MA in Christian Counseling (MACC) - Gordon Conwell

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MA in Christian Counseling (macc)

Charlotte Campus | Digital-Residential Hybrid

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

MA in Christian Counseling (macc)

Clinical Mental Health (CMH) Program

The Master of Arts in Christian Counseling — Clinical Mental Health (MACC-CMH) program is a CACREP accredited counseling program integrating clinical counseling practice with Christian theological foundations. Our program focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral health issues for individuals, couples, families, and groups.

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Learn more about our MACC-CMH program:


Accreditation

The MACC-CMH offered digitally and through our Charlotte, NC campus is both nationally and regionally accredited:

Maximum Flexibility

Our innovative approach allows both in-person and digital attendance.

Program Distinctives

  • Convenient, economical, and innovative model of education designed to accommodate students already engaged in work and ministry
    • Rigorous courses offered in various formats (evenings, weekends, week intensives and hybrid-online)
    • 100% of coursework available in a hybrid-online format
    • Three-day residency on campus each year for collaborating and networking with professors and students
  • Supervised clinical practicum and internship experience
  • Professional and integrative seminars designed to incorporate theological studies with counseling theories and practices
  • Renowned, highly qualified and experienced faculty
  • Enhanced library services with capability to access theological databases from your home
  • Access to library resources and classes at other top-tier institutions through the Carolina Theological Consortium

Typical Students

MA in Christian Counseling students are a diverse group who display essential qualities of wisdom, maturity and skills necessary for excellence in the field of counseling. Most have an undergraduate background in psychology, counseling, education, or sociology, a strong interest in behavioral science, or significant life experience in the field. Whether you’re seasoned in the field or moving into a second career, the MA in Christian Counseling degree will provide excellent preparation for Christian and/or secular employment opportunities.

Potential Counseling Careers

Agencies

Private Practice

Schools

Hospitals

Churches

Group Homes

Chemical dependency/
substance abuse settings

Pregnancy Centers

Behavioral health care organizations

Para-church ministry

Missions

Courses

66 Credit Hours

Course List

Biblical Studies: 3 Courses / 9 Credit Hours

  • Exploring the Old Testament 1 (OT500)
  • Exploring the New Testament 1 (NT500)
  • Interpreting the Bible 1 (NT/OT517)

Christian Thought: 2 Courses / 6 Credit Hours

  • Theology Survey I (TH501)
  • Theology Survey II (TH502)

Integrative Counseling: 14 Courses / 42 Credit Hours

  • Introduction to Counseling & Systems Theory (CO502)
  • Helping Relationships (CO540)
  • Lifespan Development: Implications for Counseling (CO/SF610)
  • Research Methods & Design (CO699)
  • Psychopathology (CO710)
  • Multicultural Diversity in Counseling (CO712)
  • Group Dynamics (CO/PC718)
  • Assessment in Counseling (CO735)
  • Counseling for Crisis & Addiction (CO750)
  • Career & Lifestyle Development (CO770)
  • Professional Standards & Christian Ethics for Counselors (CO790)
  • Advanced Christian Counseling Models & Practice (CO850)
  • Counseling Elective (Choose from below)
  • Counseling Elective (Choose from below)

Counseling Electives

  • Family Counseling Theory (CO614)
  • Foundations in Play Therapy (CO713)
  • Couples Counseling (CO716)
  • Human Sexuality (CO719)
  • Counseling Adolescents (CO725)
  • Advanced Trauma Counseling: Diagnosis & Treatment (CO726)

Integrative Studies: 9 Credit Hours

  • Clinical Group Supervision (CO875) Credits: 0
  • Clinical Counseling Practicum (CO867) Credits: 3
  • Clinical Counseling Internship I (CO868) Credits: 3
  • Clinical Counseling Internship II (CO869) Credits: 3
  • MACC Counseling Residency (CO575) Credits: 0
  • Exit Evaluation (CO851) Credits: 0

This list is provided for you convenience. It seeks to be accurate and up-to-date but does not replace your graduation check sheet as the authoritative statement of degree requirements per your admission. That check sheet provides a fuller list of alternative courses and potential exceptions.

Counseling Faculty

Dr. Jeffrey Arthurs

Robinson Chair of Preaching & Communication, Director of the Haddon W. Robinson Center for Preaching

Dr. Eun Ah Cho

Associate Professor of Intercultural Studies, Dean of Gordon-Conwell Institute

Dr. Dave Currie

Dean of the Doctor of Ministry Program, Dean of the Anglican Formation Program, Professor of Pastoral Theology

Dr. Brad Howell

Adjunct Faculty, Vice President of Graduate Programs

Dr. Scott W. Sunquist

President and Professor of Missiology

Dr. Virginia Ward

Dean of the Boston Campus, Assistant Professor of Youth and Leadership

Dr. Gerry Wheaton

Dean of Networked Education, Associate Professor of New Testament

Dr. Mateus de Campos

Associate Professor of New Testament, Dean of the Hamilton Campus

Dr. Alvin Padilla

Dean of the Latino and Global Ministries program (LGM), Professor of New Testament

Dr. Carol Kaminski

Senior Professor of Old Testament

Dr. Sean McDonough

Professor of New Testament

Dr. Seong Hyun Park

Provost and Assistant Professor of Old Testament

Dr. Donna Petter

Associate Professor of Old Testament, Director of the Hebrew Language Program

Dr. Thomas Petter

Senior Professor of Old Testament

Dr. Eckhard J. Schnabel

Mary French Rockefeller Distinguished Professor of New Testament

Dr. Gwenfair Walters Adams

Professor of Church History and Spiritual Formation

Dr. John Jefferson Davis

Senior Professor of Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics

Dr. Brent H. Burdick

Adjunct Professor of Missions

Dr. Gordon Isaac

Berkshire Professor of Church History and Advent Christian Studies

Dr. Todd Johnson

Eva B. and Paul E. Toms Distinguished Professor of Mission and Global Christianity

Dr. Adonis Vidu

Andrew Mutch Distinguished Professor of Theology

Dr. Kevin Xiyi Yao

Professor of World Christianity and Asian Studies

Dr. Kenneth Barnes

Mockler-Phillips Professor of Workplace Theology and Business Ethics

Mr. Daniel Montañez

Adjunct Instructor, Latino & Global Ministries Program

Mr. Jahdiel Perez

Adjunct Instructor

Mrs. Lucrecia Rodríguez-Lynch

Adjunct Instructor, Latino & Global Ministries Program

Dr. Angie H. Kim

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Karen Mason

Professor of Counseling and Psychology, Director of the Hamilton Counseling Department

Dr. Jim Singleton, Jr.

Senior Professor of Ministry

Dr. Quonekuia Day

Assistant Professor of Old Testament

Dr. E. Carolina Benitez

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Christopher A. Cook

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Rodney Cooper

Senior Professor of Ministry

Dr. Pam Davis

Associate Professor of Counseling, Director of the Counseling Department at Charlotte

Dr. Donald Fairbairn

Robert E. Cooley Professor of Early Christianity

Dr. Vickey Maclin

Associate Professor of Counseling

Dr. Nicole Martin

Adjunct Professor of Ministry and Leadership Development

Dr. Robert Mayer

Senior Professor of Church History

Dr. Catherine McDowell

Associate Professor of Old Testament

Mr. Dean Borgman

Emeritus Professor of Youth Ministry

Dr. Dennis Hollinger

Colman M. Mockler Distinguished Professor of Christian Ethics

Dr. Gordon Hugenberger

Senior Professor of Old Testament

Dr. Edward Keazirian

Senior Professor of Greek and New Testament, Director of the Greek Language Program

Dr. Peter Kuzmic

Senior Distinguished Professor of World Missions and European Studies

Dr. Richard Lints

Senior Distinguished Professor of Theology

Dr. Jeffrey J. Niehaus

Senior Professor of Old Testament

Dr. Pablo Polischuk

Senior Professor of Pastoral Counseling & Psychology

Dr. Garth Rosell

Senior Research Professor of Church History

Dr. Aída Besançon Spencer

Senior Professor of New Testament

Dr. Douglas Stuart

Senior Professor of Old Testament

Dr. Eldin Villafane

Distinguished Professor of Christian Social Ethics, Emeritus

Dr. Tim Laniak

Senior Professor of Biblical Studies

Dr. Patricia Batten

Assistant Professor of Preaching, Associate Director of the Haddon W. Robinson Center for Preaching, Chapel Advisor

Dr. Katherine Horvath

Assistant Professor of Practical Theology

Dr. Gina A. Zurlo

Adjunct Faculty of World Christianity and Mission, Co-Director of the Center for the Study of Global Christianity

Dr. Christine Palmer

Adjunct Professor of Old Testament

Dr. David Palmer

Adjunct Professor of New Testament

Dr. Justin M. Young

Assistant Dean of Networked Education, Adjunct Professor of Old Testament

Dr. Annette Wright

Adjunct Professor

Dr. Carlot D. Celestin

Adjunct Professor of Counseling

Dr. Mandy Baraka

Adjunct Professor of Counseling

Dr. Morgan Enright

Visiting Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Kelly Breen Boyce

Adjunct Professor of Counseling

Dr. Daniel Reyes

Adjunct Professor of Counseling

Dr. David A. Escobar Arcay

Adjunct Professor of Theology and Christian Thought

Dr. Erin Crider

Adjunct Professor of Practical Theology, Director of Church Planting.

Dr. J. Anthony Lloyd

Adjunct Professor

Mr. Jeff Bass

Adjunct Professor

Dr. Jim Critchlow

Assistant Professor of Biblical Languages

Dr. Jimmy Long

Adjunct Professor of Practical Theology

Dr. Justin S. Holcomb

Adjunct Professor of Christian Thought

Dr. Laura Miguélez Quay

Adjunct Professor of Christian Thought and Greek

Dr. Mark A. Jennings

Adjunct Professor of New Testament

Dr. Ryan Jackson

Adjunct Professor

Dr. Phillip R. Thorne

Co-Mentor (DMin)

Dr. Ronald J. Bouthillette

Adjunct Professor of Practical Theology

Dr. Stephen Witmer

Adjunct Professor of New Testament

Dr. Thomas Price

Adjunct Professor of Christian Thought

Dr. Viacheslav V. Lytvynenko

Adjunct Professor of Theology and Christian Thought

Dr. Eliezer Victor Ramos

Adjunct Professor of Practical Theology

Dr. Jana Holiday

Adjunct Professor of Practical Theology

Dr. Lindsay McMillan

Co-Mentor (DMin)

Dr. Wes Vander Lugt

Adjunct Professor of Theology and Acting Director of the Leighton Ford Initiative in Theology, the Arts, and Gospel Witness

Dr. Luiz Sayao

Adjunct Professor of Biblical Studies

Dr. Mary Ho

Co-Mentor (DMin)

Dr. Michael Moses

Adjunct Professor of Practical Theology

Dr. Claude Alexander

Adjunct Professor of Practical Theology

Dr. Nick Gatzke

Co-Mentor (DMin)

Dr. Timothy Beougher

Co-Mentor (DMin)

Dr. Tom Herrick

Co-Mentor (DMin)

Dr. Awilda Gonzalez-Babb

Adjunct Professor of Biblical Studies

Dr. Jenny John

Instructor of Counseling

Dr. Autumn Ridenour

Mockler Associate Professor of Christian Ethics

Dr. William Spencer

Distinguished Adjunct Professor of Theology and the Arts

Dr. Steve Macchia

Adjunct Professor

Dr. Paul Hoffman

Adjunct Professor

Dr. Christian Cuthbert

Adjunct Professor

Dr. Ray Pendleton

Senior Professor of Pastoral Counseling and Psychology

Dr. Victor Price

Adjunct Professor

Dr. David Wright

Adjunct Professor

Dr. Mark Arnold

Adjunct Professor

Sean Watkins

Adjunct Professor

Dr. Ray Hammond

Adjunct Professor

Dr. Paul Biswas

Adjunct Professor of Practical Theology

Benjamin Espinoza

Adjunct Professor of Church and Culture

Dr. Davi C. Ribeiro Lin

Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology and Ministry

Dr. Fred Foy Strang

Adjunct Professor of Christian Thought

Dr. Ruy Costa

Adjunct Professor of Christian Social Ethics

Kara Martin

Adjunct Professor

Dr. Nicholas Rowe

Kenneth and Jean Hansen Associate Professor of Leadership

Dr. Doug Carver

Faculty Mentor for the Pastoral Theology in Practice

Dr. Ingo Tophoven

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Herb Rhedrick

Adjunct Professor of Practical Theology

Dr. Chuck Colson

Adjunct Professor of Practical Theology

Dr. Sarah Lebhar Hall

Adjunct Professor of Biblical Studies

Dr. Jason R. McConnell

Adjunct Professor of Practical Theology and Co-Mentor (DMin)

Dr. David Horn

Co-Mentor (DMin)

Dr. Tsu-Kung Chuang

Adjunct Professor of Practical Theology (LGM), Co-Mentor (DMin)

Dr. William Barnett

Co-Mentor (DMin)

Dr. Calvin W. Choi

Co-Mentor (DMin)

Dr. Peter G. James

Adjunct Professor of Practical Theology

Dr. David "Duffy" Robbins

Co-Mentor (DMin)

Neil Binette

Adjunct Professor of Counseling

Cynthia Fisher

Adjunct Professor of Counseling

Dr. Benjamin Grant White

Adjunct Professor of New Testament

Dr. Walt Mueller

Co-Mentor (DMin)

Dr. Roy Ciampa

Adjunct Professor of Biblical Studies, Co-Mentor (DMin)

Alumni Experiences

Amy Work

“My time at GCTS serves as the solid clinical and theological foundation I draw on daily to treat clients. I can’t imagine practicing counseling without the transformational experiences I gained as a student there, personally and professionally. I am the counselor I am because of this program.”

— Amy R. Work, LCMHCA, Renewed Counseling & Play Therapy
(MACC ‘10)

Requirements

Vocational Requirements

Applicants must have (and articulate) a vocational goal requiring the specialized preparation available in the Master of Arts in Christian Counseling program.

Academic Requirements

Required Degree: Applicants must have completed an undergraduate or prior graduate degree program
Minimum Cumulative GPA: 3.0

English Language Requirements (International Students)

Gordon-Conwell requires a TOEFL score of 90 or better (IBT). We also accept IELTS scores of 6.5 or higher. Students who have completed an undergraduate degree through an English-language university may request a TOEFL waiver.

Application Requirements

A Completed Online Application Includes:

  1. Application Form
  2. Application Fee
  3. Two Uploaded Essays
    • A 1-2 page personal statement addressing questions about your vocational goals, church involvement, encouragement from others, reasons for applying to Gordon-Conwell, and an assessment of your own strengths and weaknesses
    • A 1-2 page autobiographical statement
  4. Three Recommendations
  5. Official Transcripts
    • The seminary requires a bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
    • Official transcripts must be sent directly to Gordon-Conwell, or hand-delivered in a sealed envelope. Copies and opened transcripts are not considered official.
    • Transcripts may be sent by any means your college(s) uses for transmitting official transcripts; official electronic transcripts are accepted.
    • Gordon-Conwell is a partner school of Parchment. If your college uses this service for transmitting electronic transcripts, search for and have the transcripts sent to “Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.”
    • We do need transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, even if the classes were transferred to another school and are reflected on their transcripts.

Faculty Interview

After meeting general admissions requirements, candidates will interview with members of the Counseling faculty as an assessment of their academic and personal readiness to participate in the program. Applicants should check the published interview dates to ensure continuing in the admissions process. MACC applicants will not receive an admissions decision until they have completed this second stage interview.