Graduate Certificate in Level I Clinical Pastoral Education Integrating Christology and Chaplaincy
Pursue Clinical Ministry Training Through the Graduate Certificate in Level I Clinical Pastoral Education
Liberty University’s Graduate Certificate in Level I Clinical Pastoral Education is designed to help you further develop the spiritual, emotional, and interpersonal tools needed for effective ministry in professional and institutional settings. Rooted in a Christ-centered framework, this program introduces you to Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) – an interfaith model of experiential learning that brings ministry leaders into supervised encounters with people in crisis. Whether your ministry setting involves hospitals, correctional facilities, the military, or other chaplaincy environments, this certificate can help you explore how to provide meaningful spiritual care while reflecting deeply on your role as a caregiver.
Liberty’s program meets rigorous national standards for CPE training set by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). Each course awards 1 unit of CPE and includes both academic study and hours of clinical ministry in an approved setting. You will complete 1 course as a 1-week residential intensive and the other in an online synchronous format. By blending theological study with practical application, this certificate can support your growth in areas such as pastoral identity, spiritual assessment, and interpersonal ministry – all while equipping you for further educational or vocational development.
Your officially conferred degree name will be Graduate Certificate in Level I Clinical Pastoral Education.
*Some exclusions apply. Please refer to our exclusions page for more information.
Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus ranked among Niche.com's Top 5 College Campuses in America
What Sets Us Apart?
- Private Nonprofit University
- 600+ Online Degrees
- No Standardized Testing for Admission
- Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
- Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree
Why Choose Liberty’s Level I Clinical Pastoral Education Program Online?
Liberty University is uniquely positioned to offer Clinical Pastoral Education through its partnership with ACPE. This affiliation reflects a high standard of training and opens the door to a robust, hands-on learning experience grounded in professional expectations. What sets Liberty’s program apart is its intentional integration of academic excellence, clinical rigor, and spiritual formation within a supportive Christian environment. You can learn from experienced faculty who combine theological scholarship with real-world ministry insight, helping you grow both personally and professionally.
Each course allows you to engage deeply with your instructors and peers while continuing to serve in your current ministry context. Liberty’s commitment to academic integrity, spiritual development, and flexible learning formats makes this program a strong option if you’re seeking to begin or continue your journey in pastoral care.
What Will You Study in Our Graduate Certificate in Level I Clinical Pastoral Education CPE Program?
In this program, you’ll engage in a combination of academic coursework, supervised clinical ministry, and group reflection. Each course requires hours of ministry in an approved setting – such as a hospital, prison, hospice, or military base – where you can apply what you’re learning in real time. These experiences are supported by class discussions, case presentations, and peer feedback sessions that encourage you to reflect critically on your pastoral identity, interpersonal style, and ministry effectiveness.
You’ll also explore how to integrate theological and psychological insights into your approach to spiritual care. Core topics include spiritual assessment, ministry ethics, cultural sensitivity, and interprofessional collaboration. Through guided theological reflection and supervision, you’ll work toward building the awareness and empathy essential to pastoral care. By the end of the program, you’ll have completed 2 units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), a recognized milestone that can support your continued path toward chaplaincy or other ministry roles.
Potential Career Opportunities for Clinical Pastoral Education Online Program Graduates
Required Courses
Certificate Information
Certificate Completion Plan coming soon
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Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.
Tuition & Aid
At Liberty University, a private Christian education is less expensive than you think. Over the last 10 years, Liberty University’s Online Program has only raised its standard tuition costs by less than 5% – and most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors.
To continue our mission of providing affordable education, electronic textbooks are provided for many divinity courses* all for one convenient fee.
*Electronic textbooks are not provided for PACO courses or courses that fall under departments outside the School of Divinity.
| Grad & Postgrad Divinity Part Time | $410/Credit |
|---|---|
| Military Grad & Postgrad Divinity Part Time | $290/Credit |
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
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Financial Aid & Scholarships
Admission Information for Our Graduate Level I CPE Program
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Submit your application online or over the phone.
Apply by phone: (800) 424-9595
Military
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.
Who May Qualify?
- Active Duty
- Reserve/National Guard
- Veterans/Retirees
- Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
- Current Department of Defense Employees
Available Benefits:
- Tuition discounts – $290 per credit hour for part-time graduate and postgraduate divinity courses
- Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder *
- 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
*Not applicable to certificates.
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
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