Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling (M.A./BC)

Nationally & Regionally Accredited

The M.A./BC program prepares men and women to engage in church, institutional, or private counseling practices from a thoroughly biblical perspective. Meeting the program requirements enables 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.

This program is fully accredited both regionally and nationally.

Degree Breakdown

Educational Goals

To enable students to:

• demonstrate a general knowledge of the Bible, including a synthetic understanding of the major books
• evidence an understanding of the historical development of theology, a knowledge of premillennial theology, and an ability to support their theological views and apply them to contemporary issues
• understand and explain the issues and problems that people face in life from a thoroughly biblical point of view
• enter deeply into people’s lives with the truth and power of God’s Word and the gospel of His redemptive grace
• understand and evaluate secular and Christian psychological theories and practices from a sound biblical and theological point of view in order to develop professional competence within a thoroughly biblical framework with a focus on ministry.

Spiritual Goals

To enable students to:

• evidence an increasing likeness to Christ as manifested in love for God, love for others, and the fruit of the Spirit
• develop deep levels of biblical and spiritual integrity in their own personal life, relationships, and ministry
• develop a deep level of commitment to people and to a ministry of helping them with their lives in a way that is pleasing to God.

Ministry Goals

To enable students to:

• possess the personal and spiritual maturity, discernment, and wisdom needed to help people resolve spiritual, relational, and behavioral issues and problems
• engage in effective biblically based counseling in the context of a local church, private practice, or mental health institution.

Details

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements and application procedures for professional M.A. degree programs are the same as for all programs of study at the Seminary. Students will generally not be admitted into a degree program without goals consistent with the ministries for which the program is designed to equip them.
 
The Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling (M.A./BC) is a two stage program. Students must complete both of these stages to graduate. Stage One allows a student into the program who exhibits the potential for completion of the program. Continuing on into Stage Two requires the successful completion of prerequisite M.A./BC courses as well as an interview process with the M.A./BC faculty.

Course Requirements

The M.A. program in Biblical Counseling is three years in length with 90 semester hours of course work required as a minimum for graduation. Of those hours, 22 are in prescribed Bible Exposition courses, 18 in prescribed Systematic Theology courses, and 4 in Spiritual Life and Evangelism. In addition, there are 43 hours in prescribed counseling courses and 3 counseling elective hours. Students who wish to pursue licensure 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. No thesis is required.

Students may take certain specialized counseling courses, other than those that are prescribed and/or offered in the M.A. in Biblical Counseling curriculum, at other accredited schools to fulfill any needed academic requirements for state licensure as a professional counselor.

Transfer Credit

Transfer of some credit is allowed toward the professional M.A. programs from accredited graduate theological schools. Up to 45 hours of credit may be transferred toward the M.A. in Biblical Counseling.

Students may take certain specialized counseling courses, other than those that are prescribed and/or offered in the M.A. in Biblical Counseling curriculum, at other accredited schools to fulfill any needed academic requirements for state licensure as a professional counselor. M.A./BC students pursuing licensure may have stricter transfer credit guidelines as required by the state licensing agency.

Students must have earned a grade of C or better for a course to be considered in transfer. Transferability of credits earned at this institution and transferred to another is at the discretion of the receiving institution. Consult the Registrar’s Office for information on eligibility for transfer credit.

Degree Overview

Course Descriptions

Bible Core

Theology Core

M.A./BC Ministry & Communication Courses

Th.M. Ministry Emphases

Each student in the Master of Theology program selects a Ministry Emphasis from the following list. In addition to the 96-hour core curriculum (which includes a 3-hour Servant Leadership Internship that involves the production of a professional portfolio), students will customize the remaining 24 elective hours with respect to their ministry goals and areas of interest. Regardless of their Ministry Emphasis, students will take at least 9 of their 24 credit hours in the Ministries and Communications division. Students will consult with the coordinator of the Ministry Emphasis within the department in which the emphasis is overseen. The requirements for each emphasis will vary based on student backgrounds and interests, but each department may require certain courses and hours for the emphases supervised by that department. Academic advising for all Ministry Emphases begins in the Advising Center. For more details and course descriptions, check out our full catalog.

Ministry Emphases Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages to the new Th.M. Ministry Emphases?

Customization. Flexibility. Variety. The newly redesigned Th.M. provides you with the freedom to craft your degree to your gifts, skills, and vision for ministry. Additionally, the ministry emphases provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate competency in a specific area, which should help the student in job placement or further training.

I'm a current Th.M. student. How does my current Track align with the new Th.M. Ministry Emphases?

We have many options from which you can choose! You can view all the options, along with their descriptions and course requirements, by downloading the Th.M. Ministry Emphases document. You will likely find something that aligns with your current Track, and remember, you can select General Studies (for the most flexibility) or two Emphases (for the most specificity) if you wish.

I selected an interdisciplinary track, can I complete two Emphases?

Yes! Your 9hrs of Ministries & Communication, internship, thesis/RS102 paper, and portfolio will count toward both Emphases; you need simply complete each of the Emphasis-specific course requirements.

What is a ministry portfolio?

Throughout your studies and especially during your internship, you will be collecting ministry "artifacts" (class projects, videos of you teaching or preaching, reference letters, lesson plans, your resume, etc.) based on your internship learning goals and your Ministry Emphasis area. Each of the new Ministry Emphasis areas has a specific list of desired artifacts, but you will have a great deal of freedom in how you present these artifacts. For most students, this will be on a personal website. The Spiritual Formation and Leadership Department will work with you craft a unique portfolio in your Ministry Emphasis (or Emphases). This portfolio will actually be something that you take with you as you talk with churches and ministries about future placement.

If I have already completed a 2hr internship, will I need to complete a 3rd hour of internship if I change to a Ministry Emphasis?

Yes, and this is a great opportunity for you! The 3rd hour will revolve around the development of an online portfolio in your area of Emphasis. This is an exciting new element to the ThM that will benefit both your learning and your future ministry. The portfolio will consist of "artifacts" from your classes and your previous internship experiences that demonstrate your competency for ministry. The Spiritual Formation and Leadership Department will work with you craft a unique portfolio in your Ministry Emphasis (or Emphases). This portfolio will actually be something that you take with you as you talk with churches and ministries about future placement.

What if I am part way through my Th.M.? Can I graduate with a partial portfolio?

To graduate from the Th.M. program with an Emphasis, you will need a complete portfolio. However, we understand that you may be well into your studies already. We will work with you to evaluate where you are in the process and what you will need to complete this requirement of the revised Th.M. Be sure to get in touch with SFL sooner than later.

I have not completed an internship or elective hours, what is my next step?

Contact the Advising Center for an appointment to discuss the Emphasis best suited for you. Come by and see us on the first floor of WSC (past the mailboxes), call us (214-841-3608), or email at advising@dts.edu.

What if I do not want to change to the new Ministry Emphasis?

For some, migrating to the new Th.M. may not be best because a large portion of the Th.M. has been completed. However, we still strongly encourage you to come discuss your options with an Academic Advisor and how we might best help.

I want to be in General Studies. What is required of me?

To have fun and love your studies! But, seriously, the General Studies Ministry Emphasis permits students to “build your own” Th.M. Beyond the 90hr core, there is 6hrs related to research and internship, and another 24hrs of free electives that are highly customizable. Of the 24hrs of free electives, 9hrs need to come from the Ministries and Communication division (PM, BC, CE, WM, SFL).

Who is my Ministry Emphasis coordinator? When do I meet with him or her?

Your Ministry Emphasis coordinator is assigned when you select a Ministry Emphasis. If you wish to switch from General Studies into a specific Emphasis, simply go to your CampusNet page and select “Ministry Emphasis Change" under Forms and Information to start the process. We’ll help you with each step.

If you want to review your options and the associated courses, check out the Th.M. Emphasis list.

Scholarships

Show me the money

Degree Plan

1. Electives should be chosen in consultation with advisers to ensure that all licensing requirements are met for the state where the student intends to practice. Students pursuing state licensure in Texas should consult with their adviser on the selection of electives.