(510) 843-14221,000+ 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.
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.
Innovative program, diverse & nurturing community
Well-rounded experience & professional titles to match
Online classes with flexible schedules
Small class sizes
Tuition Assistance
Comprehensive Curriculum & Certificate
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.
Innovative program, diverse & nurturing community
Well-rounded experience & professional titles to match
Online classes with flexible schedules
Small class sizes
Tuition Assistance
Comprehensive Curriculum & Certificate
Innovative program, diverse & nurturing community
Well-rounded experience & professional titles to match
Online classes with flexible schedules
Small class sizes
Tuition Assistance
Comprehensive Curriculum & Certificate
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
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
Psycho-spiritual development
Strengthening the container of self for health in ministry
Dreamwork
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
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
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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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!
