Counseling for Christian Ministries
Overview
The B.A.Min. degree with a Counseling for Christian Ministries major is for those who desire to build a competence in counseling theory and principles. The program provides a conceptual framework for applications in the helping professions, such as pastoral ministries, parachurch organizations, and occupations involving human management. Counseling for Christian Ministries major coursework is completed in a cohort, with the program requiring commitment to consecutive sessions beginning in the summer and concluding the following summer. This major is distinctly an online curriculum with two required, intensive courses on campus, one at the beginning and one at the end of the counseling year.
The Counseling for Christian Ministries major is offered online only but may be taken within either the Traditional or Advantage structures.
Objectives
- Know the basic counseling principles as they relate to individuals, families, organizations, human development, abnormal behavior, and Christian thought.
- Identify basic counseling techniques.
- Develop strategies for managing conflict within organizations.
- Discern accurately the feelings in oneself and others in the counseling setting.
Program Requirements (Traditional Structure)
General Education Core Requirements
| Course | Course Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 45 hours | ||
| ENG-1013 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENG-1023 | English Composition II | 3 |
| ENG-1043 | Classical Literature | 3 |
| GEN-1003 | Lifelong Learning Skills | 3 |
| HIS-2013 | Western World/Ancient & Medieval Times | 3 |
| HIS-2023 | Western World/Emerging Modern Society | 3 |
| MTH-1003 | General Mathematics | 3 |
| PAS-1013 | Introduction to Christian Service | 3 |
| PAS-1023 | Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| PHI-3013 | Philosophy and Christian Ethics | 3 |
| PSY-1013 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| SCI-2013 | General Physical Science | 3 |
| SOC-1003 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SPE-1003 | Principles of Public Speaking | 3 |
| THE-3013 | Introduction to Christian Thought | 3 |
Bible and Theology Core Requirements
| Course | Course Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 30 hours | ||
| BIB-1013 | Introduction to the Old Testament | 3 |
| BIB-1023 | Introduction to the New Testament | 3 |
| BIB-2003 | Biblical Interpretation | 3 |
| BIB-2013 | Pentateuch | 3 |
| BIB-2033 | New Testament Gospels | 3 |
| BIB-3013 | Hebrew Prophets or | |
| BIB-3023 Poetic & Wisdom Literature or | ||
| BIB-3123 O.T. Historical Books | 3 | |
| BIB-3053 | Pauline Epistles or BIB 3063 Book of Acts | 3 |
| THE-3023 | Systematic Theology I | 3 |
| THE-3033 | Systematic Theology II | 3 |
| THE-4043 | Doctrine of Holiness | 3 |
Courses specific to the major to be taken in the order listed.
| Course | Course Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 32 hours | ||
| Electives or Minor Courses | 21 hours | |
| PSY-4602 | Orientation to Counseling for Christian Ministries | 2 |
| PSY-4614 | Developmental Issues in Counseling | 4 |
| THE-4604 | Counseling and Christian Thought | 4 |
| PSY-4624 | Individual Counseling Theories | 4 |
| PSY-4634 | Marriage and Family Counseling Theories | 4 |
| PSY-4644 | Abnormal Psychology for Counseling | 4 |
| BLE-4654 | Group and Organizational Behavior | 4 |
| BLE-4684 | Managing Change and Conflict | 4 |
| PSY-4612 | Capstone to Counseling for Christian Ministries | 2 |
128 total hours required for graduation
Program Requirements (Advantage Structure)
| Course | Course Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| GEN-1001 | Introduction to Online Learning Program requirement - does not apply to the major. | 0-1 |
First Year — Core Courses
Bible and Theology 20 hours; Foundational 8 hours.
| Course | Course Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 28 hours | ||
| BLE-3604 | Adult & Professional Development | 4 |
| BIB-3604 | Survey of the Old Testament/Pentateuch | 4 |
| BIB-3614 | Survey of the New Testament/Gospels | 4 |
| BIB-3624 | Bible and Life Application | 4 |
| BIB-3634 | Biblical Leadership Principles | 4 |
| THE-3614 | Survey of Christian Theology | 4 |
| THE-3624 | Holiness and the Life of the Believer | 4 |
Second Year — Courses specific to the major
Courses to be taken in the order listed.
| Course | Course Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 32 hours | ||
| PSY-4602 | Orientation to Counseling for Christian Ministries | 2 |
| PSY-4614 | Developmental Issues in Counseling | 4 |
| THE-4604 | Counseling and Christian Thought | 4 |
| PSY-4624 | Individual Counseling Theories | 4 |
| PSY-4634 | Marriage and Family Counseling Theories | 4 |
| PSY-4644 | Abnormal Psychology for Counseling | 4 |
| BLE-4654 | Group and Organizational Behavior | 4 |
| BLE-4684 | Managing Change and Conflict | 4 |
| PSY-4612 | Capstone to Counseling for Christian Ministries | 2 |
120 total hours required for graduation
Program Entrance Requirements: 60 hours
Program Requirements (Salvation Army)
First Year
| Course | Course Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 28 hours | ||
| XXX-xxxx | Math/Science or General Studies Elective (as required) | 3 |
| GEN-1001 | Introduction to Online Learning | 1 |
| BLE-3604 | Adult & Professional Development | 4 |
| BIB-3634 | Biblical Leadership Principles | 4 |
| THE-3624 | Holiness and the Life of the Believer | 4 |
| SAR-3614 | Stewardship and Fundraising | 4 |
| SAR-3624 | Doing Church as a Mission | 4 |
| SAR-3634 | Social Aspects of Ministry | 4 |
Second Year
Courses specific to the major to be taken in the order listed.
| Course | Course Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 32 hours | ||
| PSY-4602 | Orientation to Counseling for Christian Ministries | 2 |
| PSY-4614 | Developmental Issues in Counseling | 4 |
| THE-4604 | Counseling and Christian Thought | 4 |
| PSY-4624 | Individual Counseling Theories | 4 |
| PSY-4634 | Marriage and Family Counseling Theories | 4 |
| PSY-4644 | Abnormal Psychology for Counseling | 4 |
| BLE-4654 | Group and Organizational Behavior | 4 |
| BLE-4684 | Managing Change and Conflict | 4 |
| PSY-4612 | Capstone to Counseling for Christian Ministries | 2 |
120 total hours required for graduation
Program Entrance Requirements: 60 hours