Certificate in Christian Counseling

If you are looking for graduate-level training to equip you with counseling skills but are not sure you want our full MA in Counseling (MAC) degree, then this certificate program may be just what you are looking for. Courses within the certificate program will emphasize helping/counseling skills, an understanding of a broad range of human struggles, and how we grow and change.

What is Christian Counseling?

Simply put, Christian Counseling is counseling that seeks to impart the love, compassion, and wisdom of God to those who are struggling with life’s problems. The ultimate goals include symptom relief, skill acquisition, insight, and maturation in the faith.

Who is This Counseling Certificate For?

The counseling skills and knowledge gained from our certificate program fit with a professional model but are also useful for pastors, church leaders, and lay leaders who want to improve their work within the church. Small group leaders, educators, and pregnancy counseling volunteers have also found these courses helpful. Mental health professionals seeking distinctly Christian and faith-based counseling skills may also wish to complete the certificate.

Many certificate holders may wish to consider a future MAC degree. Our admissions counselors can walk you through the process.

What Are the Specific Requirements?

The certificate program requires a completed undergraduate or equivalent degree, and completion of a degree application. Upon completion of the certificate, students may choose to transfer appropriately completed courses into the MA in Counseling (MAC) degree program.

All classes and programs are available on-line. The majority of our on-line classes are in a synchronous format. This means that you can engage with your professors and classmates from the comfort of your own home! For more information please contact our admissions department here.

Curriculum within the Program

Required Courses – 9 Credits

MAC510 Helping Relationships
MAC500 Human Development and Change
MAC512 Psychopathology

Electives – 6 Credits

MAC525a Ethics and Professional Orientation (2 credits)
MAC602 Counseling and Physiology (3 credits)
MAC704 Models of Counseling (3 credits)
Addictions Series – online (1-3 credits)
Summer Counseling Institute Courses (2 credits)

Optional Courses

The following counseling courses have prerequisites or may require approval before registration:

MAC601 Marriage and Family Therapy – Prerequisite: Helping Relationships or Pastoral Counseling, including a recommendation from the professor

MAC621 Child and Adolescent Counseling – Prerequisite: Helping Relationships or Pastoral Counseling, including a recommendation from the professor

MAC605 Advanced Counseling Skills – Prerequisite: Helping Relationships or Pastoral Counseling, including a recommendation from the professor

(These courses can only be considered after completing all core courses and may be substituted for electives.)

Total Required Credits – 15

Ready to start your journey?

Whether you are looking for more information regarding a program, scheduling a visit, starting the application process, or just wanting to talk to someone about your dreams, our admissions department is always available to assist you and answer any question that you might have.

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