Curriculum for Master in Biblical Counseling

Master of Arts and Sciences in Biblical Counseling: Counseling like King Jesus

This curriculum is designed to prepare students for advanced leadership and scholarship in biblical counseling that reflect the life and teachings of Jesus. It aims to develop counselors who counsel like Jesus, set an example like Jesus, are wise like Jesus, have the heart and mind like Jesus, are led and filled by the Holy Spirit like Jesus, and are empowered like Jesus in order to provide counsel to all people in the church all over the world. The end goal is to transform all chosen counselors into the full image of Jesus Christ, our Great Counselor. This program meets or exceeds the standards of accredited schools in America.

Core Biblical Studies Requirements (36 credit hours):

1. Advanced Biblical Theology (12 credit hours):
   • BIB 601: Advanced Old Testament Theology and Exegesis (3 credit hours)
   • BIB 602: Advanced New Testament Theology and Exegesis (3 credit hours)
   • BIB 603: Advanced Hermeneutics: Principles of Interpretation (3 credit hours)
   • BIB 604: Biblical Theology and Contemporary Issues (3 credit hours)
2. Life and Teachings of Jesus (9 credit hours):
   • BIB 611: The Historical Jesus: Context and Impact (3 credit hours)
   • BIB 612: Advanced Studies in the Parables and Teachings of Jesus (3 credit hours)
   • BIB 613: The Passion, Crucifixion, and Resurrection: Theological Implications (3 credit hours)
3. Biblical Counseling Principles (12 credit hours):
   • MIN 621: Advanced Biblical Counseling (3 credit hours)
   • MIN 622: Counseling Techniques and Practices (3 credit hours)
   • MIN 623: Emotional and Spiritual Healing (3 credit hours)
   • MIN 624: Marriage and Family Counseling (3 credit hours)
4. The Holy Spirit and Empowerment (6 credit hours):
   • BIB 631: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Scripture and Tradition (3 credit hours)
   • BIB 632: Empowerment for Ministry through the Holy Spirit (3 credit hours)

Specialized Counseling Tracks (12 credit hours):

Students select a track to deepen their expertise and practical skills in a specific area of biblical counseling:

1. Track A: Crisis and Trauma Counseling (12 credit hours):
   • MIN 641: Crisis Intervention and Counseling Techniques (3 credit hours)
   • MIN 642: Trauma-Informed Counseling (3 credit hours)
   • MIN 643: Counseling for Grief and Loss (3 credit hours)
   • MIN 644: Counseling for Abuse Survivors (3 credit hours)
2. Track B: Youth and Family Counseling (12 credit hours):
   • MIN 651: Counseling Youth and Adolescents (3 credit hours)
   • MIN 652: Family Systems Theory and Counseling (3 credit hours)
   • MIN 653: Counseling for Parenting Challenges (3 credit hours)
   • MIN 654: Counseling for Marriage and Relationships (3 credit hours)
3. Track C: Addiction Counseling (12 credit hours):
   • MIN 661: Counseling for Addiction and Recovery (3 credit hours)
   • MIN 662: Substance Abuse Counseling (3 credit hours)
   • MIN 663: Behavioral Addictions Counseling (3 credit hours)
   • MIN 664: Integrative Approaches to Addiction Recovery (3 credit hours)
4. Track D: Pastoral Counseling (12 credit hours):
   • MIN 671: Advanced Pastoral Care and Counseling (3 credit hours)
   • MIN 672: Counseling within the Church Context (3 credit hours)
   • MIN 673: Spiritual Formation and Counseling (3 credit hours)
   • MIN 674: Ethical and Legal Issues in Pastoral Counseling (3 credit hours)

Research and Advanced Study (6 credit hours):

1. Research Methodology (6 credit hours):
   • RES 601: Advanced Research Methods in Biblical Studies (3 credit hours)
   • RES 602: Qualitative and Quantitative Research in Theology (3 credit hours)

Capstone Project or Thesis (6 credit hours):

1. Capstone Project or Thesis (6 credit hours):
   • MIN 699: Master’s Thesis in Biblical Counseling (6 credit hours)
     • A comprehensive research project focused on a topic related to biblical counseling, demonstrating scholarly research, critical thinking, and practical application.
   • OR
   • MIN 698: Integrative Capstone Project (6 credit hours)
     • A practical counseling project integrating academic knowledge with hands-on application in a real-world context, centered on the themes of Jesus’ counseling methods and ministry impact.

Total Credit Hours: 72

This curriculum ensures a strong foundation in advanced biblical studies, theology, and practical counseling skills. It prepares students for academic research, teaching, or leadership roles in biblical counseling, with a strong emphasis on counseling, setting an example, being wise, having the heart and mind of Jesus, being led and filled by the Holy Spirit, and being empowered like Jesus in order to provide counsel to all people in the church all over the world. The end goal is to transform all chosen counselors into the full image of Jesus Christ, our Great Counselor.