MASTER OF ARTS
Christian Counseling
Beeson Divinity School’s MACC is a theologically grounded program that prepares students to counsel from a distinctly Christian perspective.
Is This Program for Me?
The Master of Arts in Christian Counseling (MACC) is designed for those who want to deepen, reinvigorate and extend the work of the local church through the practice of counseling. Amidst the many ways to serve God in ministry, this degree is suited for those who specifically wish to focus on relational ministry and impact. In addition to church and parachurch settings, graduates will be prepared to work in international ministries and Christian non-profits/social service organizations.
Why Earn a MACC at Beeson?
Beeson trains those called by God to serve the church of Jesus Christ and is uniquely situated to prepare students to support the church in bringing the good news of the Gospel to those who are suffering.
- Graduates will complete courses in biblical and theological studies and in counseling theory, helping them synthesize truths of the Christian faith with practical means to guide people struggling toward robust and lasting faith.
- Studying counseling and theology embedded within a community of pastors-in-training will help students develop pastoral sensitivity, biblical depth and insight into Christian community.
- In-person learning, denominational diversity and passionate faculty that provide mentorship grant students the opportunity to experience formative relationships. In this context, students’ spiritual and relational growth is as valued as their acquisition of knowledge, and they are shaped to embody the ministry of Jesus Christ through counseling.
- Beeson integrates the teaching of theology and church history in a four-course History & Doctrine sequence. Understanding the storyline of God’s relationship with His people, not only in Scripture but also across church history, equips students to promote relational reconciliation with God and others.
Program Objectives
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Think theologically about people and their struggles
- Understand counseling theory and practice
- Demonstrate counseling skills developed through feedback and supervision
- Recognize the importance of vibrant faith in the counseling encounter
- Grasp the extent to which human embodiment is shaped by suffering and must be integrated into Gospel healing
Note: This program does not prepare students for counseling licensure in the State of Alabama.
Program Design
The MA in Christian Counseling requires the successful completion of 54-semester credits.
Bible and Theology Courses
21 credit hours
Beeson retains the evangelical conviction that Holy Scripture is the norm for theology, life and ministry. Thus, students take courses in Old and New Testament Theology, Spiritual Formation and Christian History and Doctrine.
Courses in Counseling Theory and Practice
33 credit hours
Fruitful counseling flows out of students formed in the image of Christ, so our counseling courses foster an ongoing interplay between biblical and theological truth, personal transformation and the practice of counseling. Students take courses such as The Counseling Relationship: Process and Techniques; Crisis, Trauma and Grief Counseling; Sexuality and Pastoral Care; and Theological Foundations for Counseling. They will also participate in a Community-Based Internship and a Counseling Practicum.
