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.
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.
What are professors saying?
Arc of the Moral Universe
January 19, 2021
Perhaps my favorite quote from Martin Luther King Jr. is this: "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice."
On the Tragic Events in Washington, DC
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Please join us for prayer Wednesday, January 13th at 1 PM.
Christmas Message from Dr. James
December 22, 2020
A brief Christmas message from President James and thoughts on where Missio stands at the end of a year full of struggle.
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As followers of Jesus, we join in grief with the family of Walter Wallace Jr. and the community of West Philadelphia.
The Last Words of John Lewis
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This past Friday, we lost two giants of the civil rights movement—CT Vivian and John Lewis.
Journal of Urban Mission 6:1
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Welcome to volume 6, issue 1 of the Journal of Urban Mission, which takes an honest look at the American system of justice.
Statement from President James
June 2, 2020
It is with profound regret that MISSIO must again denounce racial injustice in our nation.
Dr. Lamb on Hezekiah
May 14, 2020
A couple of years ago I was invited by the two editors to participate in this two-part series of character studies in Samuel and Kings.
Self-Care Amid Scary, Uncertain Days
March 24, 2020
Missio graduates will be facilitating free online groups, “Seeking Hope During Covid-19” through Cornerstone Counseling Ministries.