Program Overview

In an era marked by emotional uncertainty and spiritual seeking, the need for compassionate, biblically grounded counseling has never been more pressing. The Doctor of Christian Counseling program is designed to empower ministry leaders with an in-depth understanding of biblical truths and modern counseling practices. Graduates will be uniquely equipped to navigate complex mental, emotional, and relational landscapes by integrating spiritual principles with evidence-based strategies. This program meets the urgent call for holistic approaches in ministry—where faith and counseling intersect—to heal, restore, and transform lives. It prepares advanced practitioners and scholars who can contribute significantly to both the academic and practical dimensions of Christian counseling.

Key Highlights

At a Glance

Program Outcomes

Immediate Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Doctor of Christian Counseling, graduates will achieve an advanced understanding of the most complex principles in Christian counseling, integrating diverse psychological theories with a profound biblical worldview. They will be able to critically analyze and interpret advanced theological concepts to inform comprehensive counseling strategies. Graduates will master the application of highly specialized counseling techniques, effectively addressing a broad spectrum of mental, emotional, and spiritual challenges, including family violence, child and spousal abuse, and multicultural issues. Furthermore, they will develop the ability to conduct rigorous scholarly research in Christian counseling, contributing original insights to the field, and adeptly lead and consult in various professional and ministry settings, demonstrating ethical excellence and empathetic communication in complex therapeutic situations.

Lifelong Learning Outcomes

Beyond immediate professional competencies, this doctoral program fosters a commitment to continuous growth and transformative impact. Graduates will cultivate a practice of ongoing spiritual and personal formation, maintaining resilience and ethical integrity in their demanding roles. They will be prepared to innovate and adapt counseling methodologies in response to emerging societal and theological needs, serving as thought leaders in the field. This includes demonstrating proficiency in multicultural competency, ensuring inclusive and effective care for diverse populations. Graduates will also be equipped to mentor and educate future generations of Christian counselors and ministry leaders, extending their influence through teaching, supervision, and publishing. Ultimately, they will make lasting contributions to the healing and restoration of individuals, families, and communities, embodying the compassionate love of Christ through their advanced counseling practice and scholarly pursuits.

Career Prospects

The Doctor of Christian Counseling program prepares graduates for the highest levels of practice, leadership, and scholarship in faith-based counseling. This advanced degree equips individuals to address complex human needs with profound spiritual insight and professional excellence. Potential career paths include:

• Licensed Professional Counselor (with additional state licensure): Providing advanced therapeutic services in private practice or clinical settings.
• Clinical Director / Supervisor: Overseeing counseling programs and supervising other counselors in churches, non-profits, or agencies.
• Professor / Academic Researcher: Teaching Christian counseling, psychology, or theology at universities, seminaries, and Bible colleges.
• Author / Consultant: Writing books and articles, or consulting for organizations on Christian counseling and mental health.
• Specialized Ministry Leader: Directing advanced pastoral care and counseling initiatives within large churches or denominational bodies.
• Trauma-Informed Counselor: Providing specialized support for individuals and families impacted by severe trauma and abuse.
• Family and Marital Therapist: Offering expert guidance to couples and families from a Christian perspective.
• Doctoral-Level Chaplain: Serving in complex institutional environments (e.g., hospitals, military) requiring advanced counseling competencies.

Future Academic Paths

The Doctor of Christian Counseling provides the highest level of professional preparation, often serving as a terminal degree for practice-oriented roles. For those interested in further academic specialization beyond this degree, opportunities primarily exist in highly focused research doctorates or post-doctoral work. Possible academic paths include:

• Post-Doctoral Fellowships: Engaging in advanced research or clinical supervision in specific areas of Christian counseling or psychology.
• Ph.D. in related fields: Pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in fields such as Counseling Psychology, Theology, or Ethics for highly specialized academic or research careers (may require additional foundational coursework).
• Licensure and Certification: Continuously pursuing and maintaining professional licensure and specialized certifications in counseling to expand practice areas.

This degree empowers graduates to be leaders and innovators in the field, capable of both advanced clinical practice and significant contributions to the body of knowledge in Christian counseling.

Courses for this Program (36 credits)

Total Credits: 36 Credit hrs