Iliff's military chaplaincy program

New Degree Addresses Needs of Military Chaplains for PTSD Training

DENVER, Jan. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Are you a military chaplain interested in learning more about spiritual care to those experiencing post traumatic stress? Are you a spiritual caregiver wanting more knowledge and experience in working with post traumatic stress? There's a new degree at Iliff that can help – the master of arts in pastoral and spiritual care.
"Designed for students who already hold a master of divinity degree (MDIV), the MAPSC is an expedient way to concentrate additional theological education on pastoral care courses, as well as courses in psychology, counseling, comparative religions, or social work through the University of Denver," said Carrie Doehring, associate professor of pastoral care and counseling.
The MAPSC degree can be completed in 40 quarter credits, if chaplains have previously earned a MDIV or its equivalent from an accredited institution prior to Iliff enrollment. Specific requirements may be negotiated based on prior educational experience. A minimum grade point average of 2.75 is needed for admission. A two year MAPSC is also available for caregivers without a MDIV, who wish to gain expertise in working with trauma and spiritual care.
"Iliff's strong collaborative relationships with a variety of clinical settings are helpful for finding appropriate clinical pastoral education settings for chaplains – including settings for the study of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)," added Doehring. "Chaplains can also complete a summative project focused on the experience of PTSD in the military, supervised by our pastoral care faculty."
Iliff's military chaplaincy program begins in August and is usually completed with a summer unit of clinical pastoral education (the following year).
Courses include:
Impact of war on pastoral care of families
PTSD: Pastoral, psychological, and theological responses
Substance abuse and dependence: Psychological and theological perspectives
Physical and sexual violence: Pastoral responses
Pastoral care in death and dying, grief and loss
Multicultural pastoral care and counseling
Self care and healthy boundaries
Trauma and crisis intervention