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Master of Counseling
Location: Online
Credits: 45
Overview
The Master of Counseling integrates biblical, theological, and psychological perspectives to prepare students for counseling ministry in churches, schools, and community settings.
Goals
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
Understand major theories of counseling and human development.
Apply counseling skills in individual, family, and group settings.
Integrate biblical truth and spiritual care into counseling practice.
Address crises, trauma, and mental health concerns responsibly.
Apply ethical and legal standards in counseling.
Requirements
| General core - 21 credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Credits | |
| GEN501 | Biblical Worldview | 3 | |
| GEN502 | Research Methods | 3 | |
| GEN503 | Entrepreneurial Theology | 3 | |
| GEN504 | Biblical Epistemology | 3 | |
| GEN505 | Theology, Economics and Development | 3 | |
| GEN506 | Biblical Ethics and Social Change | 3 | |
| GEN507 | Bible and Cultural Intelligence | 3 | |
| Concentration - 24 credits | |||
| Code | Title | Credits | |
| COU601 | Theories of Counseling | 3 | |
| COU602 | Counseling Skills and Techniques | 3 | |
| COU603 | Pastoral and Spiritual Counseling | 3 | |
| COU604 | Marriage and Family Counseling | 3 | |
| COU605 | Crisis and Trauma Counseling | 3 | |
| COU606 | Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling | 3 | |
| COU607 | Human Development and Personality | 3 | |
| COU608 | Group Counseling and Facilitation | 3 | |
Opportunities
Graduates of the Master of Counseling may pursue roles such as:
Church or pastoral counselor
Christian family and marriage counselor (where credentialing permits)
School or community counseling worker
Support staff in clinics, hospitals, and NGOs
Care and counseling director in churches
General core - 21 Credits
GEN501 - Biblical Worldview (3 Credits)
This course introduces students to a comprehensive Christian worldview grounded in Scripture. It explores the nature of reality, human purpose, ethics, culture, and the mission of God. Students examine competing worldviews and develop the ability to interpret contemporary issues through a biblical-theological lens, strengthening their capacity for faithful Christian leadership in society.
GEN502 - Research Methods (3 Credits)
A graduate-level introduction to qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methodologies. Students learn how to design research projects, analyze data, review scholarly literature, formulate hypotheses, and integrate theological reflection with academic inquiry. Emphasis is placed on research skills relevant to ministry, leadership, and theological scholarship.
GEN503 - Entrepreneurial Theology (3 Credits)
This course explores theological and practical foundations for innovation, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving within Christian ministry. Students examine biblical models of creativity, stewardship, and mission-shaped leadership. The course equips learners to design ministry initiatives, launch sustainable projects, and respond to emerging needs within church and society.
GEN504 - Biblical Epistemology (3 Credits)
A study of how knowledge, truth, and belief are understood within Scripture. The course examines philosophical and theological questions concerning revelation, faith, reason, certainty, and spiritual understanding. Students develop tools to think critically about how Christians know what they know and how to apply biblical truth in academic and ministry settings.
GEN505 - Theology, Economics and Development (3 Credits)
An interdisciplinary exploration of economic life from a biblical and theological perspective. Topics include stewardship, work, wealth, poverty, justice, development, public policy, and global mission. Students evaluate modern economic theories in light of Scripture and consider how Christian leaders can promote economic flourishing in their communities.
GEN506 - Biblical Ethics and Social Change (3 Credits)
A study of ethical reasoning grounded in Scripture with application to contemporary social issues. Students analyze moral philosophy, biblical ethical frameworks, justice concerns, human dignity, and the Christian’s role in promoting societal transformation. The course equips graduates to lead ethically in ministry, leadership, and public life.
GEN507 - Bible and Cultural Intelligence (3 Credits)
An examination of how Scripture informs cross-cultural engagement and Christian leadership in diverse contexts. Topics include cultural anthropology, worldview analysis, intercultural communication, and biblical perspectives on ethnicity, unity, and mission. Students develop cultural intelligence necessary for ministry in a globalized world.
Concentration - 24 Credits
COU601 - Theories of Counseling (3 Credits)
A survey of major counseling theories including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, systems theory, and integrative models. Students evaluate each theory through a biblical worldview and learn how theoretical frameworks guide therapeutic practice in Christian and secular contexts.
COU602 - Counseling Skills and Techniques (3 Credits)
A practical introduction to foundational counseling skills such as active listening, empathy, assessment, intervention, and treatment planning. Students participate in role-play, demonstration, and supervised practice to develop competency in helping relationships.
COU603 - Pastoral and Spiritual Counseling (3 Credits)
A study of the integration of pastoral care, biblical theology, and counseling practice. Topics include spiritual struggles, discernment, prayer, grief, moral issues, and the pastoral role in emotional and spiritual healing. Special attention is given to ethical boundaries and referral procedures.
COU604 - Marriage and Family Counseling (3 Credits)
An analysis of family systems, marital dynamics, communication patterns, and conflict resolution. Students learn clinical and pastoral approaches to strengthening marriages, supporting families, and addressing common relational challenges.
COU605 - Crisis and Trauma Counseling (3 Credits)
An exploration of trauma, crisis intervention, post-traumatic stress, abuse, addiction, and disaster response. Students learn immediate and long-term care strategies rooted in biblical compassion and evidence-based practice.
COU606 - Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling (3 Credits)
A study of professional ethics, confidentiality, informed consent, mandated reporting, multicultural competence, and legal responsibilities. Students learn ethical reasoning and risk management essential for responsible counseling practice.
COU607 - Human Development and Personality (3 Credits)
A survey of human development across the lifespan, including cognitive, emotional, social, moral, and spiritual development. Students explore personality theories and apply developmental insights to counseling and discipleship.
COU608 - Group Counseling and Facilitation (3 Credits)
An introduction to group dynamics, therapeutic processes, leadership roles, and facilitation skills. Students learn to plan, lead, and evaluate group counseling sessions within ministry and clinical settings.