Pastoral Counseling

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling at Abide University provides specialized graduate education integrating theological foundations with professional counseling competencies for ministry contexts. Our RCSAI-accredited curriculum offers comprehensive training in counseling theory and techniques, marriage and family counseling, crisis counseling and intervention, and the integration of theology and psychology. Students develop expertise in pastoral care ethics, grief and loss counseling, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches while maintaining a distinctly Christian worldview. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skill development through supervised clinical experiences in church and community settings. Graduates emerge equipped to provide compassionate, competent counseling services in congregational ministry, pastoral care centers, chaplaincy settings, and faith-based counseling organizations. This degree prepares students to address the emotional, relational, and spiritual needs of individuals, couples, and families with theological depth and clinical proficiency.

Core Courses

• MAPC 601 — Foundations of Pastoral Counseling (4 credits)
• MAPC 610 — Counseling Theories and Techniques (4 credits)
• MAPC 620 — Marriage and Family Counseling (4 credits)
• MAPC 630 — Crisis Counseling and Intervention (4 credits)
• MAPC 640 — Integration of Theology and Psychology (4 credits)
• MAPC 650 — Pastoral Care Ethics and Professional Practice (3 credits)
• MAPC 660 — Grief and Loss Counseling (3 credits)
• MAPC 690 — Pastoral Counseling Practicum (6 credits)
• MAPC 670 — Pastoral Counseling Case Formulation Seminar (4 credits)
• MAPC 671 — Pastoral Counseling Research and Evaluation Project (6 credits)

Credit requirements

• Core courses: 42 credits
• Required elective credits: 18 credits

Total required: 60 credits

Elective Courses

Complete 18 credits from the options below (18 credits offered).

• MAPC 710 — Trauma-Informed Pastoral Care (3 credits)
• MAPC 720 — Addiction Counseling in Ministry (3 credits)
• MAPC 730 — Child and Adolescent Counseling (3 credits)
• MAPC 740 — Group Counseling in Ministry Settings (3 credits)
• MAPC 750 — Premarital Counseling and Enrichment (3 credits)
• MAPC 760 — Spiritual Direction and Soul Care (3 credits)

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum GPA of 2.75 in undergraduate studies
• Personal commitment to Christian faith and calling to counseling ministry
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Two letters of recommendation (one pastoral, one professional or academic)
• Personal statement describing counseling ministry goals and relevant experience