MA Clinical Pastoral Counseling

The Master of Arts in Clinical Pastoral Counseling Program (MA) is designed to give the student a solid background in Christian Counseling and incorporates the programs which will allow for National Christian Counselors Association (NCCA) licensure. The program is 48 semester hours in length.

Each student will be assigned a mentor to help him or her throughout the program. This mentor will assist with in-class learning sessions, and will also grade each section of work completed by the student.

The NCCA’s Certification/Licensure Program is not to be confused with state licensure. Most states have regulatory laws governing the practice of psychology. Many states also have laws governing the practice of general counseling. States recognize that counseling is one of the responsibilities of the church and its clergy. For this reason, the state does not interfere with the ministry of counseling as long as the counseling is provided under the following conditions: The counselor is ordained, commissioned or licensed, that the counseling service is provided by and represented as a Christian and pastoral counselor.

Approx. total cost: $6,104.

Courses below are $425. Advanced courses: $376.

NCCA dues: $50, background check $100 (both optional)

25 APS Reports: $33 each

Thesis: $425 (compilation of APS case studies)

Four (4) Advanced Courses of student’s choice.

Additional requirements:

  • Provide all required documentation per the enrollment agreement. 
  • Submit annual NCCA dues of $50. 
  • Respond in writing to 50 ethical questions posed by the NCCA’s National Licensing Board of Examiners. 
  • Complete a practicum. 
    • This consists of administering the Arno Profile System (APS) to 25 persons in your community under the direction of an approved clinical supervisor.
    • This normally consists of 25 individual reports (case studies) developed from the candidate’s work with 25 persons using the APS reports.

Note: Becoming licensed by the NCCA is an option. It is not a requirement for graduating from Colorado Theological Seminary.

CC 501 Basic Christian Counseling

This course will cover, on DVD, an overview of the “Big Eight” (types of secular counseling and therapeutic methods). In addition, the student will be taught the difference between Christian and secular counseling, goals, techniques, and several other important topics, such as the dangers and pitfalls of counseling.

CC 502 Temperament Theory

The candidate will be provided with an in-depth background of the theory of temperament and provided with the scientific and biblical basis for this theory. This course introduces a fifth temperament and the behavioral patterns of each temperament.

CC 503 Testing/Measurements

This course will introduce the student to the primary tests used by the NCCA. Samples of “Jane Doe” reports will be provided for the student’s review and each student is provided with a “start-up” packet of testing materials that their mentor can help explain if unclear.

CC 504 Temperament Therapy

The candidate will be taught how to apply the theory of temperament in a clinical setting. An APS start-up packet is included with this course. The student is authorized to begin administering the APS at this point.

CC 505 Christian Psychology and Counseling

The candidate will be provided with general information regarding basic theories concerning historical systems of psychology, counseling, biblical theories of counseling, and the utilization of NCCA’s counseling model, Temperament Theory.

CC 506 Mastering Pastoral Counseling

The candidate will be provided with specific information regarding stress, anger, and guilt, with the emphasis on the need to develop family relationships. This course utilizes the NCCA’s counseling model, Temperament Therapy.

CC 507 Temperament Case Studies

The candidate will learn firsthand the counseling model with which the NCCA members and graduates counsel. These case studies utilize the counseling method taught by NCCA, and they also incorporate other testing instruments with this model.

CC 508 Counseling the Codependent

The candidate will be provided with specialized training regarding codependency which incorporates the pastoral counseling model taught by the NCCA.

Enroll today to complete your Christian counseling degree online!