Course Descriptions
Master of Arts in Chaplaincy
For a full list of all courses offered by the Department of Pastoral Ministry, visit the .Chaplaincy Core
This course serves as an introduction to the field of chaplaincy and prepares students to provide spiritual and emotional support in various settings, including hospitals, prisons, universities and the military in a culturally and spiritually diverse society. This course offers a comprehensive curriculum covering chaplains’ roles, qualifications, qualities, importance, personal theology, competencies and cultural identity in different life contexts. The course also explores topics such as grief and trauma, relevant moral and faith developmental theories, behavioral theories, intercultural competencies and the problem of evil as tools that chaplains can use to assess the spiritual and emotional needs of the people they serve, as members of an interdisciplinary team.
This course explores the role of chaplaincy in engaging with diverse communities. Students will learn about the various aspects of chaplaincy, including pastoral care, community outreach and spiritual guidance. Students will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to provide compassionate care and support to individuals and communities in need. Students will engage deeply with various practical concerns such as religious diversity, cultural competency, ethical considerations and effective communication strategies. Students will also be able to reflect on their values and beliefs and consider how these inform their approach to chaplaincy and community engagement.
This advanced course in pastoral studies prepares students to encounter diverse forms of grief and trauma in parish or other ministry settings as a form of public theology and witness, as well as in connection with healing ministries of the Church.
This course explores the psychological, social and spiritual dimensions of death and dying, examining various cultural and religious perspectives on death and the afterlife, and the ethical considerations surrounding end-of-life care. The course will also study the role of spiritual care in providing comfort and support to the dying and their loved ones.
This course is designed to train chaplains in providing spiritual and emotional support to the elderly. Major themes are: the ethical considerations and the role of chaplains in promoting holistic well-being in elderly care facilities, the spiritual needs of the elderly, end-of-life issues and practical strategies for providing compassionate support and fostering meaningful connections with elderly individuals.
This course is designed to provide chaplains with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively care for themselves while supporting others. Key topics include: stress management, emotional resilience, boundary setting and spiritual self-care. This course aims to empower chaplains to flourish in their roles while prioritizing their own health and well-being.
This course provides an overview of the various assessment tools and techniques used by chaplains to evaluate the spiritual and emotional needs of individuals. Students will learn how to effectively use these tools to provide holistic and culturally sensitive care to diverse populations. Topics covered include spiritual history taking, assessment interviews and the use of standardized assessment instruments.