Master of Arts in Christian Counseling (MACC) - 30 Credit Hours
Course Overview: The Master of Arts in Christian Counseling degree program at Metropolitan Christian University provides students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for effective counseling within a Christian context. The program integrates principles of psychology with biblical teachings to prepare graduates for professional roles in counseling ministries, churches, and community organizations.
Key Components of the Program:
- Biblical Foundations: Courses emphasize integrating Christian theology and counseling theory, grounding students in biblical principles relevant to counseling practice.
- Counseling Theory and Practice: Students study various counseling theories and techniques, learning to apply them ethically and effectively in clinical and pastoral settings.
- Psychological Assessment: Training includes psychological assessments and diagnostic tools within the framework of Christian counseling ethics.
- Ethics and Professional Standards: Emphasis on ethical considerations and professional standards specific to Christian counseling, preparing students to navigate complex ethical dilemmas.
- Pastoral Care and Counseling: Integration of pastoral care principles with counseling practice, focusing on providing spiritual and emotional support within pastoral roles.
- Practicum and Supervised Experience: Hands-on experience through practicum placements under supervision, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world counseling scenarios.
- Integration of Faith and Practice: Throughout the program, there is a focus on integrating personal faith with professional practice, encouraging students to develop a holistic approach to counseling.
Career Opportunities: Graduates of the program are prepared for roles such as:
- Pastoral Counselors: Providing counseling services within a church or ministry setting.
- Christian Counseling Practitioners: Working in private practice or community counseling centers with a Christian counseling focus.
- Counselors in Nonprofit Organizations: Serving in organizations that offer counseling services to the community from a Christian perspective.
Accreditation and Certification: Metropolitan Christian University ensures its program meets accreditation standards relevant to counseling and theological education, enabling graduates to pursue licensure or certification as Christian counselors where applicable.
Overall, the Master of Arts in Christian Counseling at Metropolitan Christian University blends academic rigor with spiritual formation, preparing graduates to make a positive impact through compassionate and competent Christian counseling practice.
This structure provides a comprehensive foundation in Christian counseling theories, skills, ethics, and specialized areas, culminating in practical experience through a counseling practicum.
Sample Course Options
Term 1: Foundations of Christian Counseling (9 credits)
- Introduction to Christian Counseling (3 credits)
- Theological Foundations of Counseling (3 credits)
- Counseling Theories and Techniques I (3 credits)
Term 2: Counseling Skills and Ethics (9 credits)
- Counseling Theories and Techniques II (3 credits)
- Counseling Skills and Practice (3 credits)
- Ethics in Counseling (3 credits)
Term 3: Specialized Counseling Areas (9 credits)
- Marriage and Family Counseling (3 credits)
- Crisis and Trauma Counseling (3 credits)
- Counseling Children and Adolescents (3 credits)
Term 4: Integration and Practicum (3 credits)
- Integration of Psychology and Theology (3 credits)
- Counseling Practicum (3 credits)

Doctorate of Christian Counseling Degree Program
(45-Credit Hours)
General Overview – The Doctorate of Christian Counseling (DCC) program is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge, skills, and ethical principles necessary for effective counseling within a Christian framework. The program integrates theological insights with psychological theories and practical counseling techniques.
Program Goals:
- Advanced Counseling Skills: Develop advanced counseling skills grounded in Christian principles to address a wide range of psychological and spiritual issues.
- Integration of Faith and Counseling: Equip students to integrate biblical teachings, theological insights, and psychological theories into counseling practice.
- Ethical and Professional Standards: Foster adherence to ethical guidelines and professional standards in Christian counseling practice.
- Research and Scholarship: Develop research competencies to contribute to the field of Christian counseling through scholarly inquiry and critical analysis.
- Leadership and Service: Prepare graduates for leadership roles in counseling ministries, agencies, and academic institutions, promoting service to individuals, families, and communities.
Program Structure:
- Credit Hours: Typically 45 credit hours beyond the master’s level.
- Duration: Designed to be completed in 3-4 years of full-time study or the equivalent part-time.
- Coursework: Includes advanced courses in counseling theories, Christian ethics, theology of counseling, clinical practice, research methods, and specialized topics such as trauma counseling, marriage and family therapy, and addiction counseling.
Capstone Requirements:
- Dissertation or Capstone Project: Completion of an original research project or a substantial capstone project demonstrating mastery of counseling theories and practices within a Christian context.
Potential Careers:
- Clinical Counseling Practice: Private practice or counseling centers focusing on Christian counseling.
- Ministry Settings: Churches, mission organizations, and Christian nonprofits.
- Academic and Research: Teaching and research positions in universities and seminaries.
Accreditation and Licensing:
- The program may prepare students for licensure as professional counselors depending on local licensing requirements. Accreditation from relevant accrediting bodies ensures the program meets academic and professional standards.
Note: Specific admission requirements, course themes, and detailed curriculum would typically be developed based on institutional goals, faculty expertise, and student needs.
This overview provides a foundational framework for developing a Doctorate of Christian Counseling degree program, emphasizing the integration of faith, ethics, and professional counseling skills.
Thematic Terms
Year 1:
Term 1: Foundations of Christian Counseling (7.5 Credits)
- DCC 701: Foundations of Christian Counseling (3 Credits)
- DCC 702: Advanced Biblical Counseling Techniques (3 Credits)
- DCC 703: Research Methods in Counseling (1.5 Credits)
Term 2: Psychological Theories and Theology (7.5 Credits)
- DCC 704: Integration of Psychology and Theology (3 Credits)
- DCC 705: Contemporary Psychological Theories (3 Credits)
- DCC 706: Counseling Practicum I (1.5 Credits)
Year 2:
Term 3: Advanced Counseling Techniques (7.5 Credits)
- DCC 707: Marriage and Family Counseling (3 Credits)
- DCC 708: Crisis and Trauma Counseling (3 Credits)
- DCC 709: Counseling Practicum II (1.5 Credits)
Term 4: Specialized Areas in Christian Counseling (7.5 Credits)
- DCC 710: Addictions and Recovery Counseling (3 Credits)
- DCC 711: Grief and Bereavement Counseling (3 Credits)
- DCC 712: Counseling Practicum III (1.5 Credits)
Year 3:
Term 5: Leadership and Ethics in Counseling (7.5 Credits)
- DCC 713: Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling (3 Credits)
- DCC 714: Leadership in Christian Counseling (3 Credits)
- DCC 715: Counseling Practicum IV (1.5 Credits)
Term 6: Dissertation and Professional Development (7.5 Credits)
- DCC 716: Dissertation Proposal Development (3 Credits)
- DCC 717: Advanced Research Seminar (3 Credits)
- DCC 718: Professional Development in Christian Counseling (1.5 Credits)
Dissertation Requirements:
- DCC 800: Dissertation Research and Writing (9 Credits)
Total Credits: 45
