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Dual Degree

M.Div. + MACO

Program Overview

Prepare for various careers in professional counseling and/or pastoral ministry through the Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Counseling dual degree.* By integrating the theological training and ministry components of the M.Div. with the counseling training and practicum experience of the M.A. in Counseling, you’ll expand the breadth of your foundation and the scope of your opportunities to serve.

Students will be prepared to meet ordination requirements for many Protestant denominations in the U.S., as well as service in chaplaincy programs (military, hospital, national parks and others). Upon graduating, they will also be qualified to sit for the national Mental Health Counselor and/or Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) licensure examinations.

*Students who complete this program earn two separate degrees—the M.Div. and the M.A. in Counseling. The dual curriculum allows up to 30 hours of shared credit, which reduces the amount of time required if both were pursued separately.

*Full-time study (may span longer if pursued part-time)

Program Distinctives

  • Access to other top-tier institutions, including Harvard Divinity School and Boston University School of Theology, through the Boston Theological Institute
  • Mentored Ministry component provides supervised practical ministry opportunities and carries course credit
  • Supervised clinical counseling practicum and internship experience
  • Professional and integrative seminars designed to incorporate theological studies with counseling theories and practices
  • Renowned, highly qualified and experienced faculty
  • Emphasis on the study of original biblical languages
  • Graduates interested in pursuing a Ph.D. or Psy.D. are qualified to enter Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology or Rosemead School of Psychology with advanced standing upon acceptance to either program

Explore Both Degrees

 

Master of Divinity

 

 

Master of Arts — Counseling

 

Typical Student

Students in the dual degree program are looking to integrate the strength of the M.Div. program (which enrolls nearly 40% of our students) with the focused training of the M.A. in Counseling. They are a diverse group of people with an interest in ministering to and caring for others through pastoral or clinical counseling, military or hospital chaplaincy, or a variety of other settings.

Potential Careers

  • Pastoral ministry
  • Pastoral counseling
  • Marriage and family therapy
  • Mental health counseling
  • Chaplaincy
  • Various psychiatric and counseling services
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