Master of Arts in Christian Counseling
Program Description
The + M.A. in Christian Counseling at GEA University of San Marco is a Christian grounded, clinically informed program that prepares students for Christian Counseling in Churches and religious communities. The MACC degree will prepare students to serve as Christian counselors in a variety of church-related settings. It is beneficial for pastors and ministry leaders who practice pastoral care.
The Master of Arts in Christian Counseling (MACC) prepares students to meet the spiritual needs of people in their churches and ministries. The program integrates Christian theology with foundations of systems theory, counseling ethics, and mental health practice in relational contexts. Students pursuing the MACC develop a strong theological foundation in addition to practical training in counseling methodology.
Institution: GEA University of San Marco (Faith-Based Institution)
Delivery: 100% Online with Field Practicum
Total Credits: 36
Duration: 1-2 years (Full time - Part-time)
Licensure Track: this program is a non-licensure 12 month professional master’s degree. This degree is not designed to fulfill state licensure requirements that allow a person to seek credentialing as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
What you will learn:
The Master of Arts in Christian Counseling (M.A.C.C.) equips church leaders with a high degree of competence in counseling ministries. Christian counseling involves caring for people in the deepest and most profound aspects of their lives. The M.A.C.C. provides more than just counseling theory; it promotes ministry discernment within the counseling context based on the leadership of the Holy Spirit. In addition, students will learn to demonstrate compassion, mediate grace, and bring others into direct personal contact with God.
The M.A.C.C. distinguishes itself from the typical secular counseling program by including coursework which assists the student in developing a Christian and theological framework from which to deliver effective Christian counseling.
Program Objectives
1. Develop a philosophy of Christian counseling consistent with a Biblical perspective of mental health and mental disorders.
2. Develop a sufficient Christian biblical and theological framework to provide safe and effective counseling ministries in global environments.
3. Analyze the major theories in psychology and counseling to enhance effectiveness with individuals, marriages, and families.
4. Apply the Bible to counseling ministries based on a graduate level understanding of the Bible’s content, context, structure, and message.
5. Apply practical counseling skills within a ministry context that integrates current counseling theories and evidence-based practices with Biblical insights.
Admission Requirements
Students must have a conferred undergraduate degree from an accredited institution or an undergraduate degree from a verifiable Christian Bible College. Additionally, students who are in Church leadership (Pastors, etc.) for a minimum of 7 years are eligible for admission as long as they submit their resume showcasing their Church leadership experience with an accompanied letter of recommendation in the application process.
Curriculum Structure
Core Clinical Courses (36 credits)
Program Policies:
1. Students cannot transfer credits in or out of this program.
2. Students will not be billed tuition per credit hour of each course, however they will be responsible to pay their fee to access the learning module. There are no textbooks or other required fees that would be applicable under our student handbook.
3. Students are required to participate in the practicum at the end of the degree program.
4. There is no final dissertation for this program.
5. This program does not prepare a student to fulfill state licensure requirements for professional counseling licenses or certifications. This program is only designed for Pastors and Church ministry counselors.
6. This program is self-paced, online.
7. GEA University of San Marco does not mail printed diplomas internationally. All students enrolled will receive a digital diploma.
8. The accepted language of this degree program is English. International students must be proficient in English, and submit their application for admission in English.
9. This program does not have access to our student library.