Purpose and Objectives:
The Master of Arts in Pastoral Care and Counseling at Columbia Biblical Seminary prepares men and women to shepherd God’s people with biblical wisdom, emotional intelligence, and cultural sensitivity. Designed for those called to pastoral and lay ministry care rather than clinical counseling, the program integrates theology, Scripture, and practice to equip students for Christ-centered, culturally relevant ministry among the nations. This degree does not prepare graduates to work as licensed professional counselors.
The objectives of the MA in Pastoral Care and Counseling degree will enable students to:
- Integrate biblical-theological concepts and principles with psychological theories and counseling methods.
- Identify and address common life-adjustment issues in an ethical and culturally-sensitive manner.
- Apply counseling skills in specialized non-clinical settings.
Admission Requirements
- Online application
- Application fee
- Affirm to be a Christian and agree with CIU’s Statement of Faith
- Official transcript for highest earned degree and any master’s level credits earned with a minimum GPA of 2.5 for the most recent degree earned
- Essay (800 words total)
- Church Leader Reference
Transfer Credit
Students may receive transfer credit for a maximum of two-thirds of the MA in Pastoral Care and Counseling degree, subject to the provisions of CIU’s Transfer Credit Policy.
Dual Degree Credit
Students may apply credit from a previously completed graduate degree for a maximum of two-thirds of the MA in Pastoral Care and Counseling. Students must satisfy all requirements for both degrees, including the integrative exercise or internship experience of each degree.
Time Limitation
The expected time limit for completing all the requirements for the MA in Pastoral Care and Counseling degree is seven years, measured from the date a student begins coursework in the degree. Students may request that courses completed outside the expected limit be reviewed by the dean’s office on a case-by-case basis.
Completion Requirements
Students must satisfy the following requirements in order to graduate:
- Complete all required hours of specified coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Complete the supervised ministry experience component of the MA in Pastoral Care and Counseling degree.
- Complete reading of the entire Bible following admission, including selections assigned in Bible courses. This requirement must be completed six weeks prior to graduation.
- Affirm CIU’s doctrinal statement.
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