Interreligious Chaplaincy Program

The first of its kind, GTU’s Interreligious Chaplaincy Program (ICP) equips leaders to practice spiritual care among diverse populations. The program offers students who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree the opportunity to earn a Certificate in Interreligious Chaplaincy. 

Spiritual care is a vital need to practice chaplaincy in traditional and non-traditional settings, including hospitals, universities, prisons, the military, immigration, family and social services, disaster relief, airports, and corporations. This program prepares you to effectively serve persons from diverse religious backgrounds in a wide variety of situations and life stages. Coursework will incorporate practical spiritual care, counseling, and theology taught in an interreligious environment. The ICP is accredited and fulfills a requirement for board certification (BCC). The ICP works closely with the GTU's member schools and academic centers to increase the competency of chaplaincy students in traditions underrepresented among institutional chaplains.

Application Requirements for Interreligious Chaplaincy Certificate

• Must hold an accredited bachelor's degree.
• All applicants must submit official transcripts to the Admissions Office.
• International students who have not earned a degree from an English-speaking institution are required to submit official TOEFL scores with an expected minimum score of 79 (internet-based). 
• Letter of recommendation from a peer in the spiritual care field, a religious leader, or a faculty advisor.

For non-California residents, participation in this online program for a Certificate in Interreligious Chaplaincy may be subject to another state’s limitations. Visit our State Authorization page for more information.

*Concurrent enrollment in degree programs at multiple institutions in conjunction with the Interreligious Chaplaincy Certificate program is strictly prohibited.

Begin your application now. 

Please see the most up-to-date per Certificate per credit tuition rate HERE

The ICP Jewish Studies Fellowship, made possible through the generous donation of The Taube Foundation, offers a scholarship that provides tuition support for courses in the Certificate in Interreligious Chaplaincy. Meet past recipients.

The ICP Hindu Studies Fellowship, offered in coordination with the Motwani Jadeja Foundation (MJF) and the Hindu Spiritual Care Institute (HSCI), offers tuition grants for students in the GTU's Interreligious Chaplaincy Program who are taking courses in the Hindu Tradition. Learn more and apply here.