Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling (MABC)
Overview
Provide Biblical Soul Care for the Church
The MABC degree provides significant training in the principles and methods of biblical counseling, preparing students for service in local churches, biblical counseling centers, and wider ministry settings. The residential MABC satisfies all the necessary requirements to become an ACBC certified counselor. The Online MABC prepares students to pursue certification with ACBC. The MABC is not intended to prepare graduates for state licensure.
Available: Residential & Fully Online
60
Credit hours
20
Classes
2–3
Years to complete
$315
Per credit hour
Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling
At a Glance
Discover Midwestern’s Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling degree.
The Midwestern MABC
Explore the MA in Biblical Counseling program at Midwestern, including curriculum, concentrations, and FAQs.
Foundational Core: (30 Hours)
The Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling includes Midwestern’s foundational core:
- BS2210 Old Testament Survey I
- BS2211 Old Testament Survey II
- BS2310 New Testament Survey I
- BS2311 New Testament Survey II
- BS2400 Introduction to Hermeneutics
- HT3200 Theology I
- HT3201 Theology II
- HT3232 Survey of Historical Theology
- HT3400 Christian Ethics
- MN5006 Biblical Spirituality
Biblical Counseling Concentration (30 Hours)
- BC5501 Biblical Counseling & Psychological Theories
- BC5510 Biblical Counseling in the Local Church
- BC5511 Biblical Interpretation & Counseling Methods
- BC5512 History and Theology of Soul-Care
- BC5513 Biblical Counseling & Emotional Issues
- BC5514 Addictive Behaviors & Biblical Counseling
- BC5515 Supervised Counseling Practicum I
- BC5516 Supervised Counseling Practicum II
- BC5522 Marriage & Family Counseling
- BC5525 Contemporary Issues in Biblical Counseling
Total Hours (60 hours)
Yes! The MA in Biblical Counseling is available fully online, allowing you to pursue a biblical counseling master’s degree online while continuing to serve in your local church. You can also complete the program on campus if you prefer a residential format.
Students complete much of the necessary coursework for certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) during their counseling degree with MBTS, but completion of a degree does not automatically mean that they will be certified with ACBC. A student’s work and character must still be evaluated through ACBC before certification is possible.
The best way to know for sure is to reach out to our Admissions Office! You may qualify to have up to two-thirds of your MABC credits granted on the basis of transfer credits. To be considered for transfer credit, courses must meet certain requirements.
Contact Admissions
Spurgeon College’s Accelerate Biblical Counseling track allows students to earn their Bachelor of Arts in either Christian Ministry or Biblical Studies and their Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling (MABC) in as little as four and a half years.
Completion of the MABC includes requirements necessary for ACBC Certification.
We are happy to provide you with various ways to manage the cost of your education. Learn more and even apply for scholarships, financial aid, and military assistance by clicking here.
- BC5510 Biblical Counseling in the Local Church
- BC5501 Biblical Counseling and Psychological Theories
- BC5522 Marriage and Family Counseling
- BC5513 Biblical Counseling and Emotional Issues
In order to receive a Fundamentals Certificate, please fill out this form after completing the classes listed above.
MABC students complete both the theology and counseling exam during Practicum I and II. However, students will still need to submit their exams to ACBC and undergo ACBC’s grading process even after getting course credit for their completion.
If you are a residential MABC student, you will complete all 50 of your supervision hours. Online MABC students will complete 25 supervision hours.
Students interested in pursuing ACBC certification should create an ACBC account as soon as they begin their degree. They will be able to document the progress they make in their ACBC portal.
For recommendations on counseling opportunities, please contact the Center for Biblical Counseling at [email protected].
Program Outcomes
Students graduating from the MA in Biblical Counseling degree program will be able to do the following:
- Evaluate secular and integrative counseling models based on biblical and historical perspectives.
- Interpret and apply Scripture to soul-care in local church and related settings using appropriate hermeneutical principles.
- Address the most common counseling problems and challenges of counseling using appropriate methods of biblical counseling.
- Formulate a personal strategy of biblical counseling for ministry in the local church.
Distinctive Resources
MA students have access to community life that provides informal educational experiences, religious fellowship, and opportunity for reflection upon the meaning of faith in its relation to education for ministry.
This Degree in Ministry
Dig a deep well in preparation for a lifetime of faithful ministry in the church or overseas, and be equipped to bring glory to God through…
- Beholding Christ and His Word
- Pastoral ministry
- Counseling ministry
- Discipleship in the local church
This Degree in Future Studies
Study to serve the Church with future preparation in mind. Midwestern offers more advanced degrees equipping you for leadership and scholarship in biblical counseling.
