The HSCI-GTU Partnership
Since its inception in 2018, HSCI has enjoyed a close consultative relationship with the Graduate Theological Union (GTU). It has also been a highly productive partnership towards the training of spiritual care providers. GTU is among the world's most prestigious theological universities — accredited by WASC and ATS, founded in 1962 in Berkeley, with 9 member schools and a 190+ year combined history of graduate theological education.
The first ever pathway to Hindu chaplaincy was established in 2021, with the combination of the CHT course of HSCI and ICP course of GTU. In early years, the Motwani-Jadeja Foundation (mjf.world) provided fellowships to kick start the admissions to the GTU inter religious chaplaincy course. The first two Hindu graduates of this program in 2023 were Ms. Neeti Soota and Ms. Usha Narasimhan, who continue to be active in teaching and development of HSCI services.
We expect the GTU partnership will continue to play a vital role towards HSCI aspirations to create a global network of 108 Hindu chaplains and 1008 Hindu Counselors (CHT's). For its part, HSCI will support spiritual care education programs and chaplaincy services on its video platform called Traya Care Services.
About the Graduate Theological Union
Founded in 1962 in Berkeley, California, the Graduate Theological Union is a consortium of nine member schools representing diverse religious traditions. GTU is the largest partnership of independent theological schools and graduate religion departments in North America and is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
GTU's mission centers on interfaith and interreligious education — preparing scholars and practitioners to serve in a religiously diverse world. Its Interreligious Chaplaincy Program (ICP) is among the few master's programs in the country designed specifically for chaplains who will serve across faith traditions.
How the Credit Transfer Works
The partnership creates a streamlined path from HSCI's CHT certificate to an accredited master's degree:
By transferring 12 credits from the CHT program, students complete one-third of GTU's 36-credit Master of Arts in Interreligious Chaplaincy before they set foot on the Berkeley campus. This reduces both the time and cost of earning an accredited graduate degree.
HSCI Fellowship Support
CHT graduates enrolling in the GTU MA program may apply for an HSCI Fellowship of up to $6,000, applied directly toward GTU tuition. Combined with the reduced credit load from the 12-credit transfer, this fellowship significantly lowers the financial barrier to an accredited chaplaincy degree. See full details on the Fellowships page.
A Voice from GTU
"The GTU MA concentration in Interreligious Chaplaincy equips compassionate spiritual care providers with the knowledge, skills, and intercultural sensitivity necessary to offer holistic support to individuals and communities at times of crisis, transition, and spiritual need in various chaplaincy settings, among them healthcare, prisons, higher education, or the military."
The Complete Pathway
The HSCI-GTU partnership is one step in a larger journey from foundational training to board-certified professional chaplain. Visit the Credential Pathway page to see all four steps — from CHT certificate through the GTU MA, Clinical Pastoral Education, and board certification.
Begin Your Chaplaincy Journey
The pathway to an accredited MA in Interreligious Chaplaincy starts with the CHT program.
Apply to CHT View Fellowships