Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling

Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling

The Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling equips students with a profound understanding of human nature through the lens of Scripture. The program is designed for those passionate about applying biblical truths to foster emotional and spiritual well-being, and prepares graduates to offer wise, faith-driven counsel in various settings, both within and beyond the church.

Aligned with ACU’s integrated learning approach, students will leverage their real-life ministry contexts throughout their studies, ensuring immediate application and impact. The program is tailored to add impact to ministry leadership roles or for lay counseling roles and does not lead to professional counseling licensure.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the MA Biblical Counseling program, students will be equipped to apply biblical truth with wisdom and compassion, guiding individuals toward spiritual growth, emotional healing, and Christ-centered transformation in a variety of ministry and counseling contexts. Success will be demonstrated in the exercise of the following competencies:

1. Integrate Biblical Principles in Counseling: Develop a counseling philosophy and methodology rooted in a comprehensive biblical worldview.

2. Understand Human Development: Analyze the stages of healthy human growth from a scriptural perspective.

3. Enhance Communication: Promote healthy and effective communication patterns in relationships.

4. Address Human Suffering: Recognize and respond to diverse patterns of suffering in our broken world with biblical wisdom.

5. Assess Individual Callings: Assist individuals in evaluating their gifts, talents, and divine calling.

6. Develop Counseling Skills: Acquire essential counseling skills for effective ministry and leadership roles.

Students who have satisfactorily completed courses or training with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC), the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF), or Association of Biblical Counselors (ABC), may submit transcripts for review to transfer up to 9 credits into this program.

Program credits: 30

Credential: Master of Arts

Catalog year: 2026-27

Program requirements

• Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling — 30 credits — Complete all
  • Biblical Counseling Core (12 credits) — Complete all

    The MA Biblical Counseling degree program is designed with a powerful core block that builds a foundational toolbox for Christ-centered compassionate care.

    • COU506 — Introduction to Biblical Counseling — Required course · COU506 Introduction to Biblical Counseling
    • COU509 — Spiritual Formation & Identity — Required course · COU509 Spiritual Formation & Identity
    • COU505 — Methods of Biblical Change — Required course · COU505 Methods of Biblical Change
    • COU544 — Helping Relationships — Required course · COU544 Helping Relationships
  • Biblical Counseling Electives (18 credits) — Choose options · 6 options
    • COU514 — Counseling Children — Required course · COU514 Counseling Children
    • COU515 — Counseling Grief and Loss — Required course · COU515 Counseling Grief and Loss
    • COU532 — Career Counseling — Required course · COU532 Career Counseling
    • COU535 — Group Counseling — Required course · COU535 Group Counseling
    • COU539 — Marriage and Family Counseling — Required course · COU539 Marriage and Family Counseling
    • COU540 — Trauma & Abuse — Required course · COU540 Trauma & Abuse
    • COU546 — Psychological Disorders — Required course · COU546 Psychological Disorders
    • COU555 — Starting a Biblical Counseling Ministry — Required course · COU555 Starting a Biblical Counseling Ministry
    • COU557 — Counseling Skills & Processes — Required course · COU557 Counseling Skills & Processes
    • COU617 — Understanding & Treating Addictions — Required course · COU617 Understanding & Treating Addictions