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The Interfaith Doctor of Ministry Program for Education in Pastoral Care

Understand and respond to a variety of clinical problems encountered in ministry.

Develop the necessary knowledge and skills to support the needs of your community.

Our program provides a unique opportunity for clergy, and in some cases non-clergy, of all faith groups to understand and respond to a variety of clinical problems encountered in pastoral care and ministry settings. Students who work in congregational, chaplaincy, counseling, or community settings are offered coursework and clinical supervision with attention to the specific context of the pastoral relationship.

two women in class

In the Classroom

You will spend Mondays in class for four semesters and attend three two-day seminars scheduled throughout each year. In addition to your courses, a professional development group experience will provide you with a supportive venue to explore and process the impact of your learning on your identity and practice in ministry.

In the Community

In this program you will build:

  • Skills for recognizing a spectrum of clinically significant symptoms
  • Acuity about when and how to make referrals
  • Basic knowledge of group dynamics
  • Basic knowledge of psychodynamic theory as it applies to individuals and families
  • Greater self-knowledge toward deepening your sense of authenticity and authority in pastoral and care roles
  • Confidence in navigating the interface between psychology and religion

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More Information

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Because the program is an integrated curriculum of academically informed, cohort experience, learning, we do not award advanced standing. Our coursework also includes fundamentals of psychodynamic principles and techniques taught with congregational and chaplaincy settings in mind.

Because the program is an integrated curriculum of academically informed, cohort experience, learning, we do not award advanced standing. Our coursework also includes fundamentals of psychodynamic principles and techniques taught with congregational and chaplaincy settings in mind.

Please check your state regulations regarding counselor licensure. HUC-JIR cannot provide the clinical setting for the required supervised training. Please note that this program does not prepare students for any licensure in New York State and that students cannot undertake any activities that are restricted to licensed professionals as part of the program.

There have been instances when a candidate has identified a site and we have developed an internship. This can be discussed with the program director in advance of application and admission.