Graduate Theology Programs
Certification through the NACC requires applicants to have graduate education in theology, divinity, religious studies, pastoral, ministry, pastoral studies, or spirituality from an academic institution accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Academic requirements for certification are as follows:
- Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) – Graduate degree or equivalent (32 Graduate credits or more)
- Board Certification for Veterans Affairs (BCC-VA) – Graduate degree or equivalent (32 Graduate credits or more)
- Certified Associate Chaplain (CAC) – 18 Graduate credits or equivalent
Individuals who are discerning certification with the NACC may consider attending one of the following academic institutions to fulfill their academic prerequisites for certification. These schools partner with the NACC as Education Collaborators to help students take their next steps toward a career in chaplaincy. The schools and programs listed below have been vetted by the NACC and have degree or certificate programs that satisfy NACC requirements.
Click on the school name below for details about program offerings, how they satisfy NACC requirements, and school contact information.
| Academic Institution | Program Delivery |
|---|---|
| Boston College School of Theology and Ministry (Chestnut Hill, MA) | On Campus, Hybrid, and Online |
| Fordham University (Bronx, NY) | On Campus and Online |
| Franciscan School of Theology at the University of San Diego (San Diego, CA) | On Campus and Online |
| Gonzaga University (Spokane, WA) | Online |
| Holy Apostles College and Seminary (Cromwell, CT) | Online |
| Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles, CA) | Hybrid |
| Loyola University Chicago (Chicago, IL) | On Campus and Online |
| Loyola University New Orleans (New Orleans, LA) | On Campus and Online |
| Madonna University (Livonia, MI) | On Campus and Online |
| Saint Joseph’s College (Standish, ME) | Online |
| Santa Clara University Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries (Santa Clara, CA) | On Campus, Hybrid, Online |
| St. John’s University (Collegeville, MN) | On Campus and Online |
| St. Norbert College (De Pere, WI and Albuquerque, NM) | On Campus |
| University of Dallas/Neuhoff Institute for Ministry and Evangelization (Irving, TX) | On Campus |
| University of Saint Mary of the Lake (Mundelein, IL) | On Campus and Online |
| Villanova University (Villanova, PA) | On Campus |