Master of Arts in Pastoral Care and Counseling
M.A. in Pastoral Care and Counseling Overview
Discover your potential and embrace an education tailored to hone your skills and knowledge in the psycho-spiritual world of ministerial counseling with the M.A. in Pastoral Care and Counseling program at Freed-Hardeman University
Graduate Studies:
College of Biblical Studies
Director of Graduate Theology:
Dr. Richard A. Brumback
Ph.D.
Program Coordinator:
Dr. Ryan Fraser
Ph.D.
Learning at FHU
Why should you get an M.A. in Pastoral Care and Counseling at Freed-Hardeman University?
Pursuing your M.A. in Pastoral Care and Counseling at Freed-Hardeman University is a stepping stone to a fulfilling and edifying career in helping others navigate challenging circumstances through the lens of the Christian faith. The program is led by experienced faculty dedicated to equipping students with advanced knowledge and skills from their combined backgrounds of ministry and counseling.
Ready to Apply?
All current and new students applying for a Master’s or Doctorate program will use the online application process.
Futures for M.A. in Pastoral Care and Counseling
For those pursuing an M.A. in Pastoral Care and Counseling, the future holds unique opportunities. This program integrates mental health practices with faith-based principles to produce graduates who are dedicated to helping others. At FHU, graduate students gain access to faculty that are experts in their field that help them develop a framework for what it means to provide care and counseling in a ministerial context.
M.A. in Pastoral Care and Counseling Degree Requirements
At Freed-Hardeman University, students enrolled in our M.A. in Pastoral Care and Counseling program can anticipate a comprehensive journey that gives them the necessary psychological and spiritual tools a minister needs to provide care and counseling to others within a ministry context.
I. Required Courses:
| BIB 500 | Introduction to Graduate Studies | 3 |
| BIB | One (1) New Testament Text Course | 3 |
| BIB | One (1) Old Testament Text Course | 3 |
| BIB 525 | Communication in Ministry OR | 3 |
| BIB 555 | Contemporary Ethics | (3) |
| BIB 535 | Family Ministry | 3 |
| BIB 536 | Pastoral Counseling | 3 |
| BIB 545 | Spiritual Leadership | 3 |
| BIB 575 | Suffering and the Human Condition | 3 |
| BIB 565 | Internship | 6 |
| COU 505 | Life-Cycle Development OR | 3 |
| COU 535 | Ethical Issues in Counseling OR | (3) |
| COU 560 | Counseling Diverse Populations | (3) |
| COU 510 | Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy | 3 |
| COU 514 | Psychopathology I | 3 |
| COU 525 | Marriage and Family Counseling | 3 |
| COU 565 | Addictions Counseling OR | 3 |
| COU 570 | Crisis Counseling OR | (3) |
| COU 599D | Premarital Counseling | (3) |
| COU 599E | Grief Counseling | 3 |
Admission Requirements for the M.A. Pastoral Care & Counseling Degree
To be considered for admission into the M.A. Pastoral Care and Counseling program at FHU, please submit the following:
- Free online application
- Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate degrees
- Personal essay specifying your goals and how the FHU program will help you meet those goals (300-500 words)
- Submit scholarship application (optional)
- Copy of Photo ID
Meet our Faculty
Frequently Asked Questions About FHU’s M.A. in Pastoral Care and Counseling Program
Why should I get an M.A. in Pastoral Care and Counseling at Freed-Hardeman University?
Simply put, you will be better equipped to serve in your role as a minister. The advanced knowledge you will receive combined with the mentorship provided by the faculty will transform you in ways you never thought possible!
Will an M.A. in Pastoral Care and Counseling help me advance my career?
A master’s degree in pastoral care and counseling can certainly make you more attractive to churches seeking to hire. However, the true impact is in the difference you can make with the knowledge and skills you receive from the program. The M.A. in Pastoral Care and Counseling program will make you a more effective minister, enabling you to lead others along their spiritual journeys and help them navigate difficult life circumstances.
How long will it take me to complete an MA in Pastoral Care and Counseling?
The 48 credit hour Master’s in Pastoral Care and Counseling can be completed in as little as two years. However, you can pace yourself as you choose. You can finish quicker as a full-time student (9+ credit hours per semester) or you can slow it down and take 6 or less credit hours per semester.
Are there scholarships available?
We know pursuing a graduate degree can come with a significant cost investment. So, in an attempt to help you further your education without breaking the bank, we offer competitive scholarships to many of our students. If you’re interested, complete the online application as well as the scholarship application. Afterwards, the Director of the Graduate School of Theology will be in touch regarding your potential for a scholarship award.
Questions about the application process?
Have more questions about applying for a graduate or doctorate program? If you’d like to discuss anything further, submit an inquiry or schedule a visit and we’ll have someone from the Office of Graduate Studies contact you.