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Master of Arts in Counseling (MACO) Degree Program

Students participating in the Counseling program must complete the required courses with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in the field of concentration. The number of courses required in the program will vary, depending on which track is selected. More than 20 courses are required for either the Marriage and Family Therapist Track or the Mental Health Counselor Track in order to meet the seminary’s expectation of a biblical and theological core as well as expectations of agencies which certify counselors. 

Students in either of these tracks must complete seven courses from options spread throughout the three divisions of Biblical Studies, Christian Thought, and Ministry, plus four foundational courses in the field of counseling. Seven additional courses are required that are specific to the selected track. Four professional seminars and four practicum/internship units must also be completed, and receive academic credit.

Please note that the application deadline for the Counseling program is April 1.

Degree Goals

  1. To understand the basic content and themes of the Old and New Testaments in their historical and cultural settings, as well as the historical and theological dimensions of the Christian faith
  2. To demonstrate academic excellence in the ability to communicate effectively materials from the study of psychology and the biblical, historical and theological disciplines
  3. To integrate psychological theory with biblical truth so that the knowledge and skills learned in studies and practice will be realized in professional application
  4. To evidence a commitment to the authority of Scripture in personal and community relationships, as well as a personal commitment to spiritual formation
  5. To foster love for God and his word and therefore to cultivate the practices of spiritual maturity and Christ-like character, and to understand the Christian’s ethical responsibility in church and society
  6. To gain experience in an understanding of cultural backgrounds toward effective expression of biblical truth, with the goal of ministering to Christians and to those who are not Christian believers
  7. To demonstrate an awareness of national, racial, ethnic and cultural factors that impinge upon the teaching and modeling of biblical truth, and to develop the capacity for a critical evaluation of important cultural changes within the discipline of counseling.

 

Degree Program Checksheets