Counseling for Christian Ministries
Overview
The B.A.Min. degree with a Counseling for Christian Ministries major is for those who desire to build competence in counseling theory and principles. The program provides a conceptual framework for applications in the helping professions, such as pastoral ministries, parachurch organizations, and occupations involving human management.
Counseling coursework is completed in a cohort, requiring commitment to consecutive sessions. This major is distinctly an online curriculum with two required weekend, intensive, face-to-face courses - one at the beginning and one at the end of the counseling year. It may be taken within either the Traditional or AdVantage structures.
Objectives
Completion of this program should enable the student to:
- Know the basic counseling principles as they relate to individuals, families, organizations, human development, abnormal behavior, and Christian thought.
- Identify basic counseling techniques.
- Develop strategies for managing conflict within organizations.
- Discern accurately the feelings in oneself and others in the counseling setting.
Program Requirements (Traditional Structure)
General Education Core Requirements
| Course | Course Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENG1013 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENG1023 | English Composition II | 3 |
| ENG1043 | Classical Literature | 3 |
| GEN1003 | Lifelong Learning Skills | 3 |
| HIS2013 | Western World / Ancient & Medieval Times | 3 |
| HIS2023 | Western World / Emerging Modern Society | 3 |
| MTH1003 | General Mathematics | 3 |
| PAS1013 | Introduction to Christian Service | 3 |
| PAS1023 | Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| PHI3013 | Philosophy and Christian Ethics | 3 |
| PSY1013 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| SCI2013 | General Physical Science | 3 |
| SOC1003 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SPE1003 | Principles of Public Speaking | 3 |
| THE3013 | Introduction to Christian Thought | 3 |
| Total | 45 hours |
Bible and Theology Requirements
| Course | Course Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIB1013 | Introduction to the Old Testament | 3 |
| BIB1023 | Introduction to the New Testament | 3 |
| BIB2003 | Biblical Interpretation | 3 |
| BIB2013 | Pentateuch | 3 |
| BIB2033 | New Testament Gospels | 3 |
| BIB3013 | Hebrew Prophets or BIB3023 Poetic and Wisdom Literature or BIB3123 O.T. Historical Books | 3 |
| BIB3053 | Pauline Epistles or BIB3063 Book of Acts | 3 |
| THE2013 | Doctrine of Holiness | 3 |
| THE3023 | Systematic Theology I | 3 |
| THE3033 | Systematic Theology II | 3 |
| Total | 30 hours |
Courses Specific to the Major (taken in the order listed)
| Course | Course Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PSY4602 | Orientation to Counseling for Christian Ministries | 2 |
| PSY4614 | Developmental Issues in Counseling | 4 |
| THE4604 | Counseling and Christian Thought | 4 |
| PSY4624 | Individual Counseling Theories | 4 |
| PSY4634 | Marriage and Family Counseling Theories | 4 |
| PSY4644 | Abnormal Psychology for Counseling | 4 |
| BLE4654 | Group and Organizational Behavior | 4 |
| BLE4684 | Managing Change and Conflict | 4 |
| PSY4612 | Capstone to Counseling for Christian Ministries | 2 |
| Total | 32 hours | |
| Electives or Minor Courses | 13 hours |
120 hours total required for graduation. This major is also available in the AdVantage accelerated structure - request information for details.
Care for people with skill and faith
Build a foundation in counseling grounded in Christian thought.