Graduate Studies in Theology

Degree programs:

• Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (45 credits)
• Master of Arts in Mission & Culture (45 credits)
• Master of Arts in Theology (36 credits)

Challenge yourself to earn your graduate degree in theology and answer your call to serve God and neighbor. Whitworth's graduate theology programs are designed for lifelong learners seeking to deepen their faith and enrich their Christian vocation by inspiring students both intellectually and spiritually. Whitworth offers master's degrees in theology, Christian ministry, and mission & culture.

Courses focus on integrating classical theological education, practical application and spiritual formation to equip men and women to serve the church and society. Throughout the theology programs, you'll learn from faculty members who are dedicated to your success and who have years of teaching experience grounded in foundational Christian tenets.

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Program Highlights

• Enrich your Christian vocation.
• Keep your schedule as you pursue theological education.
• Enter a community of learning and become equipped to serve others.
• Learn from dedicated Christian scholars.

Community of Learning

The graduate theology programs are structured for individuals who are energized by learning with peers and scholars and who are prepared for religious growth. As you learn together, you'll also spend a great deal of time sharing meals, worshipping, praying, and reinforcing Whitworth's Christian call to serve humanity within our own community.

Our Grads Get Hired... Into Chaplaincy Positions

Whitworth's theology program is highly regarded throughout the Northwest for preparing individuals to serve as chaplains once they're certified. Our graduates work for highly respected companies and organizations, including...

• Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center
• St. Luke's Rehabilitation Medical Center
• LifeCenter Northwest
• Eastern State Hospital
• Rockwood Retirement Communities

My 40-year commitment to the elderly as a physical therapist was met with the concept of pivoting to that of becoming a professional spiritual caregiver. A master's degree was the first step. The M.A. program at Whitworth was truly a delight as it fanned into flame the embers of foundational theological study from many decades before...I am now employed as a chaplain at a wonderful senior retirement community, just across the road from Whitworth.  

-Valerie Wang,
Chaplain, Rockwood at Whitworth 

How Do I Become a Chaplain? 

In order to become a certified chaplain by the Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc. (BCCI), students must complete the following:

• A master’s degree or higher from an accredited university; Whitworth’s program meets this requirement. 
• 48 credits are required to become an Associate Certified Chaplain (ACC). 
• Electives may be added to earn the 72 credits required to become a Board Certified Chaplain (BCC).
• Four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
  • For further information, visit the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). 
  • Whitworth's local CPE site is Providence Sacred Heart; the director of Whitworth's Graduate Studies in Theology Program is a member of the Professional Advisory Group. 

By the end of Whitworth's 45-credit  and three-credit internship, students will have completed the above educational requirements to apply for certification as an Associate Certified Chaplain (ACC). For more details, click here.