Summary

The Theological Faculty of the University of Lucerne and the Higher Officer Training of the Army (HKA) jointly launch a new continuing education program: the Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Outreach Pastoral Care with a focus on military chaplaincy. The twelve-month program imparts professional competencies for pastoral care providers in military and civilian contexts. The course begins in March 2026 and is offered in German and French. With this offering, the partners respond to growing demands in modern pastoral care practice and promote the professionalization of ecclesiastical and military support.

Persons

  • (No individuals named)

Topics

  • Theological Education
  • Military Chaplaincy
  • Continuing Education and Certification
  • Professional Qualification

Clarus Lead

The University of Lucerne and the Army establish a new qualification pathway for pastoral care providers. The CAS program combines academic standards with practical military chaplaincy and thereby addresses central challenges of the 21st century. The initiative signals increasing professionalization requirements in support professions and creates transfer opportunities between the military and civilian sectors.

Detailed Summary

The new Certificate of Advanced Studies is an integral component of the Technical Course in Military Chaplaincy (TLG A AS) and spans twelve months. The structure comprises four one-week modules that systematically combine scientific content with practical application. Graduates receive 20 ECTS credits including a certificate thesis, which corresponds to an internationally recognized qualification.

The teaching team consists of experts from the University, military chaplaincy, and civilian practice – an approach that combines theory and field expertise. Admission is primarily directed at graduates of the TLG A AS with a university degree (university, ETH, university of applied sciences, teacher training college). Additionally, admissions "on file" are possible, which offers some flexibility in enrollment.

The program addresses the growing importance of outreach pastoral care in challenging service environments. It enables participants to independently apply pastoral care competencies in military and civilian contexts and to adapt them situationally. A central goal is the targeted transfer of competencies from the military context to religious communities and society as a whole.

Key Statements

  • New Qualification Pathway: CAS in Outreach Pastoral Care with focus on military chaplaincy launches March 2026
  • Structure: Twelve-month program with four modules of one week each; 20 ECTS credits
  • Sponsorship: Cooperation between the Theological Faculty University of Lucerne and HKA
  • Target Group: Graduates of the TLG A AS with a university degree
  • Languages: German and French
  • Strategic Goal: Professionalization and competency transfer between military and civil society

Critical Questions

  1. Evidence/Data Quality: On what empirical basis was the need for this specific CAS program determined? Were needs analyses conducted among pastoral care providers or military personnel?

  2. Conflicts of Interest: To what extent could the close cooperation between the army and university influence the theological independence of the training? How is neutrality ensured on sensitive topics?

  3. Causality/Alternatives: Why was the University of Lucerne specifically chosen as a partner? Do alternative training models exist that impart similar competencies?

  4. Feasibility/Risks: How is it ensured that competencies from the military context are meaningfully transferable to civilian contexts? What differences in pastoral care practice must be bridged?

  5. Capacity: How many participants per cohort are planned? Is there sustained demand for this specialized offering?

  6. Evaluation: What success metrics are defined to assess the effectiveness of the program?

Source Directory

Primary Source: University of Lucerne and Army – Press Release of February 5, 2026 https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/4dvYSMX5VjlVIW9DvG7Fq

Verification Status: ✓ February 5, 2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: February 5, 2026