Additions & Partnerships to Academic Programs

Beginning in Fall 2017, Chicago Theological Seminary will debut its Certificate Concentration in Chaplaincy Studies geared toward students who will pursue or have an interest in chaplaincy work. In addition, the seminary has established two academic partnerships with Hartford Seminary and Aurora University. These partnerships expand opportunities for students who wish to pursue a CTS MDiv degree.

Today, ministry is being engaged in public spaces far beyond the walls of churches. Chaplains are rooted and accountable to their religious tradition, but serve people and communities who may have different religious backgrounds or have no religious affiliation. Various contexts, including hospital, military, prison, campus, and hospice, need highly trained chaplains who can faithfully serve the spiritual needs of all of God’s children. Through the new chaplaincy concentration, CTS’ faculty expertise, and interreligious engagement, will support students’ vocational discernment and equip them for professional success.

“Chicago Theological Seminary is persistently at the forefront of innovations in theological education,” Dr. Zachary Moon, Assistant Professor of Practical Theology said. “With our new chaplaincy studies program, our students will be better equipped to serve in multiple contexts of ministry, including hospital, military, educational, hospice, and prison chaplaincies.”

CTS will offer a wide diversity of classes and lectures including, Introduction to Chaplaincy Studies, Trauma and Theology, Short-Term Pastoral Counseling Strategies, Ministries with Veterans and Military Families, Moral Injury and Recovery, Exploring the American Muslim Experience and Loss and Healing in the Bible and in Rabbinic Literature.

In addition, CTS’ new partnership with Hartford Seminary will allow Hartford students to take half of their courses at Hartford and easily transfer their credits in order to complete their MDiv at CTS. Additionally, CTS students have the opportunity to take some of Hartford’s courses in Interreligious Engagement and Islamic Studies.

Ken Stone, Academic Dean and Professor of Bible, Culture, & Hermeneutics said: “These students will also bring to our classes the things they have learned from Hartford’s innovative MA programs, including exciting coursework in Christian-Muslim relations. Partnering with Hartford is a win/win for all of us, allowing for better collaboration between schools in these challenging times.”

CTS is partnering with Aurora University to offer a completely online MDiv/MSW dual degree. Students are able to complete the requirements for both degrees simultaneously within four years. The seminary has several similar partnerships with the University of Chicago and the Association of Chicago Theological Schools.

Chaplaincy Studies courses will be offered in online and intensive formats beginning in the 2017-18 Academic Year. The opportunity with Aurora University will also be available online. Click here to learn more about our certificate programs.

View the full version of this press release here.