The Doctor of Ministry in Christian Counseling is an advanced professional degree designed for individuals who have a passion for integrating Christian faith, theology, and counseling principles at an advanced level. This program equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and expertise to provide advanced counseling services within a Christian context, engage in research and scholarship, and assume leadership roles in counseling ministry.
Program Objectives:
- Advanced Theological Understanding: The Doctor of Ministry in Christian Counseling program aims to deepen students’ theological understanding, enabling them to articulate and apply Christian theology to counseling practice. Students will engage in advanced studies in areas such as biblical interpretation, theological ethics, spiritual formation, and the integration of psychology and theology.
- Advanced Counseling Theory and Practice: Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of advanced counseling theories, techniques, and evidence-based practices. They will explore specialized areas of counseling, such as trauma counseling, marriage and family therapy, addiction counseling, and crisis intervention, integrating Christian principles and ethics into their clinical work.
- Advanced Research and Scholarship: The program equips students with advanced research skills necessary for conducting scholarly inquiry in the field of Christian counseling. Students will learn to critically analyze existing research, design and implement research studies, and contribute to the development of Christian counseling knowledge and practice.
- Advanced Pastoral Care and Leadership: Graduates will be prepared to provide advanced pastoral care and leadership within counseling ministries, churches, and Christian organizations. They will develop skills in organizational leadership, program development, supervision, and the integration of counseling services within larger ministry contexts.
- Personal and Spiritual Formation: The program emphasizes the importance of personal and spiritual formation for counselors. Students will engage in practices that promote self-reflection, self-care, and spiritual growth, ensuring their ongoing development as competent and compassionate Christian counselors.
Potential Career and Educational Options:
- Clinical Supervisor: Graduates of the Doctor of Ministry in Christian Counseling program can serve as clinical supervisors, providing supervision and guidance to counselors-in-training or practicing counselors. They may work in counseling centers, ministry settings, or private practice, overseeing the professional development of counselors and ensuring the delivery of quality, faith-integrated counseling services.
- Counseling Educator: Graduates can pursue careers as educators and professors in Christian counseling programs or seminaries, teaching and mentoring future generations of Christian counselors. They may also develop and deliver continuing education programs for practicing counselors.
- Counseling Ministry Director: The degree prepares individuals to assume leadership roles within counseling ministries or Christian organizations. Graduates can serve as directors, overseeing counseling programs, providing vision and guidance, and ensuring the integration of Christian principles in the provision of counseling services.
- Advanced Clinical Practitioner: Graduates may choose to continue their clinical practice as advanced Christian counselors, specializing in areas such as trauma, addiction, marriage and family therapy, or crisis intervention. They may establish private practices or work within counseling centers, churches, or Christian organizations.
- Doctoral-level Researcher: The Doctor of Ministry in Christian Counseling provides a foundation for individuals interested in pursuing doctoral-level research in the field. Graduates can pursue a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology or a related field, focusing on research, academia, or leadership positions within the counseling profession.