Chaplain holding bible at hospital bedside

What does it cost?

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

How long will it take?

A minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate coursework must be completed for the Religious Studies, M.A. and 12 graduate credit hours in relevant coursework must be completed for the chaplaincy certificate.

Where will I take classes?
Atlanta Campus

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

For the pathway to chaplaincy (the Religious Studies, M.A. followed by the chaplaincy certificate) the application deadline is February 15. Rolling applications will be accepted for the 12 credit hour certificate program alone.

College of Arts & Sciences

Graduate Pathway to Chaplaincy

Religious Studies

Department Chair
Molly Bassett
[email protected]

Georgia State University is pleased to be the first public university in the country to offer a graduate pathway designed specifically for aspiring chaplains. This program is designed for students passionate about faith, helping others and providing spiritual support in a meaningful and impactful way.

Our Pathway to Chaplaincy allows students to pursue a master's degree in Religious Studies and complete 48 hours of graduate coursework required for Associate Certification or 72 hours for Board Certification as a chaplain through the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC). Students start with the master's program and then apply for the Graduate Certificate in Chaplaincy Studies to fulfill certification requirements. Those with an existing Religious Studies, M.A. from Georgia State or another institution can apply directly to the certificate program for additional credits.

Our mission is to provide top-tier education in religious studies and related fields like race, gender, sexuality, and health. The Department of Religious Studies teaches graduate students about diverse religious traditions and essential humanities skills such as active listening, critical thinking, reading, writing, and self-reflection. These skills are valuable as students progress through the program, participate in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) training, prepare for APC certification, and begin their careers in chaplaincy.

Learn more about APC Certification Requirements

About the Pathway to Chaplaincy at Georgia State

MA in Religious Studies
2 Years

Graduate Certificate in Chaplaincy Studies
1 Year

APC Partnership

The Department of Religious Studies at Georgia State University is the first public institution in the country to offer a Pathway to Chaplaincy in partnership with the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC). APC is the professional association that board certifies military, hospital, prison and chaplains in other specialized settings in the United States. The association serves more than 5,000 chaplains who are involved in chaplaincy care of all persons, respecting their diverse cultures, identities, abilities and beliefs.

The new Pathway to Chaplaincy partnership creates professional opportunities for students who may not pursue theological training. This expansion in spiritual care opportunities allows for a more diverse representation of chaplains, benefiting individuals seeking care from non-traditional or non-religious perspectives. The partnership with APC enhances the diversity of programs available for future spiritual care providers, ensuring a broader understanding of world religions and more inclusive care practices.

Why Chaplaincy at GSU?

Our department takes an applied approach to studying religions, working with various community partners to incorporate learning opportunities into our courses. This approach prepares students for careers and advanced graduate study.

Through this program, students earn a master's degree in Religious Studies and a certificate in Chaplaincy Studies, culminating in their application for associate certification. All forms of chaplaincy certification involve multiple elements, including graduate education, Clinical Pastoral Education in hospitals, clinics, or community settings, and endorsement by a candidate’s religious organization.

Learn more about APC Certification Requirements

Career Opportunities with a Chaplaincy Certificate

Students who complete the Religious Studies, M.A. with the graduate certificate program in chaplaincy studies can apply to the Association of Professional Chaplains to be certified to work in a variety of settings including, but not limited to:

Healthcare facilities
Hospice
Universities

Students in our program work closely with the Spiritual Care Team at WellStar Health Systems. WellStar is a long-term partner of the Religious Studies department at Georgia State University. This collaboration opens doors for students and graduates.

Learn more about APC Certification Requirements

Military member reading a bible

Program Details

All students seeking the Chaplaincy Studies Graduate Certificate must submit a formal application through the Office of Graduate Studies. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

The process by which students will be admitted to the Chaplaincy Studies Graduate Certificate program is as follows:

• Students must apply using the standard graduate application.
• All applications will be reviewed by the Graduate Director and the admissions committee. If students meet the eligibility criteria, they will be admitted to the graduate certificate program.

In order to fulfill the Graduate Pathway to Chaplaincy, you must complete all credit hours required for the Religious Studies, M.A. at Georgia State University or another university that offers a similar master's degree program prior to enrolling in the Graduate Certificate in Chaplaincy Studies.

The Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) requires an M.A. in Religious Studies combined with 48 overall graduate credit hours in relevant coursework for certification as an Associate or 72 overall graduate credit hours for Board Certification as a Chaplain.

Learn more about APC Certification Requirements

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

Students who complete the graduate certificate program in chaplaincy studies will be able to provide spiritual care as a chaplain from a variety of religious traditions.

Diverse populations in Atlanta and throughout the United States desire chaplains for various professional settings, and as part of the pathway to chaplaincy program, the certificate will provide a structured program for students interested in chaplaincy.

Alumni Spotlight

Catherine Moore outside by train tracks

"The longer I’ve been doing chaplaincy work, the more it is clear to me that there is a need for highly educated and skilled people who are well informed about different social contexts, different religious contexts that come into it with a research centered mind as well as a mind and heart of compassion."

Catherine Moore

B.A. (’16), M.A. (’20) Religious Studies
M. Div. and MA of Practical Theology
Resident Chaplain at Northside Atlanta Hospital
Founder of Soulful Radiance Counseling