The Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program educates students in counseling from a distinctly Christian perspective and meets the needs of those preparing for various counseling ministries in the local church or in para-church contexts or for those wishing to pursue professional counseling and licensure. Course titles and content address key professional counseling areas of study while maintaining a biblical and ministry focus.

More Master of Arts in Counseling Details:

Learn more about our unique Master of Arts in Counseling program including:

• A schedule showing how to complete the program in 2 years
• Detailed class descriptions & objectives

It is the desire of Biblical Seminary to train Christians for a broad spectrum of service in God's kingdom. This may include, but is not limited to, pastoral or professional ministry. Students receive a broad and solid foundation for a wide variety of callings. For those who feel led to pursue professional licensure, Biblical offers an array of advanced courses, geared to meet the academic requirements for license in the state of PA.

What is the Greatest Challenge?

One of the greatest challenges in providing a graduate level education in counseling from a Christian perspective is the temptation to either uncritically reject all the discipline has to offer or to uncritically accept all claims made in the name of psychology or counseling. At Biblical we seek to avoid presenting the disciplines as stand-alone systems (and thus immune to critique except from within). Rather we seek to critique everything in light of our commitment and submission to Christ.

How can the MAC Program change you?

At Biblical, the cohort model is a powerful delivery format for professional development because it taps into students’ prior ministry experience, it is collaborative, and it occurs over a period of two years. Because students move through the program together, the quality of learning from one course to another is enhanced. Cohorts develop strong communication skills where students sharpen and challenge each other. This dynamic learning community produces the kind of deep learning, authentic contextualization, and relational wisdom that missional leaders need today.

In addition, students will embrace spiritual formation through participation in retreats and sharing about their internship experiences throughout their time in the program.

"The past two years in the cohort have been very challenging and very rewarding. I have gained great knowledge, insight, friendship, and experience."

Lindsay Nolan, MA in Counseling

How Long Will it Take to Complete the MAC Program?

The Master of Arts in Counseling program is a two-year program. Students in this cohort based curriculum remain together throughout the program. Students will learn to critically engage, learn from and minister to contemporary culture and will learn to effectively address ethnic, gender, denominational, and economic challenges. The cohort class meets each Monday night plus one Saturday per month from September to June with electives offered in various formats over the summer months.

Why is Biblical's Counseling Program Unique?

"Counseling classes at Biblical Seminary have helped us bring hope to those who are in this broken world."

Wendy Chou, MA in Counseling

Master of Arts in Counseling Curriculum
Bible and Theology - 15 Credits Counseling & the Biblical Text I Counseling & the Biblical Text II Counseling & the Biblical Text III Counseling & Theology: Cultural Issues Counseling & Theology: God and Human Beings	Counseling Core - 18 Credits Helping Relationships Human Development & Change Psychopathology Counseling & Physiology Marriage & Family Therapy Models of Counseling
Adv. Counseling Courses - 10 Credits Child & Adolescent Counseling - (2 credits) Advanced Marital Therapy - (2 credits) Advanced Topics - (6 credits)	Field Work - 9 Credits Practicum Professional Orientation Internship & Professional Seminar I Internship & Professional Seminar II
Students will be expected to complete 15-25 hours of homework each week. Students will complete 700 hours of supervised practicum and internship in an area for which they have a passion.
Total Required Credits - 52

Why Choose Biblical Seminary for Counselor Training?

Biblical has classes and programs that are custom tailored to assist in preparing you for a career or ministry in the helping field. In addition the Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) degree, Biblical offers the following additional options:

• Certificate in Biblical Counseling (CBC) - An excellent means of developing basic counseling competencies at the graduate level. This certificate benefits pastors, church leaders and many others interested in counseling others from a biblical perspective. Courses taken in the certificate program are eligible to be transferred into the Master of Arts in Counseling degree.
• Certificate in Advanced Professional Counseling (CAPC) - This certificate allows students with a master's degree in counseling to acquire advanced counseling training. Many students who complete the CAPC program will pursue full licensure.
• Master of Arts, Church Counseling Concentration (MA,CCC) - This 48-hour degree is delivered in a traditional class format with an emphasis in practical theology and counseling.
• Master of Divinity degree with a Counseling Concentration (MDiv, CC) - The language-based Master of Divinity consists of 90 credits in a convenient format. Due to block scheduling, full-time students are on campus a maximum of only two days per week. Courses are offered in the afternoon and evening so students may work and minister as they complete their degree.
• Summer Counseling Institute - The institute is open to current students completing their elective credits, alumni, and those desiring additional couseling education and training at the graduate level. Course topics have included anxiety, suffering and disability, depression, grief, victimology, and more. CEU credits are also available, and are provided over a weekend.
• Global Trauma Recovery Institute - Dr. Diane Langberg & Dr. Philip Monroe provide high quality continuing education for those interested in addressing the needs of psychosocial trauma victims in the United States & around the world.