Pastoral Care

Integrating theory and practice, the M.A. in pastoral care program prepares you to serve as a competent and effective pastoral caregiver. You’ll delve into the philosophical, theological, historical, psychological, sociological, and cultural underpinnings of pastoral care while engaging in meaningful reflection.

Offered exclusively online, this program is designed for clergy and lay people involved in parish ministry, youth ministry, chaplaincy in hospitals and other settings, and those who work with the elderly or at-risk populations.

• All classes are online.
• Graduates interested in chaplaincy may apply for certification from the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) or the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) upon fulfillment of other requirements such as completion of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) units.

• Academic Transcripts: All transcripts from previously attended post-secondary institutions MUST be submitted in English, or be accompanied by a certified English translation. Transcripts and credentials conversion information is available on the GSAS International Students page.
• Letters of Recommendation: When communicating with your recommendation letter writers, please provide them with at least one month’s advance notice to submit their recommendations. You will enter each recommendation provider’s name and email address directly into the online application. They will be notified electronically of your request. Please note: you may submit your application even if the submission of your recommendation letters is still in progress.
   
• Statement of Purpose/Intent: Can be submitted directly in the online application. Requirements for the statement may vary by program. Please see individual program requirements.
   
• Resume/CV: Can be submitted directly in the online application
   
• Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE scores): Due to the impact of COVID-19 on standardized testing, submission of GRE scores is optional/not required for select GSAS programs for the 2022-2023 application. However, some programs are still requiring the GRE. Please see the admissions information/requirements page on the individual program pages to determine if the GRE is optional/not required, required, or not accepted at all for your chosen program. Students who do not submit GRE scores will not be at any disadvantage in the process.

• Chaplaincy in hospitals, prisons, hospice, or nursing homes
• Leadership in pastoral care organizations
• Parish, school, or diocesan ministry of pastoral care
• Nonprofit or faith-based pastoral care

Thank you for your interest in Fordham University's graduate programs. Please note that in addition to the application found here, each program has its own admission requirements. Please check the webpage of the program to which you are applying, or consult with the program director, to be sure you are including the proper documentation with your application.

Once you begin your application, you may save it and return to it at a later time.