Path to Chaplaincy
Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies
Earn Your Master’s at Yeshiva University—While Completing the Academic Path to Chaplaincy
An integrated program combining graduate study at the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies with clinical training and professional preparation through Gratz College.
Welcome
The Path to Chaplaincy offers a unique interdisciplinary pathway for students seeking advanced training in Jewish Studies, spiritual care, and professional chaplaincy.
Welcome
The Path to Chaplaincy offers a unique interdisciplinary pathway for students seeking advanced training in Jewish Studies, spiritual care, and professional 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 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 and Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, students develop a deep grounding in Jewish learning alongside interdisciplinary training in the social sciences. 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.
Professional Certification
The program is designed to fulfill the requirements for board certification through by Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains, the professional certifying body for Jewish chaplaincy. Guidance is also provided for students pursuing certification through alternative chaplaincy organizations.
Some competency requirements for chaplaincy certification may be fulfilled through prior academic study or professional experience, subject to review and approval by program advisors.
Program Structure
The Path to Chaplaincy is a 72-credit program anchored at Yeshiva University’s Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, and completed in partnership with Gratz College.
• Yeshiva University (39 credits)
• At least 24 credits must be completed at Revel
• Additional courses may be taken at Wurzweiler School of Social Work and Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology
• Gratz College (33 credits)
• Clinical training and specialized coursework in Jewish spiritual care
Courses Completed at Yeshiva University
Students complete up to 39 credits at Yeshiva University, with the core of their academic training based at Revel.
Sample YU Coursework
| Area | Credits | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Human Development | 3 | SWK 6100 – Human Behavior in the Social Environment (Wurzweiler) |
| Group Dynamics / Organizational Behavior | 3 | Courses in counseling and organizational behavior (Wurzweiler & Ferkauf) |
| Diversity | 3 | Courses across Revel (JHI/JST) and Wurzweiler (SWK) |
| Jewish History / Sociology / Anthropology of Jewish Community | 3 | Any Revel JHI course |
| Jewish Studies Methods | 3 | BIB/JHI/JPH/TAS 9000 – Themes & Methods in Jewish Studies (Revel) |
| Jewish Ritual | 3 | Selected courses in Bible, history, and Jewish thought (Revel) |
| Jewish Life Cycle | 3 | JST 5000 – Introduction to Judaism (Revel) |
| Medical Ethics | 3 | RIETS Bioethics & Jewish Law Program (YU/RIETS) |
| Jewish Studies Electives | 6 | Broad selection across Revel |
| Capstone | 3 | Determined in consultation with your advisor (Revel) |
| Hebrew Language | 6 | BIB 5201–5202 – Beginner’s Biblical Hebrew I & II (Revel) |
Total YU credits: 39
Minimum credits at Revel: 24
Courses Completed at Gratz College
Students complete 33 credits at Gratz College, focusing on clinical training and specialized coursework in Jewish spiritual care.
Sample Gratz Coursework
| Area | Credits | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE I–IV) | 21 | Four units of supervised clinical training in healthcare and community settings |
| Jewish Spiritual Care | 6 | Spiritual Care I & II |
| Death and Grief | 3 | Jewish Perspectives on Death and Grief |
| Liturgy, Spirituality & Leadership | 3 | Liturgy / Spirituality / Role as Spiritual Leader |
Total Gratz credits: 33
View the full curriculum and course options on the Curriculum Details page.
Add button labeled “Explore Full Curriculum” which links to the “Curriculum Details Page”
Learn more about the clinical training and chaplaincy components at Gratz College.
Add button labeled “Visit Gratz Chaplaincy Program” which links to (hyperlinked: https://www.gratz.edu/academics/program/jewish-studies/chaplaincy
Full Program Breakdown
Program Highlights
World-Class Faculty
Study with leading scholars at Yeshiva University’s Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, alongside experienced practitioners in social work, psychology, and Jewish spiritual care.
Flexible Online Learning
All academic coursework at Yeshiva University and Gratz College is offered fully online, allowing students to balance their studies with professional and personal commitments. (Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is completed in person at approved sites.)
Full-Time or Part-Time Study
The program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis, offering flexibility for working professionals and students at different stages of their careers.
Generous Scholarship Support
Generous scholarships are available to help make the program accessible to qualified students.
