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Master Divinity Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

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VTS offers a number of professional degree programs and diplomas, including a Master in Divinity (M.Div.), a Master of Arts, a Doctor of Ministry in Ministry, a Doctor of Ministry in Educational ...

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A bachelor's degree in religious studies or a related subject and a master's degree in theology, divinity, or pastoral studies is required, with completion of 72 semester hours and an internship or ...

Episcopal Chaplain

Washington, DC · On-site

$47K - $87K/yr

Master of Divinity from accredited graduate theological school * Clinical Pastoral Education or equivalent supervised ministry experience * Three years' relevant ministry experience, including ...

Master Divinity information

See Washington, DC salary details

$13

$65

$92

How much do master divinity jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for master divinity in Washington, DC is $65.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56.11 and $74.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Master of Divinity?

A Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is a graduate-level degree designed to prepare individuals for professional ministry, leadership roles in churches, chaplaincy, or other religious settings. The program typically covers theology, biblical studies, pastoral care, ethics, and practical ministry skills. Most M.Div. programs require three years of full-time study and are often a prerequisite for ordination in many Christian denominations. Graduates may pursue careers as pastors, chaplains, counselors, or continue into doctoral studies. The degree is offered by seminaries and divinity schools affiliated with various religious traditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Master of Divinity graduate?

To thrive as a Master of Divinity (MDiv) graduate in ministry or related roles, you need comprehensive theological knowledge, pastoral care skills, and a completed MDiv degree from an accredited seminary. Familiarity with biblical languages, church management software, and certification in clinical pastoral education (CPE) or ordination may be required. Strong interpersonal communication, empathy, and leadership abilities help build trust and effectively serve diverse congregations. These skills and qualifications ensure you can provide meaningful spiritual guidance, ethical leadership, and effective community support.

What are some common challenges faced by individuals in a Master of Divinity role within a faith-based organization?

Individuals serving in a Master of Divinity role often encounter the challenge of balancing administrative duties with pastoral care and community engagement. Managing time between sermon preparation, counseling congregants, and participating in outreach initiatives can be demanding. Additionally, navigating diverse congregational needs and maintaining spiritual and emotional well-being are important aspects of the role. Collaboration with other clergy, church staff, and volunteers is essential for fostering a supportive and effective ministry environment.

What is the difference between Master Divinity vs Pastoral Counselor?

AspectMaster DivinityPastoral Counselor
Required CredentialsMaster of Divinity degree, ordinationMaster of Divinity or related degree, counseling certification
Work EnvironmentChurches, religious organizations, seminariesHospitals, counseling centers, religious institutions
Industry UsageReligious leadership, preaching, teachingProviding spiritual and mental health support

The Master Divinity degree prepares individuals for religious leadership roles, focusing on theology, preaching, and pastoral duties. Pastoral Counselors often hold similar degrees but specialize in providing mental health support within religious contexts. While both roles may work in religious settings, Master Divinity holders typically lead congregations, whereas Pastoral Counselors focus on counseling and mental health services.

What are popular job titles related to Master Divinity jobs in Washington, DC?

For Master Divinity jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Master Divinity jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Master Divinity jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Master Divinity job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,691 per year, or $65.7 per hour.

Chaplain (National Program Coordinator)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Washington, DC • On-site

$106K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

This position is located within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Chaplain Service. The incumbent serves as a professional Chaplain (National Program Coordinator (NPC)) Transitional Care Coordinator (TCC) providing transitional spiritual care services and programming for beneficiaries transitioning between the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs and those transitioning between any of the three Veterans Administrations.Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements: To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following:
  • Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens according to 38 U.S.C. 7407(a)
  • Education: Applicants must possess a Master of Divinity degree or equivalent educational qualifications as evidenced by a graduate-level theological degree from a college, university or theological school accredited by a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. NOTE: For applicants who do not possess a Master of Divinity degree or equivalent educational degree, an approved educational equivalency review from a nationally recognized board certification body for chaplains (see paragraph d) is acceptable.
  • Ecclesiastical Endorsement: In accordance with 38 C.F.R. 17.655, ecclesiastical endorsement is a condition of employment as a VA chaplain. An individual must possess and maintain a full and active ecclesiastical endorsement to be employed as a VA chaplain. Applicants must have an ecclesiastical endorsement, dated within the past 12 months. Ecclesiastical endorsements must be from the official national endorsing authority of the applicant's/employee's faith group or denomination. Ecclesiastical endorsement is a written official statement, by the official national endorsing body of the faith group or denomination, certifying that the applicant is in good standing with the applicant's faith group or denomination; and stating that the individual is, in the opinion of the endorsing body, qualified to perform the full range of ministry required in the VA pluralistic setting. Loss of endorsement will result in removal from the GS-0060 Chaplain series and may result in termination of employment. The National Chaplain Service maintains a list of approved endorsing organizations that can be found here: National VA Chaplain Service SharePoint.
  • Board Certification: Applicants must be a Board-Certified Chaplain certified by BCCI or a U.S. certifying body that has a reciprocity agreement with BCCI . Board Certification that requires 4 units of CPE is qualifying. The National Chaplain Service maintains a list of approved certifications found on the National VA Chaplain Service SharePoint. Note: Provisional or Associate or other status as a candidate for board certification does not meet the board certification requirement for the FPL GS-11 or above.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations:
Chaplain GS-13
Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  • Ability to effectively liaison and build relationships with transitioning Service members or family members.
  • Skill in assessing need for basic and complex spiritual care or bereavement care across multiple programmatic venues.
  • Knowledge of chaplain practice, policy, standards and strategic planning in relationship to a large multi-layered, multi-organizational program (e.g., U.S. Military Bases or National Cemeteries).
  • Skill in maintaining relationships with appropriate offices and individuals to keep them abreast of significant accomplishments, program changes, and other substantive events.
  • Ability to develop and sustain strategic partnerships with key internal and external VA stakeholders and community partners on a national level

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-13 .
Physical Requirements: This position requires the Chaplain to meaningfully engage with Veteran patients and family members by walking and moving within the healthcare setting or with the incumbent using an assistive device. The Chaplain is required to speak, hear (hearing aid permitted) and work closely with others.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER