Log on to the Internet in order to begin researching religious bachelor's degrees that can be applied towards becoming a chaplain. The Education Portal website explains that a variety of religious denominations have chaplains including Lutherans, Catholics, Baptists, Presbyterians and many others. The role of a chaplain is similar even if some of the educational or training requirements are slightly different.
Locate a series of colleges that have strong religious departments. The Education Portal explains that a student should obtain a bachelor degree in religion or religious studies if he is planning on becoming a chaplain. Also, during the course of study it is advisable for the individual to volunteer at a church and attend as many church-related events as possible.
Determine what school you will attended to receive a masters degree. The Education Portal explains that all denominations require an individual to obtain a Master of Divinity degree in order to become a chaplain. Visit a series of schools before making a final decision about where to complete the necessary coursework.
Speak with church leaders as well as professors to determine if you should go to a university or a seminary. Seminaries are religious schools that allow individuals to obtain a masters degree. The Baptist Bible Seminary website is an example of a seminary that offers coursework for meeting the requirements to become a chaplain in the military.
Complete the masters degree, and wait to see where your first ministry assignment will be. The Education Portal explains that following seminary a new graduate will undergo an 18-month internship at a church in order to gain practical ministry experience. Once the training period has been completed, you may become an associate chaplain at the church or move to another assignment and become the primary chaplain.