Master of Arts in Christian Counseling (M.A.)
Are you called to heal the brokenhearted, strengthen couples and families, and walk people through life's challenges? Earn your Master of Arts in Christian Counseling and become a competent, church-based religious counselor.
The Master of Arts in Christian Counseling degree is designed to prepare the student for a specialized ministry in the counseling of individuals, couples, families and special focus groups within the context of the local church, para-church ministries, church-related agencies, or other religious settings. The program enables the student to employ integrative therapies: integrating proven, effective counseling methods, models and modalities, with sound biblical and theological principles. The vision of the church is to be a healing community. Hope for hurting individuals and families is an essential element of the Christian message. The MA program equips the student to help people realize personhood wholeness in every area of human life - spirit, mind, and body - and to facilitate marriage and family harmony and enrichment.
Courses You'll Complete to Earn Your Degree
The twelve courses listed comprise the Master’s degree in Christian Counseling. Changes or substitutions are subject to the approval of the Academic Dean. Substitutions may be made if some of the above courses have already been taken. A Master’s Thesis or Comprehensive Exam based on the course content may be required.
CO 500 Psychology and Theology
Psychology and Theology
Psychology and Theology, is an introduction to Integrative Therapy, incorporating both theological and psychological principles, written by author and instructor, Dr. James V. Potter.
The text provides an overview of the history of "soul care" both secular and sacred, and "soul cure." It reviews several well known integrative therapies (those that draw both from both fields of knowledge: theology and psychology). Finally, the author sets forth an integrative modality of his own that is solidly faith-based and client-focused. Described by former counseling students as "life-changing" the course is designed as a guide for those desiring to integrate their faith and counseling art.
Credit Hours: 0
Instructor: Dr. James Potter
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CO 510 Human Development
Human Development
It is the purpose of this course to focus on the anatomical, physiological, intellectual, sociological and spiritual development of the human organism from conception until death. The major theorists in the area of human development will be researched and the various major theories of human development will be critically compared. Specifically, this course views human growth and development as a psychological, biological, and spiritual process that demands an integrated analysis. The course addresses the development and wellness of individuals and families throughout the life cycle. The aspects of development including biological, social, cognitive, emotional, and moral will be covered. The course will examine how the abilities, needs, problems, and concerns of humans change throughout life, and how people are shaped by their experiences throughout their development.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Sara Reichard, M.Litt., R.N.
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CO 520 Counseling Theories
Counseling Theories
This course provides an overview of eight dominant counseling paradigms (further divided into a total of 17 variations) and introduces their application in pastoral care and counseling. Students seek to develop a critical understanding of the social and personal context within which each was formed, and its philosophical, anthropological, and theological presuppositions. The derivative methods are examined in light of their compatibility with orthodox Christianity and in terms of evidence of their beneficial outcome in counseling and pastoral care. Case studies are used. The role of the Holy Spirit in counseling process is examined.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Richard P. Walters, Ph.D.
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CO 530 Counseling Strategies and Practices
Counseling Strategies and Practices
This course will introduce students to counseling psychology concepts and interventions related to lifespan development, prevention of mental health problems, social justice, and optimal human functioning in both the church and society. An emphasis will be placed on psychopathology, in order to provide strategic counseling for specific issues in the congregation and family. The course provides preparation in the core counseling skills essential for the practical counseling and effective treatment outcomes.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Richard P. Walters, Ph.D.
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CO 540 Crisis Counseling
Crisis Counseling
Crisis Counseling From A Christian Perspective is one of the required courses for students pursuing degrees in counseling with an emphasis in family counseling, domestic violence counseling, pastoral counseling and substance abuse and addiction counseling. Crisis counseling focuses on the etiology, context, process and effects of victimization. This course is designed to acquaint students, as well as pastors, chaplains, educators, and church workers understand the theoretical basis for, and acquire the practical skills necessary to carry out effective therapeutic interventions in a diversity of crisis situations. Emphasis is given those types of crises typically encountered by the Christian Counselor including: 1) Grief and Bereavement, 2) Emotional Traumatization, 3) Sexual Molestation and Incest, Domestic Violence and The Abuse of Children and Elders. The underlying purposes of the course are to: 1) provide students an understanding of the nature, effects and consequences of crises, to perpetrator, the victim and witnesses as well as society in general, 2) educate students in the types of trauma inducing crises 3) teach students the signs and symptoms of unresolved trauma, resulting in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and manifesting itself in numerous associated personality disorders, thereby enabling students to identify victims of trauma, traumatized witnesses and their abusers, 4) teach students how to conduct an assessment and psychosocial evaluation of a traumatized individual, 5) teach students how and when to use direct and indirect counseling techniques, 6) how to develop appropriate social service networks and guide clients to hotlines, victim support groups and other support services that can assist them in regaining control of their lives, 7) train students in effective therapeutic intervention techniques including stress-reduction, and 7) increase students’ critical thinking, writing skills and report preparation.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Dr. James Potter
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CO 550 Marriage and Family Counseling
Marriage and Family Counseling
This course is designed to expand on the basic concepts and procedures for marriage and family counseling from a pastoral perspective. The purpose of the course is to assist theology students in their development of a ministry to family systems. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of various approaches to marital and family therapy. Within the context of systems theory, emphasis will be placed on understanding various methods of conceptualizing family dynamics and intervention strategies.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Dr. Stan DeKoven
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CO 550 Marriage and Family Counseling
Marriage and Family Counseling
This course provides a careful examination of the modern problems inherent in marital and family relationships; offers suggestions for treatment on an individual and church-wide basis; and provides numerous counseling resources.
Credit Hours: 0
Instructor: Sara Reichard, M.Litt., R.N.
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CO 560 Assessment and Diagnosis
Assessment and Diagnosis
This course provides an understanding of individual and group approaches to assessment and evaluation in counseling. There will be an emphasis on assessment strategies and psychometrics. The phenomenology of emotional disorders and their diagnosis will be explored in detail. The course will also explore the means of assessment and diagnosis that are consistent with effective counseling techniques.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Richard P. Walters, Ph.D.
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CO 610 Group Dynamics
Group Dynamics
Group Dynamics: A Christian Perspective, is one of the required courses for students pursuing a degree in counseling with an emphasis in: pastoral care, pastoral counseling, family counseling, domestic violence counseling, substance abuse and addiction counseling, and/or trauma survivor counseling. This course explores the history of the development and growth of groups (an outgrowth of social psychology), the varied kinds of groups, and the process and structure of individual and group behavior as it relates to group dynamics, Christian maturity and ministry. The course will acquaint students, pastors, chaplains, educators, church workers and group facilitators with the theory and research relating to small and large groups; the benefits and detriments of homogeneous groups vs. gender-specific, or problem-specific groups; and the benefits and detriments of democratically governed groups vs., facilitator directed groups. Students will gain insight into a number of different types of groups, including: problem solving groups, decision making groups, recovery groups, support groups, process groups and Christian Growth Groups. Students will learn how to develop, organize and govern groups to optimize the effectiveness of group dynamics for behavioral change and cognitive restructuring.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Richard Jenks, MRE, PsyD
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CO 620 Addiction Counseling
Addiction Counseling
The course is one of the required courses for students pursuing degrees in counseling with an emphasis in substance abuse and addiction counseling. It is designed to acquaint these students, as well as pastors, chaplains, educators, church workers with the etiology, cultural context, prevailing patterns and outcomes of alcohol and drug abuse, the phenomenon of addiction as an illness of body, mind and spirit, and the resources, treatment approaches, models and methods for helping alcoholics and addicts in their recovery. Particular focus in given to the medical aspects of illnesses and recovery in addiction. The underlying purposes of the course are to: 1) provide students an understanding of the nature and consequences of substance abuse, to the individual abuser as well as society, 2) educate students in the drugs of abuse 3) teach students the signs and symptoms of substance abuse, thereby enabling them to identify substance abusers, 4) teach students how to conduct an assessment and psychosocial evaluation of a substance abuser, 5) teach students how to select the most appropriate treatment approach, setting and modality, 6) train students in effective therapeutic intervention techniques, and 7) increase students’ critical thinking, writing skills and report preparation.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Dr. James Potter
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CO 630 Cross-Cultural Counseling
Cross-Cultural Counseling
This course provides an overview of the theories of multicultural counseling and development from a culture-centered perspective. Issues related to social and cultural diversity will be examined as well as guidelines for developing multicultural counseling competencies and sensitivity in counseling service. The impact of diversity, within and between group differences, is examined. Various psychosocial developmental factors of diverse cultural and ethnic groups, and the influence of these variables on the counseling relationship will be explored.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Dr. Stan DeKoven
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CO 640 Ethics and Law
Ethics and Law
This course provides an introduction to professional ethics with special application for the Christian Counseling. The course includes an analysis of professional ethics, training and practice standards, educational requirements, and mental health law. Attention will be given to contemporary professional and psycho-social issues that effect the training and practice of Christian counselors. The course also provides students with the knowledge of legal and ethical guidelines for the practice of community and religious counseling. Students will learn to use these guidelines to make sound decisions about professional practice. The course examines ethical and legal standards related to professional practice and the impact of personal values on the counseling process.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Richard Jenks, MRE, PsyD
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Our Goals for the Master of Arts in Christian Counseling Degree
- To prepare students for the specialized ministry of individual, marriage and family, and issue focused group counseling within the church, para-church ministries, church-related agencies, and other religious settings, and to provide the educational foundation for further study in Christian Counseling.
- To enable students to help people realize personhood wholeness in every area of human life -- spirit, mind, and body.
- To equip students to recruit and train knowledgeable lay persons as peer counselors and para-counselors to provide supportive counseling services to and within the local congregation and community.
- To assist students in the formulation of an integrative counseling approach, incorporating proven counseling techniques with a sound biblical and theological understanding of the ministry of counseling.
- To offer a program curricula for those students who desire to learn more about applying professional methods and modalities within a Christian counseling framework.
What You'll Be Able To Do When You Earn Your MA in Christian Counseling
- Develop a personal philosophy of counseling which integrates the latest theories, trends, and techniques of professional counseling with sound biblical principles, in a Christian Counseling modality.
- Effectively work with people in the local church and Christian counseling ministry setting.
- Promote an awareness of the integrative compatibility between the behavioral sciences and the ministry of the Holy Spirit as they relate to the counseling process.
- Develop the therapeutic, preventive, educative, and facilitative skills of Christian Counseling.
- Demonstrate an understanding of methods of assessing and evaluating individual psychological functions, such as intelligence and personality and the dysfunctions thereof evidenced in psychological distress and personality disorders.
- Strengthen competency in data collection, analysis, assessment and evaluation in Christian Counseling.
- Promote an understanding of human nature and development based on a Christian theological perspective.
- Develop research capabilities designed to foster and expand knowledge about the current practice of Counseling within a Christian context.
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