The MA in Counseling Ministries offers training in the application of psychological research and theory to ministry settings. Students in this program are prepared for work in churches, mission agencies and other settings where lay counseling, support groups, and other healing ministries are provided. The program is especially designed for lay people and clergy who are already involved in spiritual formation, pastoral care and healing ministries and desire more extensive training in the application of psychological studies to those ministries.

The MA in Counseling Ministries does not prepare graduates for licensure as a psychotherapist. The MA in Clinical Psychology does prepare students for licensure.

Degree Requirements (36 credit hours)

Required Courses (18 hours)

512 - Theories and Principles of Counseling (4)

551 - Counseling Challenges in Ministry (2)

596 - Graduate Internship (4)

597 - Internship Seminar (0)

611 - Social, Cultural and Spiritual Foundations I (1)

612 - Social, Cultural and Spiritual Foundations II (1)

613 - Social, Cultural and Spiritual Foundations III (1)

614 - Group Therapy (2)

614L - Group Therapy Lab (1)

624 - Issues in Professional Practice (3)

Core Clinical (6)

621 - Humanistic / Experential Theory and Practice with Individuals and Systems (2)

621L - Basic Interviewing Skills Lab (1)

622 - Psychodynamic Psychology (3)

623 - Cognitive-Behavioral Psychology (3)

636 - Family Systems Theory /Therapy (3)

Theological Studies Requirement (TSR) (6)

BITH 561 Theological Anthropology (2)

Plus one from the following:

BITH 565 - Christian Theology (4)

BITH 566 - Foundations of Biblical Interpretation (4)

BITH 576 - History of Christianity to 1900 (4)

Electives (6)

Electives may be selected from 400- (maximum 8 hours), 500-, 600-, and specified 800-level psychology courses, and from 500- and 600-level courses in another Wheaton College graduate program (maximum 4 hours) in consultation with an adviser.

One-Year Track (36 credit hours)

Missionaries on furlough and international applicants might find this schedule especially suited to their needs.

Fall (14-15)

512 - Theories & Principles of Counseling (4)

611 - Foundations I (1)

624 - Issues: Professional Practice (3)

Core Clinical course (3)

Core Clinical (3), Elective (3) or Theological Studies Requirement (4)

Spring (13-14)

551 - Counseling Challenges in Ministry (2)

612 - Foundations II (1)

614 - Group Therapy (2)

614L - Group Therapy Lab (1)

596 - Internship (2)

597 - Internship seminar (0)

BITH 561 - Theological Anthropology (2)

Core Clinical (3), Elective (3) or Theological Studies Requirement (4)

Summer (7-9)

596 - Internship (2)

Remaining electives to meet requirement of 36 hours for graduation