Academic Programs - Dallas Theological Seminary

ACADEMIC
PROGRAMS
M.A. IN BIBLICAL
COUNSELING
PURPOSE
The program leading to the professional Master of Arts in Biblical
Counseling degree provides a graduate-level, biblically and
theologically focused education for people who desire to
enter into Christian counseling practice. The training prepares
men and women to engage in church, institutional, or private
counseling practices. Meeting the program requirements
enables a student to apply to the Texas State Board of Examiners
of Professional Counselors for licensure and complete
the state’s post-graduate licensure requirements, including
additional internship hours and a state licensing examination.
GOALS
Educational Goals
To enable students to:
• demonstrate a general knowledge of the Bible, including a
synthetic understanding of the major books;
• evidence an understanding of the historical development
of theology, a knowledge of premillennial theology, and an
ability to support their theological views and apply them to
contemporary issues;
• understand and explain the issues and problems that people
face in life from a thoroughly biblical point of view;
• enter deeply into people’s lives with the truth and power of
God’s Word and the gospel of His redemptive grace; and
• understand and evaluate secular and Christian psychological
theories and practices from a sound biblical and theological
point of view in order to develop professional competence
within a thoroughly biblical framework focused on ministry.
M.A. in Biblical Counseling (M.A./BC)
Spiritual Goals
To enable students to:
• evidence an increasing likeness to Christ as manifested in love
for God, love for others, and the fruit of the Spirit;
• develop deep levels of biblical and spiritual integrity in their
own personal life, relationships, and ministry; and
• develop a deep level of commitment to people and to a
ministry of helping them with their lives in a way that is
pleasing to God.
Ministry Goals
To enable students to:
• possess the personal and spiritual maturity, discernment, and
wisdom needed to help people resolve spiritual, relational,
and behavioral issues and problems; and
• engage in effective biblically based counseling in the context
of a local church, private practice, or mental health institution.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Those applying to the M.A. in Biblical Counseling program
will need to demonstrate appropriate academic and practical
preparation broadly related to the field of counseling. Admitted
students are designated as M.A./BC in either the first or second
M.A. IN BIBLICAL COUNSELING (M.A./BC)
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