Frequently Asked Questions

The ICP welcomes applications from students who already have a bachelor's, MA, MDiv, MTh, or Ph.D. in religion, theology or studying a specific religious tradition. For students holding other degrees, approval must be granted by the program director.

Students who are without a master's degree and wish to become board-certified chaplains are encouraged to apply to GTU’s MA program (48 credits). You may apply for a master's degree through the GTU’s Center for Jewish StudiesCenter for Dharma Studies,  Center for Islamic Studies, or through a GTU affiliate institution. Currently enrolled MA students can apply for the certificate in interreligious chaplaincy (24 credits) during their second year of the MA program. They can begin the ICP program upon completion of the MA.

Currently enrolled MA students can apply for the certificate in interreligious chaplaincy (24 credits) during their second year of the MA program, and they can begin the ICP program upon completion of the MA.

Students enrolled in the MA program at any GTU member schools can take ICP courses as electives. However, current MA students will not be able to take ICP courses for credit towards the Certificate in Interreligious Chaplaincy while working on their MA degree.

GRE scores are not required for application to the Interreligious Chaplaincy Certificate program (ICP Program). However, TOEFL scores are required for international applicants with a degree from an institution outside the United States.

Starting fall 2023, students will not be required to complete a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) unit. Current students enrolled in the certificate program can complete one unit of CPE at an ACPE-affiliated center or take the Theological Reflection course at the GTU. 

Currently, the ICP doesn't qualify for federally funded financial aid.

As for scholarships, students who are affilated with the Richard S. Dinner Center for Jewish Studies (CJS) are eligible to apply for the ICP Jewish Studies Fellowship. Additional fellowships with the Centers of Islamic and Hindu Studies may be available in the future.

Yes, anyone is eligible to apply to the Interreligious Chaplaincy Program who meets the academic requirements, regardless of religious affiliation or background.

The Certificate in Interreligious Chaplaincy is available for learning via remote modalities for California residents and international students. For residents of states other than California, participation in this program via remote modalities may be subject to another state’s limitations. Consult with Dr. Kamal Abu-Shamsieh, ICP Director for more information.

GTU Ph.D. graduates, and graduates of religious studies from other institutions, are encouraged to apply for the 24-credit stand-alone Certificate in Interreligious Chaplaincy.  The acceptance of graduates of other disciplines is at the discretion of the program director.

24-credit ICP course overview

The deadlines for the Certificate in Interreligious Chaplaincy application are as follows:

  • Deadline for fall entry is July 15th
  • Priority deadline for spring entry is December 15th

Yes. As with all other GTU degree programs, International students who have not matriculated from an English-speaking institution must submit official TOEFL scores with an expected minimum (internet-based) score of 80 (internet-based). In addition, the admissions team requires additional time to process applications, and transcripts must be translated into English. Please contact the admission department for the deadline for the enrollment of international students. 

2022-23 Certificate tuition per credit is $550

Please refer to the Tuition and Fees page for more information.