Path to Chaplaincy

Program Goals

The Path to Chaplaincy prepares students to serve as compassionate and knowledgeable spiritual caregivers through a unique partnership between Yeshiva University and Gratz College. Students begin at Yeshiva University’s Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, where they earn a master’s degree in Jewish Studies while also completing additional coursework that fulfills key academic requirements for chaplaincy. Through study at Revel, along with select courses at YU’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, and the RIETS Graduate Program in Bioethics & Jewish Law, students develop a deep grounding in Jewish learning alongside interdisciplinary professional training. They then continue at Gratz College, completing Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and advanced coursework in Jewish spiritual care, equipping them to serve in healthcare, military, correctional, campus, and communal settings. The program is open to men and women and provides a pathway to Board Certified Chaplaincy that does not require rabbinic ordination. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to apply for Board Certification, the gold standard in professional chaplaincy.

Professional Certification

The program is designed to fulfill the requirements for board certification through Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains, the professional certifying body for Jewish chaplaincy. Guidance is also provided for students pursuing certification through alternative chaplaincy organizations.

Program Structure

The Path to Chaplaincy is a 72-credit program anchored by Yeshiva University’s Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies and completed in partnership with Gratz College.

Some competency requirements for chaplaincy certification may be fulfilled through prior academic study or professional experience, subject to review and approval by program advisors. In such cases, students may be able to complete the program with fewer total credits.

Yeshiva University (39 credits) 
      •    At least 24 credits must be completed at Revel. 
      •    Additional courses may be taken at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work,                the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, and the RIETS Graduate                        Program in Bioethics & Jewish Law. 
      •    Students earn a Master’s degree from Yeshiva University. 
      •    Students complete coursework beyond the standard Master’s degree                        requirements in preparation for chaplaincy certification. 
Gratz College (33 credits) 
      •    Clinical training and specialized coursework in Jewish spiritual care. 
      •    Students earn an Advanced Certificate in Chaplaincy from Gratz College. 

Coursework at Yeshiva University

Students complete coursework across Revel, Wurzweiler, Ferkauf, and the RIETS Graduate Program in Bioethics & Jewish Law to fulfill chaplaincy competency requirements.

Coursework at Gratz College

Students complete advanced training in Jewish spiritual care and Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).

For additional details about coursework at Gratz, visit the Gratz College Jewish Chaplaincy Program.

View the full curriculum and approved course options on the Program Information page.