Luther Rice College & Seminary

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling is a 36-hour graduate program designed to equip you to provide Christ-centered care in churches, ministries, and other Christian settings. Rooted in the truth of Scripture, this program trains you to offer biblically sound guidance with clarity, compassion, and conviction.

While this degree is not intended for state licensure, it intentionally focuses on developing both the theological understanding and the practical counseling skills needed to serve faithfully in non-licensed ministry roles. You’ll be prepared to meet people in their pain, walk with them in truth, and point them to lasting hope in Christ.

Program Highlights

Begin with courses like Introduction to Counseling Theories and Foundations in Counseling to understand the core principles that undergird effective, biblically aligned care.

Learn to apply counseling approaches thoughtfully and effectively through Helping Skills and Methodology for Counseling, ensuring your ministry is both compassionate and competent.

Courses in Old Testament, New Testament, and Biblical Interpretation provide a theological foundation for your counseling philosophy and practice.

A supervised Counseling Practicum gives you the opportunity to serve in a real ministry setting, developing confidence and experience in biblically grounded care.

Explore key areas of ministry such as Marriage and Family Counseling, Crisis Counseling, and Applied Theology for Spiritual Development.

Gain insights into Issues, Ethics, and Legal Concerns for Counselors, equipping you to navigate sensitive situations with wisdom and integrity.

 

 

Quick Facts

  • Accredited with SACSCOC, TRACS, and ABHE
  • 36 hour graduate degree program
  • Can be accelerated for completion in 16-24 months
  • 97% of graduates report that a Luther Rice education improved the quality of their ministry experience
  • Transfer in up to 6 credit hours
  • Available 100% online or through a combination of online and on-campus classes
  • Campus-Based Tuition $238 per credit hour | Online Tuition $391 per credit hour
  • Technology Fee $190 per course 

  • Includes practicum for hands-on learning

 

Entrance Requirements  

  • General Requirements: All graduate programs require the satisfactory completion of a bachelor's degree or its equivalent, with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

  • Bachelor's Degree Equivalency: Equivalency means the applicant has completed 120 semester hours of recognized college-level work with at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale). Note that no bachelor's degree will be awarded to an applicant entering a graduate program through equivalency.

  • Specific Requirement for Master of Divinity with Languages Track: Applicants must have obtained an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

 

All Master of Arts degrees are now a pathway to the PhD in Organizational Leadership and Doctor of Ministry degrees at Luther Rice College & Seminary. 

Program Course Listings

Download the program course listings (PDF)

Potential Careers

  • Church Counselor
  • Ministry Staff
  • Lay Counselor
  • Jail/Prison Chaplain
  • Counseling Center
  • Youth & Family Pastor
  • Christian Counseling

Program Coordinator

Dr. Ann Kerlin

Ann.Kerlin@LutherRice.edu

770-484-1204 ext.5688

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Kerlin personally anytime, or you can reach the Enrollment Team at Admissions@LutherRice.edu or 770-484-1204 ext. 5758.