About the program:
The Master of Arts in Christian Counseling (MACC) prepares students to meet the emotional and spiritual needs of people in their churches and ministries. Students pursuing the MACC develop a strong theological foundation in addition to practical training in counseling methodology.
The MACC degree will prepare students to serve as Christian counselors in a variety of church-related settings. It is beneficial for pastors and ministry leaders who practice pastoral care.
It is a non-licensure 12-24 month professional master’s degree. This degree is not designed to fulfill state licensure requirements that allow a person to seek credentialing as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
What you will learn:
The Master of Arts in Christian Counseling (M.A.C.C.) equips church leaders with a high degree of competence in counseling ministries. Christian counseling involves caring for people in the deepest and most profound aspects of their lives. The M.A.C.C. provides more than just counseling theory; it promotes ministry discernment within the counseling context based on the leadership of the Holy Spirit. In addition, students will learn to demonstrate compassion, mediate grace, and bring others into direct personal contact with God.
The M.A.C.C. distinguishes itself from the typical secular counseling program by including coursework which assists the student in developing a Christian biblical and theological framework from which to deliver effective Christian counseling.
Program Objectives
1. Develop a philosophy of Christian counseling consistent with a Biblical perspective of mental health and mental disorders.
2. Develop a sufficient Christian biblical and theological framework to provide safe and effective counseling ministries in global environments.
3. Analyze the major theories in psychology and counseling to enhance effectiveness with individuals, marriages, and families.
4. Apply the Bible to counseling ministries based on a graduate level understanding of the Bible’s content, context, structure, and message.
5. Apply practical counseling skills within a ministry context that integrates current counseling theories and evidence-based practices with Biblical insights.
Course Catalog
Leadership in Minstry
Course 9002
This course explores the biblical, historical, and practical foundations of ministry leadership. It integrates scriptural principles, leadership theories, and real-world applications to develop effective leaders who exhibit spiritual maturity and organizational competence. Students will learn how to lead with integrity, build impactful ministry strategies, and navigate diverse ministry settings..
Introduction to Christian Counseling
Course 9010
This course equips students to engage in Christian counseling by integrating theological principles with psychological practices. Students will develop foundational skills, address ethical and multicultural issues, and explore counseling techniques for common challenges such as anxiety, depression, conflict resolution, and trauma care. Emphasis will be placed on spiritual growth, biblical foundations, and practical application.
Law and Ethics in Counseling
Course 9012
This course explores the integration of Christian ethics with professional counseling standards, equipping students to navigate the complex moral and legal challenges faced by Christian mental health professionals. Through the study of ethical principles, decision-making frameworks, and case-based applications, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of confidentiality, informed consent, dual relationships, cultural sensitivity, and boundary setting. By the end of the course, students will have the tools to confidently integrate their faith and professional responsibilities in diverse counseling scenarios.
Lifespan Development
Course 9014
This course equips pastors with the knowledge and tools to counsel individuals across the lifespan effectively. Using a biopsychosocial approach, students will explore developmental processes from conception to late adulthood, addressing emotional, cognitive, and social challenges. The course integrates contemporary research with practical applications in pastoral care, focusing on guiding congregants through life’s transitions and crises.
Crisis Counseling
Course 9016
This course equips pastors with advanced skills and theological frameworks to address crises within their congregations effectively. Rooted in the principles outlined in Crisis Counseling in the Congregation by Larry E. Webb, the course explores pastoral expectations, counseling techniques, crisis management, and self-care for caregivers. Learners will develop the competencies to serve as spiritual, emotional, and organizational leaders during personal and community crises.
Biblical Hermeneutics
Course 9005
This course equips pastors and ministry leaders with advanced hermeneutical tools to interpret and apply Scripture effectively. The course explores the history of the English Bible, principles of interpretation, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the application of various literary genres. Students will master skills in historical, cultural, and literary analysis, fostering theological precision and pastoral relevance.
Biblical Counseling Foundations
Course 9011
This course explores the origins, theological foundations, and practical applications of the biblical counseling movement, with a focus on its historical development, cultural influences, and ongoing challenges. Students will critically engage with the principles of nouthetic counseling, assess its interaction with secular psychology, and evaluate its institutional and theological evolution. This course equips students to develop an approach to counseling in diverse ministry contexts.
Marriage and Family Therapy
Course 9013
This course equips pastors with the biblical and practical tools to support, counsel, and guide couples in building healthy, lasting marriages. Drawing from the book A Lasting Promise: The Christian Guide to Fighting for Your Marriage, students will explore key themes such as communication, conflict resolution, commitment, forgiveness, intimacy, and prayer. Emphasizing the integration of biblical teachings and evidence-based strategies, this course prepares pastors to minister effectively to couples at all stages of marriage, providing spiritual and relational insights that foster growth and resilience.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Course 9015
Designed for counselors, pastoral caregivers, and those integrating psychological tools with theological principles, the course blends evidence-based CBT techniques with a biblical worldview to address emotional and spiritual health. Students will learn the historical foundations and core principles of CBT, develop skills in identifying and challenging cognitive distortions, and apply techniques for goal-setting, behavioral experiments, and resilience building.
Biblical Counseling Practicum
Course 9017
This course provides hands-on experience in Christian counseling, equipping students to apply counseling theories and techniques in real-world settings. Students will gain practical skills by completing supervised counseling hours, reflecting on their experiences, and integrating theological insights with counseling methods.
Due to the remote nature of this program, students will document their hours using a Counseling Practicals Log and engage with third-party verifiers to ensure accountability.
Admission Requirements
Students must have a conferred undergraduate degree from an accredited institution or an undergraduate degree from a verifiable Christian Bible College.
Additionally, students who are in Church leadership (Pastors, etc.) for a minimum of 7 years are eligible for admission as long as they submit their resume showcasing their Church leadership experience with an accompanied letter of recommendation in the application process.
Program Policies:
1. Students cannot transfer credits in or out of this program.
2. Students will not be billed tuition per credit hour of each course, however they will be responsible for a $50 per month fee to access the learning module. That is the only fee related to this program. There are no textbooks or other required fees that would be applicable under our student handbook.
3. Students are required to participate in the practicum at the end of the degree program.
4. There is no final dissertation for this program.
5. This program does not prepare a student to fulfill state licensure requirements for professional counseling licenses or certifications. This program is only designed for Pastors and Church ministry counselors.
6. This program is self-paced, online, and not part of our traditional semester system as designed for paid tuition programs.
7. Queens College of Theology does not mail printed diplomas internationally. All students enrolled will receive a digital diploma.
8. The accepted language of this degree program is English. International students must be proficient in English, and submit their application for admission in English.
9. This program does not have access to our student library like our paid tuition students have access.
10. This program is not accredited by the Department of Education but Queens College of Theology is authorized to grant this degree pursuant to the state authorization policies as detailed under the "Accreditation" section below. If you would like a copy of this letter please contact our office.
11. Only 30 Seats are available for this program per term.
Accreditation
Degree programs of study offered by Queens College of Theology have been declared by the appropriate state authority exempt from the requirements for licensure, under provisions of North Carolina Statues Section (G.S.) 116-15 (d) for exemption from licensure with respect to religious education. Exemption from licensure is not based upon assessment of program quality under established licensing standards. To read more about this exemption, you can click here. As of right now, we are not pursuing an accreditation status by an agency approved by the Department of Education. We are pursuing accreditation by religious organizations to ensure our programs of study remain respected amongst the Christian vocation.