Associate of Chaplaincy Degree
You need to complete 20 more courses and 63 more credits to mark this activity complete.
Associate Degree in Chaplaincy
Grow in Christ. Serve with Compassion. Minister Where It Matters Most.
Are you called to bring God’s presence into everyday life—in hospitals, schools, prisons, workplaces, or community spaces? The Associate Degree in Chaplaincy at Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) equips you with the biblical foundation, practical skills, and spiritual formation you need to serve as a chaplain or chaplain assistant in a variety of settings.
“Designed to help you grow closer to Christ, become grounded in the Bible and theology, develop a biblical worldview, and build specific skills for chaplaincy.”
Whether you’re looking to serve part-time, volunteer, or prepare for future credentialing, this online correspondence program will give you the tools to serve with confidence and care.
What You’ll Learn
In this degree program, you’ll develop both heart and skill for chaplaincy ministry. You will:
Summarize the redemptive story of the Bible and identify key theological truths
Articulate a biblical worldview and contrast it with other belief systems
Practice spiritual disciplines to grow in Christlikeness and spiritual resilience
Understand biblical principles of chaplaincy and best practices for communication, relationships, and emotional care
Explore chaplaincy settings including:
Hospitals and healthcare
Schools and universities
Prisons and correctional facilities
Military and law enforcement
Businesses and workplace environments
Strengthen critical thinking and communication skills for real-world ministry
What Can You Do with an Associate Degree in Chaplaincy?
This degree opens the door to a wide variety of chaplaincy-related roles. Whether you're pursuing credentialed chaplaincy, supporting a local ministry, or beginning your academic journey, here are some opportunities available:
Serve in Volunteer or Entry-Level Chaplain Roles
Volunteer Chaplain in hospitals, hospice centers, or care facilities
Prison or Jail Chaplain Assistant – support ministry teams in correctional institutions
School Chaplain Assistant – work with youth in faith-based schools or clubs
Workplace or Marketplace Chaplain – bring spiritual care to employees and business teams
Military Auxiliary Chaplain (through approved programs or as a lay volunteer)
Community Outreach Chaplain – serve in disaster response, shelters, or recovery programs
Law Enforcement Chaplain Assistant – support police officers, families, and dispatch centers
Funeral Home Chaplain or Officiant – provide grief care and officiate services
Prepare for Further Education and Credentialing
Seamlessly continue into the Bachelor of Divinity or Bachelor in Chaplaincy at CLI
Work toward ordination or chaplaincy roles through the Christian Leaders Alliance
Meet foundational academic requirements for pursuing Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or graduate-level seminary programs
Grow Personally and Spiritually
Deepen your walk with Christ through regular spiritual disciplines
Become a better listener, comforter, and communicator
Learn to bring peace, prayer, and presence into moments of crisis and need
Develop a ministry mindset that serves beyond the walls of the church
Affordable and Flexible—Built for Life and Ministry
This online correspondence degree allows you to study at your own pace while still maintaining your job, family life, or volunteer ministry. Thanks to CLI’s free-access, donation-supported model, you can earn this degree without student debt and invest your resources into the ministry God has placed on your heart.
Is the Associate Degree in Chaplaincy Right for You?
This program is a great fit for:
✅ Christians drawn to care, counsel, and presence-based ministry
✅ Those exploring chaplaincy in healthcare, corrections, education, or the military
✅ Pastors, volunteers, and lay leaders looking to expand their ministry reach
✅ Believers seeking a flexible, high-quality foundation for spiritual caregiving
✅ Anyone ready to serve Christ and others through compassion and biblical wisdom
Chaplaincy Is a Calling—This Is Your Preparation
If you’ve felt the tug to be present with people in crisis, to offer hope, prayer, and comfort—this degree will equip you for that calling. Start building your ministry of presence today.
To receive the
Associate of Chaplaincy Degree
Requires a 2.00 GPA and to
complete the following :
Level 1 Endorsement
You need 9 more Units
0 of 64 Minimum Units Completed
Associate of Chaplaincy Degree
Requires a 2.00 GPA and to
complete the following :
Level 1 Endorsement19 courses required
- Ethics (3 Units)
- History of World Christianity (4 Units)
- Church and Ministry (3 Units)
- Ministry Foundations (3 Units)
- New Testament Survey (3 Units)
- Old Testament Survey (3 Units)
- Pastoral Care (3 Units)
- Theology I (4 Units)
- Christian Basics: Introduction to Christian Doctrine (3 Units)
- People Smart for Ministry (3 Units)
- Introduction to Chaplaincy (3 Units)
- Introduction to Sociology (3 Units)
- Total Fitness (3 Units)
- Introduction to Communication (3 Units)
- Christian Leaders Connections (3 Units)
- Leadership Excellence School Admissions (0 Units)
- College Writing (3 Units)
- College Writing Lab (1 Unit)
- Capstone Associate of Chaplaincy (1 Unit)
1 course required
- Transfer - Mathematics 1 (3 Units)
- Transfer - Science 1 (3 Units)
- Astronomy (3 Units)
- Introduction to Biology (3 Units)
- Practical Mathematics (3 Units)
- College Algebra (3 Units)
9 Units Minimum in any of these Categories:
Bible, Communication, Humanities, Interdisciplinary, Math, Ministry, Science, Social, Theology
You need 9 more Units