Jewish Chaplaincy
NEW! apply now for Fall 2026 start
Master’s degree in Jewish Studies (36 credits) + Advanced Certificate in Chaplaincy (24-42 credits)
This immersive graduate program prepares students to become compassionate, skilled, and Jewishly-literate chaplains to serve individuals and communities at life’s most meaningful moments.
Blending Jewish studies and spiritual care with hands-on clinical training, the program equips students to provide ethical and effective pastoral support in healthcare, military, correctional, campus, and communal settings. Graduates complete the academic preparation required for Board Certification and emerge ready to serve diverse communities with credentialed professional practice.
This program provides an alternative pathway to Board Certified Chaplaincy that does not require rabbinic ordination—in just 2-3 years.
Gratz College's innovative chaplaincy program is the first to include an MA in Jewish Studies + Advanced Certificate in Chaplaincy + tailored placement in 4 units of CPE (or 1 unit and a residency) provided by ACPE accredited agencies. This program is designed to fulfill all NAJC Board Certification requirements, without separate equivalency requirements. At the completion of the program, students will be eligible to apply for Board Certification (the gold standard in professional chaplaincy).
Meet the Program Director
RABBANIT ALISSA THOMAS-NEWBORN, BCC
As a professional chaplain and rabbanit, I have the distinct privilege of providing spiritual care for people of all faiths and backgrounds in both their moments of joy and in their moments of suffering and loss. It is a gift when another lets us into their vulnerability, hurt, and hope. It is crucial to have spiritual care training to navigate these holy spaces with expert care, healthy boundaries, and professional spiritual care resources. Our Jewish Chaplaincy program at Gratz trains our students in these skills and more, uniquely combining an MA degree in Jewish Studies with an Advanced Certificate in Chaplaincy and tailored support in the required CPE placements. A graduate of our program can apply for Board Certification, which is a requirement of most employers. I invite you to join us and elevate your skills and service to the Jewish community and our wider world. If you have wondered if this is the path for you, please contact me directly at athomasnewborn@gratz.edu.
Program Highlights:
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Coursework is online and asynchronous. Synchronous opportunities will be offered throughout the program to foster support and community. Program can be completed in 2-3 years.
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Learn how to provide professional pastoral support through a Jewish lens for all lifecycle events.
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Master spiritual care skills in settings such as end of life, palliative care, bereavement care, mental health care, and more.
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Develop trauma-informed spiritual care expertise for adults and children.
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Fulfill the requirements for Board Certification as outlined by Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains, the Jewish professional chaplaincy board certifying organization. Guidance provided on alternative certification organizations.
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CPE clinical hours are in-person and local to wherever the student resides. Program includes individually tailored guidance and support in CPE placement.
Students entering with a Master’s degree or with rabbinic ordination can apply for the certificate as a standalone program. All graduate level transcripts will be evaluated to determine the number of credits the student will be required to take (between 24-42) to meet the competency requirements for Board Certification.