Women in Chaplaincy: Female Pioneers & Opportunities

Chaplain Education & Requirements

The road to becoming a chaplain involves a combination of education, practical training, and endorsement by a recognized faith group. For women in particular, there may be some specific considerations and potential challenges they need to address along the way.

The typical path to chaplaincy looks something like this:

1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree
   The first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as theology, religious studies, or pastoral care. This foundational education provides essential knowledge in religious doctrines, ethical principles, and pastoral practices. Undergraduate degrees in related fields such as psychology, sociology, social work, or education may also be acceptable. 

2. Complete a Graduate-Level Theological Degree
   Aspiring chaplains must then pursue a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or an equivalent graduate-level theological degree from an accredited institution. For those seeking roles in chaplaincy without an MDiv, a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) may also be acceptable, provided it includes appropriate practical training.

3. Endorsement by a Recognized Faith Group
   Depending on their faith or denomination, a recognized faith group may need to officially endorse female chaplains. This endorsement signifies that the candidate is in good standing and meets the doctrinal and ethical standards of their faith community. Women may need to ensure their endorsing body ordains or recognizes female clergy, if ordination is a requirement.

4. Complete Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
   Chaplaincy candidates must complete Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or a similar program, which often requires at least one unit of supervised pastoral training. CPE provides hands-on experience in providing spiritual care, specifically in healthcare facilities, and enhances pastoral skills through supervised practice and reflection.

5. Gain Ministry Experience
   Chaplaincy typically requires a minimum of two years of pastoral experience. This experience helps candidates develop practical skills in ministry and provides a deeper understanding of the spiritual and emotional needs of those they serve.

6. Meet Specific Institutional Requirements
   Candidates must meet the age and physical requirements specified by the institution or organization they wish to serve. For example, the U.S. military has specific age, physical fitness, and officer training requirements for its chaplains.

7. Pass Background Checks and Security Clearances
   Chaplains must pass background checks and obtain security clearances, especially in military or institutional settings. This step ensures the candidate’s integrity and trustworthiness.

8. Demonstrate Essential Skills and Characteristics
   Candidates must demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, evidence of good moral character, and emotional stability. These qualities are essential for effectively providing spiritual care and support while maintaining one’s own emotional well-being. 

9. Obtain Required Certifications or Licenses
   Depending on the specific chaplaincy role, candidates may need to obtain professional certifications or licenses. This can include board certification by professional chaplaincy organizations, which validates their qualifications and professional competence.

Women pursuing chaplaincy may face additional scrutiny in faith traditions or denominations with specific gender-related policies — for example, those that do not permit women in ordained clergy roles. Aspiring chaplains can navigate these challenges by seeking support from endorsing bodies that recognize and value their contributions as female clergy.

Challenges for Women in Chaplaincy

Female chaplains may face any number of challenges as they navigate traditionally male-dominated fields. 

First, denominational or faith groups that restrict or limit female leadership roles can complicate a chaplain’s professional journey. They may struggle to adhere to institutional norms while still advocating for themselves and their value as spiritual counselors. 

As is true for any woman in the workforce, overcoming gender biases and stereotypes presents a significant hurdle; because of ingrained assumptions, women in any role often need to prove their competence and commitment more rigorously than their male counterparts. Women in chaplaincy roles must strive to demonstrate exceptional competence and confidence, in order to establish credibility and authority in environments where patriarchal values are entrenched. To gain acceptance and respect from male colleagues, subordinates, or superiors — particularly in the military or law enforcement — female chaplains must navigate complex dynamics and often confront deeply ingrained patriarchal traditions head-on.

Since chaplains often work in high-risk environments like conflict zones or prisons, female chaplains may need to take extra precautions for their personal safety and security. Addressing and managing instances of sexual harassment or discrimination in the workplace — whether against themselves or a recipient of their care — is a daunting challenge that typically requires external support. 

When it comes to their personal lives, chaplains must balance their life outside of work with a demanding and often unpredictable schedule. The demands of childcare, spousal commitments, or other family responsibilities can add additional strain to an emotionally taxing day. These pressures — along with the sometimes grave nature of chaplaincy — underscore the importance of maintaining strong self-care and personal faith practices. 

Finding strong mentors and a support network within the chaplaincy community can help female chaplains find solutions to many of these challenges, as some of the best advice comes from those who have already been there. There are many women-only chaplaincy groups all over the U.S. that provide community and support to each other, advocating for equal opportunities and more women in leadership positions in both religious and secular settings (more on this later).

Chaplaincy Opportunities for Women

Since chaplains can work anywhere there is a need for spiritual support, employment opportunities are incredibly diverse. Female chaplains can find positions in any of the following situations: 

• Serving as a military chaplain across all branches
• Providing spiritual care and counseling in hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Working in correctional facilities (including women-only facilities) to offer support and guidance to inmates
• Serving in academic institutions to support students and staff
• Offering pastoral care in hospice and palliative care settings to patients and their families
• Providing spiritual support in corporate environments as workplace chaplains
• Serving in law enforcement agencies to support officers, staff, and the general public
• Working in nonprofit and community organizations to offer spiritual and emotional support
• Engaging in disaster relief efforts to provide spiritual care and crisis counseling
• Leading congregations or faith communities as ordained ministers or pastors
• Conducting religious services, ceremonies, and sacraments within their faith tradition (if ordained/approved to do so)
• Participating in interfaith dialogue and cooperation to promote understanding and collaboration
• Serving as spiritual directors or counselors in retreat centers and spiritual formation programs
• Advocating for social justice and community outreach initiatives within their faith communities

Each type of placement requires a unique training process; for example, military chaplains are commissioned officers who must complete basic training, though they do not participate in armed combat or carry weapons in the field. Likewise, police chaplains must complete crisis training and understand standard law enforcement procedures so they can best support officers and first responders. 

Resources for Female Chaplains

Due to the variety of placement opportunities, there are multiple professional chaplaincy organizations for nearly every type of working environment, faith denomination, or demographic. These organizations provide resources like training and peer support and hold regular networking conferences.

At the Franciscan School of Theology, we celebrate and support the pioneering efforts of women in chaplaincy. Rooted in the Franciscan tradition of embracing all of creation with love and respect, our programs prepare lay women to lead with compassion and understanding, embodying the core Franciscan values in their professional ministry.

We currently offer a Chaplaincy specialization as part of our Master of Divinity program, which is open to all lay men and women who intend to pursue spiritual care roles. Explore this special academic track today — it could be the next step in your professional chaplaincy journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can women be chaplains?

Yes, women can be chaplains in almost every faith tradition. While they may not always be ordained, they can serve in a multitude of secular settings, including hospitals, the military, prisons, universities, and community organizations. 

Can a woman be a Catholic chaplain?

Yes, a woman can be a Catholic chaplain. The Catholic Church allows women to serve as chaplains in hospitals, schools, prisons, and other secular institutions, though they may not be ordained priests. Female Catholic chaplains are endorsed by their religious communities or dioceses to provide vital spiritual care and support.

How do you address a female chaplain?

A female chaplain can be addressed as “Chaplain [Last Name].” If she holds a specific title within her religious tradition, such as Sister or Reverend, it can also be appropriate to use that title (e.g., “Sister [First Name]” or “Reverend [Last Name]”).

What is a female chaplain called?

A female chaplain is called a chaplain, the same as her male counterparts. The title “chaplain” is gender-neutral and refers to anyone serving in this role, regardless of gender.