Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling
Description
The Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling degree is a professional graduate degree beyond the Bachelor of Arts or equivalent. It is designed to equip both male and female students for effective ministry as biblical counselors. The degree focuses on counseling that is strictly biblical in nature (nouthetic), and students receive a background in the theology of counseling and evidence that the Word is sufficient to bring about change. The Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling degree requires 60 semester hours of course credit for graduation.
Completion Requirements
To qualify for graduation from The College at Mid-America, each student seeking the Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling degree must satisfy the general requirements for graduation as set forth in this catalog.
General Education Requirements
Students seeking the Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling are required to complete the 60 semester hours of courses specified in the following chart.
Required Courses for the Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling (MABC) Program
First Year | Hours | |
---|---|---|
OT 5101 & OT 5102 |
Old Testament Survey 1 and Old Testament Survey 2 |
6 |
CN 7103 | Introduction to Biblical Counseling | 3 |
PM 7300 | Spiritual Formation | 3 |
EV 6200 | Personal Evangelism | 3 |
EN 7900 | Introduction to Research and Writing | 3 |
CN 7195 | Addictions and Emotions | 3 |
BH 5100 | Hermeneutics | 3 |
CN 7176 | Crisis Counseling | 3 |
CN 7193 | Biblical Counseling and Psychological Theories | 3 |
Hours | 30 | |
Second Year | ||
NT 5601 & NT 5602 |
New Testament Survey 1 and New Testament Survey 2 |
6 |
TH 6701 & TH 6702 |
Systematic Theology 1 and Systematic Theology 2 |
6 |
CH 6150 | The History of the Baptists | 3 |
CN 7194 | ACBC Membership Seminar | 3 |
CN 7172 | Theology of Counseling | 3 |
CN 7174 | Marriage and Family Counseling | 3 |
CN 7190 | Counseling Practicum 1 * | 3 |
CN 7192 | Counseling Practicum 2 ** | 3 |
Hours | 30 | |
Total Hours | 60 |
- *
Practicum Prerequisite: CN 7176 Crisis Counseling
- **
Practicum Prerequisite: CN 7190 Counseling Practicum 1
Courses
A study of the science of interpreting the Bible. The major focus is on the historical grammatical principles of interpreting the biblical text. Some attention is given to contemporary issues in hermeneutics.
An interpretive survey of the history of Baptists from the 17th century to the present. Three specific divisions include: the rise and development of English Baptists, Baptist beginnings in the United States to the formation of the Southern Baptist Convention, and the history of the Southern Baptist Convention to the present.
An introduction to pastoral and church-related methods of counseling. Consideration is given to the scriptural background for counseling, the counselor and counseling, the counselee and counseling, the counseling process, and some of the most common problems that people face.
This seminar will deal with the importance of sound theology as it relates to the counseling process. The class will survey the entire scope of theology as it relates to counseling issues and process. The importance of solid exegesis and hermeneutics will also be discussed. Additionally, students will examine the process of training others to be biblical counselors.
This seminar consists of an examination of the biblical concept of marriage and the specific Scripture passages that relate. The student will be challenged to lead couples to biblical solutions to marriage conflict. Specific topics include communication, the purpose of marriage, gender roles, the sexual relationship, adultery, finances, raising children, and the dynamics of counseling couples. In addition, the course will include a study of the relevant Scripture passages dealing with the issue of divorce and remarriage with the goal of leading the student to a biblical view of the issues and an application of that view to counseling situations. The course concludes with an examination of specific counseling cases in a church setting.
An exploration of common crises that counselees may encounter. Attention is given to critical counseling situations and appropriate interventional responses that are informed by biblical solutions.
This practicum will provide students the opportunity to counsel under the supervision of faculty and/or other qualified counselors. Class discussion of selected counseling sessions will allow students to learn from each other as well as the instructor and become more confident and effective counselors.
This practicum will provide students the opportunity to counsel under the supervision of faculty and/or other qualified counselors. Class discussion of selected counseling sessions will allow students to learn from each other as well as the instructor and become more confident and effective counselors.
This course provides an overview and critical assessment of psychology and psychotherapy. The impact of psychology and psychotherapy on churches and Christians will be considered. Major theorists will be introduced, and their approaches will be analyzed and critiqued.
All students are encouraged to seek membership in and certification by the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC). This seminar will prepare the student for membership through completing the Counseling and Theology exams.
A study of the biblical understanding of human emotions and the Christian's response to addictions and other life dominating sins according to Scripture. A biblical strategy will be developed for dealing with the most common problematic emotions (anxiety, anger, depression, fear), while also developing a Bible based model for resolving issues of addiction.
This course is an intensive study of academic composition in the form of argumentation with an emphasis on research. Since this class focuses on arguments, it will also include a rhetorical study of material used in research, audience consideration, and tools to present information. Development of personal inquiry, discernment of credibility, and engagement of opposing ideas are also key components of this class
A study of the imperative of personal witnessing and various methods of presenting the claims of Christ. Emphasis is upon doing.
A study of the interbiblical period, the first-century environment, includes a survey of the four Gospels, and the Book of Acts. Includes the unique features, contributions, and content of each Gospel as well as an assessment of critical methodologies in Gospel studies. The survey of Acts includes both matters of introduction and content.
A study of the epistles of the New Testament and the Apocalypse of John. Includes both matters of introduction and content.
A study of general issues pertaining to the Old Testament and the Pentateuchal and Historical books. Matters such as authorship, date, historical background, and critical theories will be discussed for the biblical books Genesis through Esther and their contents will be surveyed. An understanding of the Old Testament Scriptures is vital for those involved in ministry.
A study of the Old Testament Poetical and Prophetic books, Job through Malachi. Includes a general introduction to Hebrew poetry and prophecy. Matters such as authorship, date, and historical background will be discussed for the biblical books, and their contents will be surveyed. Key theological themes of the prophets will be emphasized: holiness, salvation, Messiah, and eschatology.
A theological and practical course designed to aid the student to understand the spiritual character development required for effective spiritual ministry. The course emphasizes the development of spiritual vitality through Bible study, prayer, and devotional reading.
A systematic study of the major themes of Christian theology.
A systematic study of the major themes of Christian theology.