Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling (MA/BC)

Curriculum

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Fulfill pre-application requirements for Texas board certification.

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Goals

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 MA 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 (MA/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 MA/BC courses as well as an interview process with the MA/BC faculty.

Course Requirements

The MA 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 MA in Biblical Counseling curriculum, at other accredited schools to fulfill any needed academic requirements for state licensure as a professional counselor. There is a seven year time limit on completing any professional MA program.

Transfer Credit

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

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