Restoring Hope School of Biblical Counseling
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RHM Ministry Training
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All RHM ministry training courses — Biblical Ethics, Advanced Interventions, and the Biblical Counseling Practicum — are now available through our Thinkific learning platform.
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Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15
Why Study at RHSBC?
Rooted in Scripture. Built for ministry. Designed to equip counselors for real-life transformation.
Scripture-Centered Learning
Every course is grounded in the authority of God's Word as the foundation for all counseling and care.
Flexible Online Format
Study at your own pace from anywhere. Designed for working ministers, counselors, and church leaders.
Real-World Application
Practicum components and oral exams ensure you're prepared to serve, not just pass a test.
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The Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:6
Tuition Calculator
Estimate your total cost based on your program and number of courses.
Estimated Total Cost
1,380.00
Costs vary by program. This is an estimate.
💡 How This Works
Course fees vary by level (undergraduate $299, graduate/doctoral $399). Technology fees are approximately $35 per semester. Your actual total may vary based on specific program requirements and optional add-ons.
RHSBC Program Catalog
From foundational certificates to doctoral research — every program at Restoring Hope School of Biblical Counseling is grounded in Scripture, shaped by rigorous theological formation, and designed for real-world ministry.
Certificate in Biblical Ethics for Christ-Centered Care
A foundational certificate covering the ethical principles that guide Christ-centered biblical counseling. Required for all RHM staff and counselors.
Certificate in Advanced Biblical Counseling Interventions
Advanced techniques and interventions in biblical counseling, building on ethics foundations.
Certificate in Biblical Counseling Practicum
Supervised practicum hours and clinical formation in a biblical counseling ministry context.
Certificate in Pastoral Soul Care
Equips pastors and church leaders to provide foundational soul care within the local church context.
Associate of Biblical Studies (A.B.S.)
A two-year foundational degree covering Bible, theology, and introductory counseling principles. Ideal entry point for ministry formation.
Associate of Biblical Counseling (A.B.C.)
Two-year associate degree focused on foundational biblical counseling theory, Scripture application, and supervised ministry practice.
Bachelor of Biblical Studies (B.B.S.)
A comprehensive undergraduate degree grounding students in biblical languages, hermeneutics, systematic theology, and church history.
Bachelor of Biblical Counseling (B.B.C.)
Undergraduate degree integrating Scripture, theology, and biblical counseling theory with supervised practicum hours.
Bachelor of Ministry (B.Min.)
Broad-based undergraduate ministry degree preparing students for pastoral, church, and community ministry leadership.
Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling (M.A.B.C.)
Graduate-level biblical counseling training integrating advanced theology, counseling theory, and supervised clinical practicum.
Master of Biblical Counseling (M.B.C.)
A practitioner-focused master's degree for those called to full-time biblical counseling ministry. Includes advanced practicum and oral competency exams.
Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.)
Graduate theology degree covering systematic theology, biblical languages, hermeneutics, and church history for ministry and teaching.
Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
The professional ministry degree. Comprehensive training in Scripture, theology, preaching, pastoral care, and church leadership.
Master of Arts in Ministry (M.A.Min.)
Accelerated master's for experienced ministry workers seeking advanced theological formation and leadership competency.
Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)
Professional doctorate for experienced ministry leaders. Project-focused advanced study in pastoral theology and ministry practice.
Doctor of Theology (Th.D.)
Research doctoral degree with emphasis on systematic and biblical theology, culminating in an original dissertation and oral defense.
Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Counseling (Ph.D.)
The highest academic credential in biblical counseling — combining advanced research, supervised practice, original dissertation, and oral defense.
Doctor of Philosophy in Theology (Ph.D.)
Research doctorate in systematic, historical, and biblical theology with original dissertation and oral defense.
Online Learning Fees
Application Fee
One-time. Acceptance is application-based.
Per Online Course
3-credit course, includes all materials.
Technology Fee
Includes Microsoft Office access.
In-Person Class Fees
Undergrad Courses
3-credit, on-campus instruction.
Graduate Courses
M.A.B.C., M.B.C., M.T.S., M.A.Min., M.Div.
Doctoral Courses
D.Min., Th.D., Ph.D. programs.
What's Included
- 🖥️
MS Office Access
All students via tech fee.
- 📋
TheraNest EHR
Biblical Counseling students for practicums.
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Oral Exams
Comprehensive assessment model.
Academic Integrity & Oral Examination Policy
All RHSBC courses include both written and oral examinations. Oral exams are a core part of our theological education model — they ensure authentic student comprehension, guard against AI-assisted work, and reflect the Socratic tradition of biblical scholarship. Students submit video responses reviewed by instructors, ensuring that each graduate has genuinely internalized the material.
For Churches & Ministries
Institutional Partnership Program
Referral Ministries, Extension Ministry Partners, and Branded Training Centers — bring biblical counseling education to your church. Includes LMS access, affiliate status eligibility, and a consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Gross.
Alumni Community
RHSBC Alumni Hub
Connect with graduates, explore mentorship opportunities, read success stories, and give back to current students on their journey.
Certificate Programs
Focused, ministry-ready certificates designed to equip believers for ethical care, biblical counseling, supervised practice, and pastoral soul care — each grounded in Scripture and shaped for real-world ministry.
Recommended Certificate Pathway
Biblical Ethics for Christ-Centered Care
Required ethical foundation for all care ministry
Advanced Biblical Counseling Interventions
Develops deeper counseling skill and case wisdom
Biblical Counseling Practicum
Provides supervised ministry experience
Pastoral Soul Care
Equips pastors and church leaders for local church care
Optional / ParallelCertificate in Biblical Ethics for Christ-Centered Care
Best Fit: Required for all RHM staff, counselors, mentors, and practicum students
"The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." — 1 Timothy 1:5
The Certificate in Biblical Ethics for Christ-Centered Care is a foundational certificate covering the ethical principles that guide Christ-centered biblical counseling. This certificate is required for all RHM staff and counselors and provides essential training in integrity, confidentiality, boundaries, mandated reporting awareness, referral wisdom, and Christlike care.
Certificate in Advanced Biblical Counseling Interventions
Prerequisite: Certificate in Biblical Ethics for Christ-Centered Care, or equivalent ethics approval
"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver." — Proverbs 25:11
Builds on foundational ethics training and equips students with more developed tools for applying Scripture to complex counseling situations. Students study advanced case wisdom, heart-level change, crisis response, trauma-informed care, addiction recovery, family systems, and spiritual formation.
Certificate in Biblical Counseling Practicum
Prerequisite: Biblical Ethics Certificate and approval from RHM practicum supervisor
"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care." — 1 Peter 5:2
Provides supervised practicum hours and clinical formation within a biblical counseling ministry context. Students practice case documentation, supervised care, ethical reflection, Scripture application, prayerful ministry, and counselor self-assessment. The practicum framework emphasizes supervised ministry hours, weekly supervision, documentation, confidentiality, mandated reporting awareness, and ethical preparation before client-facing care.
Certificate in Pastoral Soul Care
Best Fit: Pastors, elders, deacons, church staff, ministry leaders, mentors, and care team members
"Comfort the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all." — 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Equips pastors, elders, ministry leaders, small group leaders, and church care teams to provide foundational soul care within the local church. Emphasizes shepherding, discipleship, prayer, Scripture application, grief care, conflict navigation, spiritual encouragement, and knowing when to refer.
Two-Year Foundational Degrees
Both associate degrees provide a Christ-centered, Scripture-saturated foundation for ministry, counseling, and lifelong discipleship. Choose the path that fits your calling.
Associate of Biblical Studies
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." — Psalm 119:105
Program Description
The Associate of Biblical Studies is a two-year foundational degree designed to ground students in Scripture, biblical theology, Christian doctrine, spiritual formation, and introductory ministry care. This program is ideal for students preparing for ministry service, further theological study, discipleship leadership, or a future counseling concentration.
Program Outcomes
- 1Explain the major themes of the Old and New Testaments.
- 2Interpret Scripture using sound biblical principles.
- 3Describe core Christian doctrines and their relevance to life and ministry.
- 4Apply biblical truth to discipleship, spiritual formation, and personal growth.
- 5Demonstrate a Christ-centered understanding of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration.
- 6Serve in church, ministry, small group, or outreach settings with biblical maturity.
Associate of Biblical Counseling
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." — Galatians 6:2
Program Description
The Associate of Biblical Counseling is a two-year foundational degree focused on biblical counseling theory, Scripture application, basic helping skills, discipleship, ethics, supervised ministry exposure, and practical care. This degree prepares students for entry-level care ministry, mentoring, support group leadership, church-based helping roles, and further study in biblical counseling.
Program Outcomes
- 1Explain biblical counseling as a ministry of Scripture, prayer, discipleship, and restoration.
- 2Apply Scripture wisely to common struggles such as fear, anger, guilt, shame, grief, conflict, and addiction.
- 3Demonstrate foundational helping skills, including listening, asking wise questions, prayerful care, and biblical encouragement.
- 4Understand basic ethical boundaries, confidentiality, mandated reporting principles, and referral awareness.
- 5Participate in supervised ministry practice with humility, documentation, and accountability.
- 6Serve individuals, families, churches, and support groups with compassion and truth.
Shared Core Courses
These five foundational courses appear in both the A.B.S. and A.B.C. programs, allowing students to transfer smoothly between degrees or continue into bachelor-level programs.
Four-Year Undergraduate Degrees
Three distinct bachelor's pathways — grounded in Scripture, shaped by theology, and designed for ministry. Each 120-credit program prepares students for a lifetime of faithful service.
Bachelor of Biblical Studies
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved… rightly handling the word of truth." — 2 Timothy 2:15
Program Description
The Bachelor of Biblical Studies is a comprehensive undergraduate degree grounding students in biblical languages, hermeneutics, systematic theology, biblical theology, church history, apologetics, and ministry application. Students are trained to rightly handle the Word of truth and serve the church through teaching, discipleship, preaching preparation, ministry writing, and further theological study.
Program Outcomes
- 1Interpret Scripture using sound hermeneutical principles.
- 2Explain the major themes, structure, and redemptive storyline of the Bible.
- 3Demonstrate introductory competence in biblical Hebrew and Greek.
- 4Articulate core Christian doctrines through systematic theology.
- 5Understand the historical development of the church and Christian thought.
- 6Apply biblical truth to discipleship, teaching, ministry, and cultural engagement.
Bachelor of Biblical Counseling
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." — Galatians 6:2
Program Description
The Bachelor of Biblical Counseling is a four-year undergraduate degree integrating Scripture, theology, biblical counseling theory, ethics, spiritual formation, supervised practicum, and ministry skill development. Students are equipped to provide Christ-centered care in church, ministry, mentorship, support group, and biblical counseling contexts.
Program Outcomes
- 1Explain biblical counseling as a ministry rooted in Scripture, prayer, discipleship, and restoration.
- 2Apply Scripture wisely to common struggles of the heart, mind, relationships, and behavior.
- 3Demonstrate foundational counseling skills, including listening, questioning, Scripture application, prayer, care planning, and documentation.
- 4Understand biblical ethics, confidentiality, boundaries, mandated reporting awareness, supervision, and referral principles.
- 5Complete supervised practicum formation in an approved biblical counseling ministry context.
- 6Serve individuals, families, churches, support groups, and community ministries with compassion and truth.
Bachelor of Ministry
"Shepherd the flock of God that is among you." — 1 Peter 5:2
Program Description
The Bachelor of Ministry is a broad-based undergraduate ministry degree preparing students for pastoral, church, outreach, discipleship, nonprofit, and community ministry leadership. Students receive training in Scripture, theology, preaching, pastoral care, leadership, administration, discipleship, evangelism, conflict resolution, and supervised ministry practice.
Program Outcomes
- 1Interpret and teach Scripture faithfully in ministry contexts.
- 2Articulate core Christian doctrine and apply it to church life.
- 3Lead discipleship, outreach, small groups, and ministry teams.
- 4Provide foundational pastoral care and soul care.
- 5Practice servant leadership, communication, conflict resolution, and organizational wisdom.
- 6Design and lead ministry initiatives that serve the church and community.
Shared Undergraduate Core
These foundational courses are shared across all three bachelor's programs, simplifying catalog structure and supporting student transfer between programs.
| Course | B.B.S. | B.B.C. | B.Min. |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIB 101Foundations of Biblical Studies | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| TH 102Theology of the Ancient Pathways | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| BIB 120Biblical Interpretation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| SF 105Spiritual Formation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| ETH 240Biblical Ethics and Moral Decision-Making | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| NT 104Christ and the Kingdom | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| OT 103Old Testament Survey I | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| TH 230Doctrine of God and Work of Christ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
Master's Degree Programs
Five graduate programs designed to equip counselors, pastors, teachers, and ministry leaders for advanced biblical ministry. Each degree emphasizes Scripture, theology, formation, ethics, and practical ministry readiness.
Graduate Program Distinctions
| Program | Credits | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|
| M.A.B.C. | 48 | Academic and practicum-based biblical counseling |
| M.B.C. | 60 | Practitioner-focused advanced biblical counseling |
| M.T.S. | 48 | Theology, biblical studies, languages, history |
| M.Div. | 90 | Professional pastoral and ministry preparation |
| M.A.Min. | 36 | Accelerated ministry leadership formation |
Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." — 2 Timothy 3:16
Program Description
The Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling provides graduate-level biblical counseling training integrating advanced theology, counseling theory, Scripture application, ethics, and supervised clinical practicum. This program is designed for students preparing for church-based counseling, pastoral care, discipleship counseling, support group leadership, and further doctoral study.
Best Fit: Counselors, mentors, support group leaders, church care workers, future doctoral students
Program Outcomes
- 1Integrate Scripture, theology, and biblical counseling theory in care ministry.
- 2Apply advanced hermeneutics to counseling situations.
- 3Counsel with biblical wisdom in areas such as trauma, grief, addiction, family conflict, anxiety, shame, and suffering.
- 4Practice ethically through confidentiality, boundaries, mandated reporting awareness, documentation, supervision, and referral wisdom.
- 5Complete supervised practicum experience in a biblical counseling ministry setting.
- 6Develop a biblical counseling theology grounded in Christ, the gospel, sanctification, and the local church.
Master of Biblical Counseling
"We proclaim him, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ." — Colossians 1:28
Program Description
The Master of Biblical Counseling is a practitioner-focused master's degree for those called to full-time biblical counseling ministry. It includes advanced counseling theory, intensive practicum, supervised ministry formation, oral competency exams, case reviews, and preparation for leadership in biblical counseling ministries.
Best Fit: Full-time biblical counselors, counseling ministry leaders, practicum-heavy students
Program Outcomes
- 1Provide advanced biblical counseling in church, ministry, and supervised care settings.
- 2Demonstrate competency in case formulation, Scripture application, counseling plans, documentation, and supervision.
- 3Address complex issues including trauma, addiction, abuse recovery, marital betrayal, shame, grief, crisis, and family systems.
- 4Lead biblical counseling ministries, care teams, support groups, and training environments.
- 5Complete advanced practicum requirements and oral competency evaluation.
- 6Demonstrate maturity of character, theological depth, ethical care, and ministry readiness.
Master of Theological Studies
"Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them." — Psalm 111:2
Program Description
The Master of Theological Studies is a graduate theology degree covering systematic theology, biblical languages, hermeneutics, biblical theology, church history, apologetics, and research. It is designed for ministry leaders, teachers, Bible instructors, counselors seeking theological depth, and students preparing for advanced theological study.
Best Fit: Bible teachers, ministry leaders, theological educators, future doctoral students
Program Outcomes
- 1Articulate major doctrines of the Christian faith with biblical and historical grounding.
- 2Use graduate-level hermeneutics for faithful interpretation and teaching.
- 3Demonstrate introductory graduate competence in biblical Hebrew and Greek tools.
- 4Understand major movements in church history and historical theology.
- 5Engage cultural, ethical, and apologetic issues through a Christian worldview.
- 6Produce graduate-level theological research for ministry and teaching.
Master of Divinity
"Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching." — 2 Timothy 4:2
Program Description
The Master of Divinity is the professional ministry degree. It provides comprehensive training in Scripture, theology, biblical languages, preaching, pastoral care, counseling, church leadership, discipleship, mission, ethics, and supervised ministry practice. It prepares students for pastoral ministry, chaplaincy preparation, church leadership, teaching, preaching, ministry administration, and advanced theological study.
Best Fit: Pastors, preachers, chaplains-in-training, church leaders
Program Outcomes
- 1Interpret and proclaim Scripture faithfully.
- 2Demonstrate competence in biblical theology, systematic theology, church history, and biblical languages.
- 3Preach and teach with clarity, conviction, humility, and pastoral sensitivity.
- 4Provide pastoral care, crisis care, discipleship, and foundational biblical counseling.
- 5Lead churches and ministries with biblical integrity, servant leadership, and administrative wisdom.
- 6Complete supervised ministry experience and demonstrate readiness for pastoral or ministry leadership.
Master of Arts in Ministry
"What you have heard from me… entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." — 2 Timothy 2:2
Program Description
The Master of Arts in Ministry is an accelerated master's program for experienced ministry workers seeking advanced theological formation and leadership competency. It strengthens ministry leaders in biblical interpretation, theology, discipleship, pastoral care, organizational leadership, preaching or teaching, outreach, and ministry strategy.
Best Fit: Experienced ministry workers, nonprofit leaders, church staff, discipleship leaders
Program Outcomes
- 1Interpret Scripture for ministry leadership, teaching, and discipleship.
- 2Apply theology to church, nonprofit, counseling, and community ministry contexts.
- 3Lead ministry teams with humility, wisdom, and organizational clarity.
- 4Provide foundational pastoral care and referral-aware support.
- 5Develop ministry programs, outreach strategies, and discipleship pathways.
- 6Complete a ministry capstone that strengthens an actual ministry setting.
Recommended Stackable Graduate Pathways
Biblical Counseling Pathway
Certificate in Biblical Ethics for Christ-Centered Care
9 credits
M.A.B.C.
48 credits
M.B.C. advanced practicum add-on or doctoral study
As approved
Ministry Leadership Pathway
Certificate in Pastoral Soul Care
9 credits
M.A.Min.
36 credits
M.Div. or advanced ministry doctorate
As approved
Theology and Teaching Pathway
Bachelor of Biblical Studies or equivalent
120 credits
M.T.S.
48 credits
Th.M., D.Min., Ph.D., or Th.D. pathway
As approved
📋 Graduate Orientation Note
Graduate students in counseling, practicum, pastoral care, or ministry leadership courses should complete appropriate orientation in ethics, boundaries, confidentiality, mandated reporting awareness, documentation, and supervision before engaging in direct care ministry. This protects the counselee, the student, the ministry, and the witness of Christ.
RHSBC Doctoral Degrees
Four distinct doctoral pathways for advanced ministry, theology, and biblical counseling scholarship — each grounded in Scripture, rigorous academic formation, and real-world ministry application.
Doctoral Program Distinctions
| Program | Credits | Primary Focus | Final Requirement | Best Fit For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D.Min. | 36 | Applied ministry leadership and pastoral practice | Ministry project and oral presentation | Pastors, ministry directors, nonprofit leaders, church leaders |
| Th.D. | 60 | Advanced theological research with strong doctrinal emphasis | Dissertation and oral defense | Theologians, teachers, pastors, ministry scholars |
| Ph.D. Biblical Counseling | 60 | Advanced biblical counseling research, practice, and supervision | Dissertation, practicum, oral defense | Counseling scholars, supervisors, ministry leaders, educators |
| Ph.D. Theology | 60 | Systematic, historical, and biblical theology research | Dissertation and oral defense | Theological researchers, professors, writers, academic leaders |
Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)
Professional Doctorate · Applied Ministry Leadership
Length
3 years
Total Credits
36 credits
Structure
12 courses, 3 credits each
Final Requirement
Applied ministry project & oral presentation
The Doctor of Ministry is a professional doctorate for experienced ministry leaders. It provides project-focused advanced study in pastoral theology, preaching, biblical counseling, church leadership, spiritual formation, and ministry practice. Students complete an applied ministry project that strengthens a real church, counseling ministry, nonprofit, or community care setting.
"Shepherd the flock of God that is among you." — 1 Peter 5:2
Program Outcomes
- 1Integrate advanced biblical and pastoral theology into ministry leadership.
- 2Evaluate ministry challenges through Scripture, wisdom, and practical discernment.
- 3Strengthen churches, counseling ministries, and nonprofit ministry systems.
- 4Provide advanced pastoral care and Christ-centered leadership.
- 5Design and complete an applied ministry research project.
- 6Demonstrate spiritual maturity, servant leadership, and ministry resilience.
Recommended Admissions Requirements
| Requirement | Suggested Standard |
|---|---|
| Prior Degree | M.Div., M.A.Min., M.B.C., M.T.S., or equivalent graduate ministry degree |
| Ministry Experience | 3–5 years preferred |
| Final Work | Applied ministry project |
| Focus | Professional ministry practice |
Doctor of Theology (Th.D.)
Research Doctorate · Systematic & Biblical Theology
Length
3–5 years
Total Credits
60 credits
Structure
20 courses, 3 credits each
Final Requirement
Dissertation and oral defense
The Doctor of Theology is a research doctoral degree emphasizing systematic theology, biblical theology, theological method, historical theology, and original scholarly contribution. Students complete advanced seminars, comprehensive examinations, an original dissertation, and an oral defense.
"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!" — Romans 11:33
Program Outcomes
- 1Conduct advanced theological research with biblical fidelity and academic rigor.
- 2Analyze major doctrines through Scripture, church history, and theological reasoning.
- 3Engage systematic, biblical, historical, and practical theology.
- 4Contribute original scholarship to the church and academy.
- 5Defend a theological argument through dissertation research and oral examination.
- 6Teach, write, and lead with theological depth and spiritual humility.
Recommended Admissions Requirements
| Requirement | Suggested Standard |
|---|---|
| Prior Degree | M.Div., M.T.S., Th.M., or equivalent graduate theology degree |
| Research Readiness | Graduate theological writing sample |
| Language Readiness | Hebrew and Greek tools recommended |
| Final Work | Dissertation and oral defense |
| Focus | Original theological research |
Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Counseling (Ph.D.)
Research Doctorate · Biblical Counseling Scholarship & Practice
Length
3–5 years
Total Credits
60 credits
Structure
20 courses, 3 credits each
Final Requirement
Dissertation, advanced practicum & oral defense
The Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Counseling is the highest academic credential in biblical counseling offered in this structure. It combines advanced research, theological integration, supervised practice, original dissertation work, and oral defense. Students are trained to contribute to the field of biblical counseling through scholarship, teaching, supervision, ministry leadership, and advanced counseling practice.
"We proclaim Him, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ." — Colossians 1:28
Program Outcomes
- 1Conduct original research in biblical counseling.
- 2Integrate Scripture, theology, counseling theory, pastoral wisdom, and supervised practice.
- 3Evaluate complex counseling issues through a biblical anthropology and theology of change.
- 4Provide advanced case supervision and ministry leadership.
- 5Teach and train biblical counselors in church, academic, and ministry settings.
- 6Complete and defend an original dissertation that contributes to biblical counseling.
Recommended Admissions Requirements
| Requirement | Suggested Standard |
|---|---|
| Prior Degree | M.A.B.C., M.B.C., M.Div., or equivalent |
| Counseling Experience | Prior supervised counseling or ministry care experience recommended |
| Ethics Preparation | Required biblical counseling ethics training |
| Final Work | Dissertation, advanced practicum, and oral defense |
| Focus | Biblical counseling scholarship, practice, supervision, and leadership |
Doctor of Philosophy in Theology (Ph.D.)
Research Doctorate · Systematic, Historical & Biblical Theology
Length
3–5 years
Total Credits
60 credits
Structure
20 courses, 3 credits each
Final Requirement
Dissertation and oral defense
The Doctor of Philosophy in Theology is a research doctorate in systematic, historical, and biblical theology. It emphasizes advanced research, theological method, original scholarship, teaching preparation, dissertation writing, and oral defense. This program is designed for theological educators, writers, pastors, ministry scholars, and those called to contribute original research to the church.
"The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out." — Proverbs 18:15
Program Outcomes
- 1Conduct original doctoral research in systematic, historical, or biblical theology.
- 2Evaluate theological claims through Scripture, historical theology, and doctrinal reasoning.
- 3Engage theological literature with clarity, charity, and scholarly discipline.
- 4Teach theology in church, ministry, or academic contexts.
- 5Produce a dissertation that contributes to theological understanding.
- 6Defend theological conclusions through written and oral examination.
Recommended Admissions Requirements
| Requirement | Suggested Standard |
|---|---|
| Prior Degree | M.Div., M.T.S., Th.M., or equivalent graduate theology degree |
| Research Readiness | Graduate theological writing sample |
| Language Readiness | Hebrew and Greek tools recommended |
| Final Work | Dissertation and oral defense |
| Focus | Original theological research in systematic, historical, or biblical theology |
