by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 12 U.S. colleges awarded 61 degrees and certificates in Chaplain/Chaplaincy Studies. Graduates earn a median $37,962 one year after completing, rising to $45,950 after four years.
A degree in Chaplain/Chaplaincy Studies involves the study of A Program That Prepares Individuals To Provide Caregiver, Pastoral, And Spiritual Support In An Institutional, Hospice, Military, Or Sports Setting. Includes Instruction In Global, Healthcare, Prison, And Sports Chaplaincy; Addiction, Crisis, Disaster, Family, Marriage, Grief, And Loss Counseling; Ethics; Leadership; Multi-Cultural, Multi-Faith Contexts; And Worship.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, chaplain/chaplaincy studies is a popular field of study, with 61 degrees awarded annually. 12 colleges award chaplain/chaplaincy studies degrees, an average of 5 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 16.
All 61 of the awards are master’s degrees, the only level colleges reported.
Women earned 59% of chaplain/chaplaincy studies degrees and certificates in the latest year (36 of 61). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (33) and Black or African American (16), and international students earned 2.
O*NET rates Reading Comprehension the most important skill for jobs related to chaplain/chaplaincy studies, at 4.2 out of 5. The key knowledge areas are Philosophy and Theology, English Language and Education and Training. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Speech Clarity and Written Comprehension.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a chaplain/chaplaincy studies degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 61 |
Doctoral degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to chaplain/chaplaincy studies, at 57.8%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 57.8% |
| Master’s degree | 13.3% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 10.8% |
| Post-doctoral training | 9.8% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 4.1% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.8% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.5% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.5% |
| Some college courses | 0.5% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.1% |
Source: O*NET Online.
4 occupations are related to Chaplain/Chaplaincy Studies, with an average median salary of $61,248; the strongest outlook belongs to Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary, at 3.7% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Religious Educator, Online Philosophy Instructor, Ethics Professor and Religious Studies Professor.
That occupation also has the most projected jobs of any related to chaplain/chaplaincy studies, at 1,031,835.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,031,835 | 3.7% |
| Religious Workers, All Other | 258,483 | -1.4% |
| Directors, Religious Activities and Education | 239,121 | -2.3% |
| Clergy | 33,072 | -3.3% |
Chaplain/Chaplaincy Studies graduates earn a median $37,962 one year after completing their program, $45,950 after four years and $44,763 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $37,962 |
| 4 years | $45,950 |
| 5 years | $44,763 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The same occupation is also the highest-paying one related to chaplain/chaplaincy studies, with a median salary of $71,584.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | $71,584 |
| Directors, Religious Activities and Education | $64,599 |
| Religious Workers, All Other | $58,956 |
| Clergy | $49,854 |
Chaplain/Chaplaincy Studies has 6 similar majors in the Theology & Religious Vocations field, which together award 2,935 degrees a year; the largest are Pastoral Studies/Counseling (1,285), Lay Ministry (673) and Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, Other (596). Browse all Theology & Religious Vocations majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Pastoral Studies/Counseling | 1,285 |
| Lay Ministry | 673 |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, Other | 596 |
| Youth Ministry | 256 |
| Women’s Ministry | 83 |
| Urban Ministry | 42 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.