Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling

Overview of the Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling at BTS

The Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling at Birmingham Theological Seminary is a comprehensive program tailored for those who wish to pursue counseling from a distinctively biblical viewpoint. BTS considers biblical counseling as an intensive, time-bound form of discipleship, aimed at guiding counselees towards reengagement with grace and the community life of the church. This program is well-suited for individuals aiming for roles in pastoral care, counseling ministries, or any position that benefits from a deep grasp of biblical counseling principles.

Program Highlights and Core Elements

• Biblical Foundation: Extensive study of the Old and New Testaments to establish a strong biblical base.
• Systematic Theology: In-depth courses covering essential Christian doctrines and biblical interpretation.
• Practical Theology: Application of theological knowledge in real-world counseling contexts.
• Diverse Biblical Counseling Courses: Covering a wide range of topics, including marriage and family counseling, addiction, and legal issues related to counseling.

Program Structure and Learning Experience

• Credit Hours: A total of 64 credit hours, providing a comprehensive understanding of biblical counseling.
• Critical Engagement: In-depth interaction with professional counseling literature and group dynamics.
• Counseling Practicum: A mandatory, supervised practical experience in counseling settings, ensuring hands-on learning.

Ideal Candidates for the Program

• Aspiring Biblical Counselors: Individuals seeking a career in biblical counseling within church or independent ministry environments.
• Pastoral and Lay Counselors: Pastors, church leaders, and lay counselors looking to bolster their counseling skills with a biblical foundation.
• Professional Counselors: Those in the counseling field aiming to integrate their practice with Christian theology.

The Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling program at BTS is designed to furnish students with the skills and knowledge needed for effective, scripture-based counseling, preparing them for influential roles in various counseling environments.