M.A./BC in Focus
“The balance between the counseling courses and the Bible and theology courses make this Biblical Counseling program one of the finest around. Some places can do on or the other well, but Dallas Seminary excels at both.”—Robert Morris, student
If you believe God is calling you to minister in the field of biblical counseling, we have designed a program just for you. Both demanding and rewarding, counseling promotes transformation and healing in peoples’ lives.
The counseling relationship is one of those unique places where you have the privilege of seeing evidence of God’s ongoing power and activity in today’s world.
At Dallas Seminary, we believe that effective counseling must focus on the truths of the bible. In the Biblical Counseling program, you will be equipped to handle God’s Word with precision as well as exercise effective relationship skills. Students who come to DTS can expect to receive an excellent Christian counseling and theological education – all in one program.
Our graduates enter into people’s lives with integrity of heart and skillfulness of hand (Ps. 78:70, 72).
This training meets the essential academic requirements of Texas and most other states for licensure as a professional counselor, or LPC. More importantly, it prepares men and women to engage effectively in church, institutional, or private counseling.
The M.A. in Biblical Counseling program is three years in length with 90 semester hours of required course work. Of those hours, 22 are in prescribed Bible exposition courses, 18 in prescribed systematic theology courses, and 4 in spiritual life and evangelism. Students take 43 hours in prescribed counseling courses and 3 in counseling electives. Students who with to pursue licensure to become an LPC in the State of Texas will need to complete an additional 2 hours in counseling courses under the direction of the department. Meeting these course requirements will enable a student to apply to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors for licensure and complete the state’s post-graduate licensure requirements, including additional internship hours and a state licensing examination. No thesis is required.
Courses in Biblical Counseling include:
- Premarital Counseling
- Counseling Methods and Techniques
- Substance Abuse
- Counseling and Family Law
- Personality Theory
All courses present theories and techniques from a Christian perspective. See the Dallas Seminary catalog for a complete listing of courses.
Practical Experience is Essential
The program’s three supervised practicum courses will enable you to :
- discover personal issues and how to resolve them
- role-play counseling
- earn 300 counseling and administrative hours t a local practicum site
- meet requirements for licensure In Texas and many other states
Th.M. (emphasis in counseling)
If you need a more comprehensive course of biblical and theological study, you might consider the 120-hour Master of Theology (Th.M.) degree.
Counseling courses are offered under the Pastoral Ministry tract of the Th.M. This degree is ideal for those considering a pastoral career with an emphasis in counseling. This program does not, however, prepare you to meet state licensure requirements.
See Biblical Counseling faculty