Why a Community Transformation and Chaplaincy concentration?
The Master of Divinity, Concentration in Community Transformation and Chaplaincy will provide you with advanced theological education and hands-on chaplaincy training. With field experiences in hospitals, hospice care, and community-based nonprofits, the program prepares you to serve with wisdom, compassion and purpose. If you’re seeking deeper understanding of faith and spirituality and feel called to make a meaningful impact, this formational journey is for you.
The Community Transformation Center degree programs provide students with the specialized skills for catalyzing positive change in communities. Through a combination of coursework, practical experience, and a focus on vocational integration, graduates will be equipped to effectively address societal challenges and pursue meaningful co-vocational opportunities such as chaplaincy, non-profit work, community organizing, para-church ministries, or entrepreneurial pursuits that align with their passion for community transformation.
Curriculum overview
Our unique curriculum centers on three key areas to equip you for transformation in your congregations and communities: Trauma and Spirituality, Transformational Leadership, and Clinical Pastoral Education.
- Trauma & Spirituality
The courses offered in this program will equip students to engage with communities impacted by trauma stemming from social justice issues, poverty, generational trauma, and more. By developing a comprehensive understanding of trauma’s effects on individuals and communities, students gain the necessary tools to effectively contribute to community-transformative ministry within these contexts. - Transformational Leadership
The courses offered in this program will equip students to foster the development of transformational praxis and empower students for practical leadership. Graduates will be able to lead initiatives, manage programs, and engage in community organizing endeavors that are dedicated and tasked with driving community transformation. - Clinical Pastoral Education Training
CTC students have a unique opportunity to enhance their theological knowledge and pastoral skills by engaging in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). CPE offers a supervised learning experience where students engage in a minimum of 400 hours of practical experience. The program typically spans 25 weeks (extended) or 11 weeks (accelerated) helped along by stipends (see below). Students gain invaluable hands-on experience, integrating theology with praxis in various environments. These environments include placements in:- Hospitals
- Extended care facilities
- Non-profit organizations
- Social-justice organizations
- Congregational settings
All students studying for the MDiv, Community Transformation and Chaplaincy Concentration (75 credit hours) will complete an integrated core (36 credit hours), specialized ministry competencies and/or biblical languages (9 credit hours), and Community Transformation and Chaplaincy concentration courses (30 credit hours).
In addition to its comprehensive curriculum, the MDiv-CTC program offers a range of distinctive features designed to support student success and deepen formation.
- Cohort community: We learn best in a thriving community; students benefit from a cohort model, with daytime classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays or evening synchronous online classes. All CTC-specific courses are offered in a remote, synchronous format.
- Efficient learning: Master-level education should build upon a solid foundation. The curriculum features advanced courses while avoiding the repetition of undergraduate introductory courses.
- Integrated thinking: Real-life ministry requires integrated thinking, students study the Bible, Theology, and Practical Theology in paired courses across disciplines.
- Leadership development: Practitioners need intentional practice. Students develop their pastoral skills in ACPE accredited Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) programs receiving at least 2 units (800 hours) of practical pastoral education and experience in clinical contexts.
A student with a bachelor’s degree in a field that is not related to ministry, biblical or theological studies will complete a foundational curriculum as part of his or her MDiv-CTC program. The Foundations Path is a 12-credit hour (4 course) curriculum intended to provide a graduate-level introduction to biblical, historical, and theological studies, as well as the essential academic skills necessary for successful formation.
The MDiv Concentration in Community Transformation and Chaplaincy is designed to be completed within 3 years.
- Non-Profit Leadership in Community Transformation
- Chaplaincy
- Hospital
- Hospice
- Military
- Prison
- Community Organizing
- Para-Church Ministries
- Congregational Leadership
CTC Scholarships cover up to 50% of tuition for CTC-specific courses. Various PBA Graduate School of Ministry Scholarships are also available.
To help address the gap from loss of income-earning opportunities involved with fulfilling the CPE requirements, students may apply for living expense stipends. Stipends may be awarded for each unit of CPE, up to $7500.
Outside scholarships & grants are available for theological education. CTC will connect you with the PBA Financial Aid Office for additional options and payment plans.
Learn more about application requirements in the course catalog
Learn more about your classes and requirements in the course catalog
