MAC

Master of Arts in Counseling

The online Master of Arts in Counseling prepares you to help others through a theologically cohesive, relationally rich, and Christ-centered understanding of the human experience.

This counseling program is offered in collaboration with faculty from the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF).
Westminster’s biblical counseling training will prepare you to:

Develop a Christ-centered understanding of people, problems, and change.

Counsel with insight conformed to the authority of Scripture, not culture.

Walk alongside others recognizing our complex identity as saints, sufferers, and sinners.

at a glance

Credit Hours

61

Years To Complete

3–6

Average Cost per Term

on-campus only

$2,025

Both On-campus & Online

Original Languages

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“As I look at the road ahead of me as a counselor, pastor’s wife, and mother, I have confidence that I will have what I need because of my time in the MAC.”

Ellie McNeal, MAC ’13
biblical training
The Master of Arts in Counseling program combines comprehensive study of theology and counseling practices with practical experience under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Our graduate program curriculum is crafted to be cumulatively sequential and thoroughly biblical.

Each discipline derives its content and methodology from Scripture and therefore necessarily draws on—and informs—all other disciplines.

Core Courses
55 credits
  • Theology Courses:

  • Introduction to Apologetics

  • Bible Survey

  • Principles of Biblical Interpretation

  • New Testament Theology for Application

  • Old Testament Theology for Application

  • Introduction to Systematic Theology

  • Union with Christ

  • Doctrine of God

  • Counseling Courses:

  • Dynamics of Biblical Change

  • Helping Relationships

  • Applied Theology of the Person

  • Counseling in the Local Church

  • Complex Problems in Counseling

  • Theology & Secular Psychology

  • Marriage Counseling

  • Counseling & Physiology

  • Everyday Problems in Counseling

  • Counseling Observation

  • Ethics in Biblical Counseling

  • Culminating Seminar

Electives
6 credits

Choose two theology elective courses

Students have the opportunity to connect the riches of Westminster’s distinct curriculum with practical experience outside the classroom. Students must secure a practicum location and mentor to complete 100 hours of counseling experience before their final term.
Our theology and biblical studies courses are taught by Westminster faculty with Christian counseling courses taught by CCEF faculty.

Lecturing Faculty

Nate Shannon
Apologetics
Iain Duguid
Old Testament
Vern Poythress
Systematic Theology
Mike Emlet
CCEF
Michael Gembola
CCEF
Alasdair Groves
CCEF
Esther Liu
CCEF
Brandon Crowe
New Testament
Aaron Sironi
CCEF
Darby Strickland
CCEF
Todd Stryd
CCEF
Jonathan Gibson
Old Testament
Ed Welch
CCEF
Lauren Whitman
CCEF

Instructors

Nathaniel Sutanto
Apologetics
Kristin Silva
CCEF
Jacklyn Tubel
CCEF
Eamon Wilson
CCEF
Jason Pickard
Church History
Ben Dunson
New Testament
Thomas Keene
New Testament
Peter Moore
New Testament
Stephen Fix
Old Testament
Stephen Lewis
Old Testament
Jeffrey Stivason
Systematic Theology
GET A TASTE OF OUR ONLINE COURSES

Our online Master of Arts in Counseling courses leverage innovative technology and high-quality production to deliver excellent content in engaging formats.

The Master of Arts in Counseling will prepare you to serve in a wide range of career paths.

MAC STUDENTS & ALUMNI SERVE IN:

Church lay ministry

Counseling centers

Medical professions

Pastoral care

Community social work

K–12 education

AVAILABLE 100% ONLINE

To better equip the global church, Westminster offers the Master of Arts in Counseling fully online.

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THE ONLINE graduate program EXPERIENCE:

A better way to learn online, for when you need to stay.

Greater flexibility that fits your life.

Engaging and innovative classroom environment.

Easy-to-use technology connects you to a global community.

Immediate application in life and ministry.

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THE ON-CAMPUS EXPERIENCE:

Deep community and discipleship through shared daily life.

Programs intentionally crafted for ministry preparation and deep academic study.

Unparalleled access to expert faculty who are invested in your life and ministry.

Life-on-life fellowship in a diverse and like-minded community.

Communal rhythms of prayer and worship woven into all areas of campus life.

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FLEXIBLE counseling degree PROGRAMS THAT FIT YOUR LIFE

Our online programs are designed to fit your schedule. Complete courses at your own pace and start your degree during any of our four entrance terms.

March

March Term 2025

10 weeks    |   March 24 - May 31

June

June Term 2025

10 weeks    |   Dates TBA

Jan

January Term 2025

10 weeks    |   January 6 - March 15

Sept

September Term 2025

10 weeks    |   Dates TBA

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Theological Studies Certificates

Not ready to commit to a full degree? Westminster now offers three distinct certificate options, with each certificate comprising three of our graduate-level courses from the MATS program.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will the MAC prepare me to become a licensed professional counselor?

No, the MAC does not provide the training required by state licensing boards or prepare you for licensure exams. It is designed to improve the counsel you are currently offering in your daily relationships and to equip you for the more formal role of counselor in the context of the local church and other ministry and non-profit settings.

How long does it take to earn an MAC degree?

The degree timing is flexible, but most students finish in 3-5 years

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