Path to Chaplaincy

Program Goals

The Path to Chaplaincy prepares students to become compassionate, 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, earning a master’s degree in Jewish Studies while completing additional coursework that fulfills key academic requirements for chaplaincy. Through study at Revel and 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 gain a strong foundation in Jewish learning alongside interdisciplinary professional training.
Students then continue at Gratz College, where they complete Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and advanced coursework in Jewish spiritual care, preparing them to serve in healthcare, military, correctional, campus, and community settings. Open to both men and women, the program provides a pathway to becoming a Board Certified Chaplain without requiring rabbinic ordination. Upon completion of the program, graduates 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.

Yeshiva University (39 credits) 

• Students complete 39 credits at Yeshiva University.
• At least 30 credits must be completed at the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, leading to the award of a Master of Arts in Jewish Studies.
• The remaining Yeshiva University credits may be completed at Revel, the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, or the RIETS Graduate Program in Bioethics & Jewish Law.
• All students must fulfill the chaplaincy competency requirements listed below.
• Students who demonstrate proficiency in Biblical Hebrew and/or advanced knowledge of Judaism may receive exemptions from the Hebrew Language and Jewish Life Cycle requirements. Because all students must complete 30 credits at Revel, exempted courses are replaced with additional Revel electives.

• In addition to satisfying the chaplaincy competencies, the 30 Revel credits must fulfill the distribution requirements for the MA in Jewish Studies:  

  ——9 credits of introductory (5000-level) coursework drawn from at least two of the following fields: Bible, Medieval Jewish History, Modern Jewish History, Jewish Philosophy, and Talmud & Ancient Judaism.
  ——15 credits of advanced coursework (6000 level and above).
  ——6 credits of electives, which may be taken at either the 5000 or 6000 level. 

• Students work with an academic advisor to select courses that satisfy both the chaplaincy competencies and the MA degree requirements.

Gratz College (33 credits) 

• Students complete 33 credits of clinical training and specialized coursework in Jewish spiritual care.
• Coursework includes Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and advanced study in Jewish spiritual care, grief, spirituality, and religious leadership.
• Students earn an Advanced Certificate in Chaplaincy from Gratz College.

Prior Learning and Competency Review

Upon acceptance into the program, students will be evaluated by the National Association of Jewish Chaplains (NAJC) Certification Commission to determine whether prior academic study, professional experience, and other relevant personal or life experiences satisfy certain chaplaincy certification competencies. Such determinations may reduce the number of credits required for NAJC chaplaincy certification.

Coursework at Yeshiva University

Students complete 39 credits at Yeshiva University to fulfill the competency requirements for chaplaincy certification. At least 30 credits must be completed at the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies and satisfy the requirements for the MA in Jewish Studies. Additional coursework may be completed through Revel, the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, and the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology.

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.