What advice do you have for someone seeking an online graduate degree pathway to become an Army Chaplain?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 14:47:33 -0400

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2017 11:47 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 23:47:01 -0400

Having been a Lay Minister many years ago, I always thought the seminary environment was very positive for those in the ministry. I'm certain there are some theology classes that can be taken online, but some just simply have to be enjoyed in a classroom environment.

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made May 4 at 2017 11:33 PM

CH (CPT) Heather Davis — Thu, 04 May 2017 23:33:40 -0400

I took attended two colleges my advice would be not to rush your journey. I took extra counseling classes in understanding ptsd and trauma, the impact of suicidal thoughts. I took classes on ethics and also 4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education. I took classes in understanding taboos in cultures and crisis management.

Response by CPL Sharon Fahey made Jul 8 at 2017 12:49 AM

CPL Sharon Fahey — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 00:49:36 -0400

Many of our chaplains had already been through seminary and were either rabbis/pastors/priests in their own religion. Depending on your faith, you have to have something from that diocese/convention/beis din in order to be released to serve in the military. It's not like a typical recruit/ MOS situation.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2017 11:33 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 23:33:27 -0400

your question is really vague. There are a number of well respected seminaries who have extensive online programs but current Army requirements call for an ATS accredited seminary. The ATS require you take a minimum of 8 courses at the seminary (intensives count). Fuller it's really good, so is Dallas, but you have to go to a seminary accepted by your denomination. The process is something like this:
1) Be endorsed by a faith group/denomination
2) be accepted by a seminary for a Master's of Divinity that is accepted by your denomination and the Army (ATS accredited)
3) Apply for Chaplain Candidancy with the National Guard/Reserve
4) The Army requires you are the senior pastor/rabbi/Imam etc at a place of worship for a minimum of 2 years.
5) upon completion the Army will decide if they want you active or not. You will have to go to CHBOLC

some of these requirements may be waived depending on several reasons, but that's basically what it takes

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2017 12:46 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 12:46:41 -0500

Check Liberty University

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2018 2:47 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jan 2018 14:47:24 -0500

A masters in divinity
A masters in theology
Your also going to need a sponcership from a church to allow you to become a chaplain

Response by SGT Charles Breland made Jul 21 at 2019 11:41 AM

SGT Charles Breland — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 11:41:32 -0400

It is difficult, you will need to get a Degree from your Religious Denomination, Minimum 8 yrs. that is the beginning.