to grow in so many ways, negotiating several tough transitions. It's not an easy time for seminaries. As one of a small number of Interfaith schools, it has an increasingly important role to play in our world in transition.

JurgenS

Professional with expertise in this field 10/08/2021

The perfect place for chaplaincy education!

I love the Chaplaincy Institute for educating and ordaining awesome chaplains who are able to serve persons from diverse cultures and spiritual paths!

MRG143

Client Served 10/01/2021

Exceptional experience!

I attend this school and have only great things to say about my experience. The teachers are amazing, the curriculum is second to none and each student is treated with care. Leaders are passionate about seeing their students succeed. The administration is open minded and think outside the box to make ChI a successful educational experience for all. ChI is committed to the whole human. They teach value lessons, communication and leadership skills. My experience at ChI has been exceptional.

walden66

Client Served 10/07/2021

Really grateful for this place.

I attended this seminary, deep-diving in multiple world faith traditions and learning how to provide skilled spiritual care to people of all faiths - and to people of no particular faith. I believe strongly in the mission of "ChI" and am grateful that a place like this exists.

Tom K.2

Professional with expertise in this field 10/01/2021

Looking forward to continue this education!

I always look forward to the continuing education and new programs offered by the Chaplaincy Institute. Grateful for the surprises to be uncovered in working with Chaplains. The Interfaith dimension is a great resource in my work in Hospice settings among people who have a chance to reflect on the meaning in their lives.

Core Curriculum

The ChI curriculum provides you with a comprehensive, integrated, interfaith, and applied-theology
education. Caring for the self and the world is integrated throughout, with a focus on personal resilience while
engaged in sacred justice ministry.

Interfaith Wisdom – Engage with the world’s knowledge, beliefs, traditions and practices

World Religions & Perspectives: Understanding world traditions, exploring culture and practices, cultivating mystical awareness

Contextual Education & Immersion: Personally engaging spiritual and cultural traditions, inter-religious dialogue and hospitality

Theological Literacy: Understanding faith and the Interfaith movement, engaging sacred texts, exploring personal and Interfaith theology

Spiritual Psychology – Deepen understanding of self and psyche

Psycho-spiritual development

Strengthening the container of self for health in ministry

Dreamwork

Spiritual Leadership & Development – Define, express and embody one’s personal connection to Spirit

Embodied Care & Leadership: Deepening one’s spiritual practice(s) for self-care, personal transformation, and responsive ministry with others

Public Speaking & Community Ministry: Developing inspired teaching, public speaking and facilitation skills for myriad settings

Arts for Awakening: Engaging transformative artistic practices in visual arts, music, and movement as pathways to the Divine

Interfaith Ministry & Service – Explore spiritual care practices for individuals and communities

Spiritual Care: Developing practical, inclusive spiritual care and ministry skills, prayer, spiritual care theology, and personal competence in deep listening, presence and compassion

Ceremonial Ministry & Ritual-Making: Understanding ceremonial rites, elements of interfaith worship and tools for effective ritual creation

Prophetic Voice & Social Transformation: Exploring pathways to applied ministry, cultural advocacy and social activism

Vocational Formation – Design and practice your unique path to service or ministry

Supervised Practicum: Integration and application of core competencies

Calling & Discernment: Exploring how your gifts, growing edges, vocational experiences and inner guidance interweave to form your way of ministering to the world.

Core Curriculum

The ChI curriculum provides you with a comprehensive, integrated, interfaith, and applied-theology
education. Caring for the self and the world is integrated throughout, with a focus on personal resilience while
engaged in sacred justice ministry.

Interfaith Wisdom – Engage with the world’s knowledge, beliefs, traditions and practices

World Religions & Perspectives: Understanding world traditions, exploring culture and practices, cultivating mystical awareness

Contextual Education & Immersion: Personally engaging spiritual and cultural traditions, inter-religious dialogue and hospitality

Theological Literacy: Understanding faith and the Interfaith movement, engaging sacred texts, exploring personal and Interfaith theology

Spiritual Psychology – Deepen understanding of self and psyche

Psycho-spiritual development

Strengthening the container of self for health in ministry

Dreamwork

Spiritual Leadership & Development – Define, express and embody one’s personal connection to Spirit

Embodied Care & Leadership: Deepening one’s spiritual practice(s) for self-care, personal transformation, and responsive ministry with others

Public Speaking & Community Ministry: Developing inspired teaching, public speaking and facilitation skills for myriad settings

Arts for Awakening: Engaging transformative artistic practices in visual arts, music, and movement as pathways to the Divine

Interfaith Ministry & Service – Explore spiritual care practices for individuals and communities

Spiritual Care: Developing practical, inclusive spiritual care and ministry skills, prayer, spiritual care theology, and personal competence in deep listening, presence and compassion

Ceremonial Ministry & Ritual-Making: Understanding ceremonial rites, elements of interfaith worship and tools for effective ritual creation

Prophetic Voice & Social Transformation: Exploring pathways to applied ministry, cultural advocacy and social activism

Vocational Formation – Design and practice your unique path to service or ministry

Supervised Practicum: Integration and application of core competencies

Calling & Discernment: Exploring how your gifts, growing edges, vocational experiences and inner guidance interweave to form your way of ministering to the world.

How Enrollment Works

1 Application

Once you fill out the form, our admissions team will contacts you with information about the application process.

2 Admissions Interview

Once we receive your application, we schedule a live interview in a virtual format.

3 Acceptance

You receive an acceptance letter and all that is necessary to get started. Plan on 2 months time to prepare for the first course (administrative forms, student handbook, class reading and homework assignments).

How Enrollment Works

1 Application

Once you fill out the form, our admissions team will contacts you with information about the application process.

2 Admissions Interview

Once we receive your application, we schedule a live interview in a virtual format.

3 Acceptance

You receive an acceptance letter and all that is necessary to get started. Plan on 2 months time to prepare for the first course (administrative forms, student handbook, class reading and homework assignments).

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, and at least half our graduates move right into paid work while the other half may choose further education or other paths.
Most of our curriculum is held online through Moodle and Zoom but two in-person learning retreats are held at a retreat center in Northern California.
Absolutely! Please request a course catalog to see our upcoming Open Enrollment courses.
Absolutely! Our ordination and endorsement is approved and recognized by The Association of Professional Chaplains and all other professional chaplaincy organizations.
Costs may be reduced by financial aid as well as waivers received but without any reductions the total cost for all expenses excluding books and transportation is just under $25,000.

A Bachelor’s degree is usually required but applicants may apply for a waiver of this requirement. There are no other prerequisites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, and at least half our graduates move right into paid work while the other half may choose further education or other paths.
Most of our curriculum is held online through Moodle and Zoom but two in-person learning retreats are held at a retreat center in Northern California.
Absolutely! Please request a course catalog to see our upcoming Open Enrollment courses.
Absolutely! Our ordination and endorsement is approved and recognized by The Association of Professional Chaplains and all other professional chaplaincy organizations.
Costs may be reduced by financial aid as well as waivers received but without any reductions the total cost for all expenses excluding books and transportation is just under $25,000.

A Bachelor’s degree is usually required but applicants may apply for a waiver of this requirement. There are no other prerequisites.

Become a professional interfaith
chaplain or community minister through
education on your schedule.

Become a professional interfaith
chaplain or community minister through
education on your schedule.

Become a professional interfaith
chaplain or community minister through
education on your schedule.

  • Innovative program & nurturing community
  • Inspiring, nurturing and inclusive community
  • Small class sizes
  • Tuition assistance
  • Creative, innovative and comprehensive curriculum
  • Join us to heal and transform the world!