Seminary of the Southwest news release March 2007

Interested in becoming a chaplain – from hospital and prison to workplace and school?

The Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest has launched a chaplaincy program within its master of arts in pastoral ministry (MAPM) degree. The 72-credit hour program complies with the Association of Professional Chaplains’ requirements for recognition as a board certified chaplain.

“Not all chaplains need to be ordained clergy, so this degree meets an important need,” said Joseph Liro, admissions director at the Seminary of the Southwest. “The traditional model for ministry as a chaplain is changing, and the Seminary of the Southwest is taking the leading role in implementing that change.”

The degree mixes a core curriculum with a selection of electives specific to the student’s field of interest. Six courses of basic theological, historical and ethical material for ministry comprise the core curriculum. Other required coursework equips students for general chaplaincy in a variety of settings. Elective courses enable students to broaden and/or deepen their understanding of particular ministries. The length of time to complete the degree is from three to six years depending on full or part-time study.

After earning the degree, the seminary graduate personally arranges for the required clinical pastoral education work to receive board certification.

Contact Joseph Liro, Seminary of the Southwest admissions director, by email or by phoning 512.472.4133, ext. 375.

Other master of arts in pastoral ministry degree programs focus on discipleship and spiritual formation. The seminary also offers a master of arts degree in counseling. Here is information about these programs.