Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Counseling degree develops a student’s basic skills in biblical and theological interpretation, competency in the skills essential to the practice of counseling and academic base for state licensure.
The Master of Arts in Counseling is a 72-hour degree program consisting of a 24-hour core in Bible and theology, a 39-hour required concentration in counseling, and a 9-hour cognate specialization. The counseling concentration includes counseling philosophy and theory, techniques, skill development and participatory learning through a practicum and internship. A thesis cognate is optional for students intending to pursue doctoral study. All students will complete a 100 hour Practicum and 600 hours of Internship experience.
Applicants for this degree should have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA from an accredited undergraduate institution.
Tuition and Fees – Master of Arts in Counseling degree program tuition is approximately $32,616.
Our program checklist breaks this program into modules and lists the courses required for each module.
Cognate Options
- Youth Ministries
- Women’s Studies
- Addictions Counseling
- Adult Ministries
- Biblical Studies
- Theological Studies
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Thesis Track
Degree Program Plans
The following documents are samples of different ways to arrange courses and course loads for the Master of Arts in Counseling degree program. We encourage you to arrange your course schedule to fit your own desired course loads, interests and available dates and times.
• Master of Arts in Counseling full-time degree program plan
• Master of Arts in Counseling part-time degree program plan
Degree Requirements
GRTS confers the Master of Arts in Counseling degree if the student has:
1. Completed 72 credit hours with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. These 72 hours include a 12-hour Bible core, 12-hour theology core, 39-hour concentration in counseling, and 9-hour cognate.
2. Achieved at least 36 credits at GRTS if the student transferred to GRTS.
3. Limited advanced standing credit to 12 hours, or one-sixth of the degree program requirements.
4. Limited online and distance education to five courses within the degree program.
5. Demonstrated a personal commitment to Jesus Christ and a life pattern of moral character and conduct.
6. Completed all assessments.
7. Participated in entrance, midpoint and exit interviews.
8. Fulfilled all student learning portfolio requirements.
9. Completed successfully the practicum and internship requirements.
10. Met all financial obligations.
11. Completed all the above requirements within five years of matriculation.
12. Participated in commencement.
Graduates of this degree program have the option to receive a diploma from Cornerstone University.
