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MA in Christian Counseling (macc)

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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:

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Accreditation

The MACC-CMH program at our Charlotte, NC campus is both nationally and regionally accredited:

Program Distinctives

Mission & Objectives
Integration & Diversity
Program Evaluation Data
Pursuing Licensure

MACC 2020 Practicum-Internship Manual »
2020 MACC Student Handbook »

  • 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)
    • Up to 70% of coursework available in a hybrid-online format
  • 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

67 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)
  • Crisis & Trauma Counseling (C0635)
  • Foundations in Play Therapy (CO713)
  • Couples Counseling (CO716)
  • Human Sexuality (CO719)
  • Counseling Adolescents (CO725)

Integrative Studies: 10 Credit Hours

  • Introduction to Counseling Studies1 (CO501) Credits: 1
  • Clinical Group Supervision (CO875) Credits: 0
  • Clinical Counseling Practicum (CO867) Credits: 3
  • Clinical Counseling Practicum I (CO868) Credits: 3
  • Clinical Counseling Practicum II (CO869) Credits: 3
  • Counseling Retreat Credits: 0
  • Exit Evaluation (CO650) 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.

1. This course must be completed within the first year of study.

Counseling Faculty

Dr. Carolina Benitez

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Christopher Cook

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Pam Davis

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

Dr. Vickey Maclin

Associate Director of Graduate Programs in Counseling (Charlotte)

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. 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
  3. Three Recommendations
  4. 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.

You Can Afford Seminary!

Scholarships and financial assistance are available.

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