Certificate in Christian Counseling
Overview
Counseling Department: Certificate in Christian Counseling
In light of the need for comprehensive helping ministries in the church, higher education, and in organizations, the Counseling Department offers a Certificate in Christian Counseling. Certificates are intended to engage learners who may not be interested in enrolling in a degree program, may wish to add it to their current master’s degree program, or are interested in postgraduate or postdoctoral studies. For lay ministers or clergy who want more exposure to evidence-based counseling at an advanced level, this Certificate is designed to provide a broad foundation to the concepts and practices in the field within a Christian theological worldview1. Students may use this Certificate as an entry point to the MA in Mental Health Counseling or the MA in Chaplaincy and Ministry Care.
Purpose
The Certificate in Christian Counseling is designed for persons who desire to obtain advanced certification but do not wish to enroll in a degree program or obtain a professional license. Students who seek a vocation as a chaplain, pastoral or professional counselor, should explore our Master of Arts in Chaplaincy and Ministry Care or the Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling. Courses completed in this Certificate could transfer into to either of those degrees or this certificate may function on its own as a foundation for lay service or enhanced pastoral practice. This Certificate is open to persons who may not possess a baccalaureate degree but have had intensive or extensive life experience with human helping services and are able to demonstrate the ability to do graduate level studies. It is also appropriate for those who wish to explore the area of counseling in addition to their other TIU degree program. Admission to the Certificate does not ensure admission to a Trinity degree program; however, it is designed so that courses completed may apply toward a future TEDS degree.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Certificate in Christian Counseling generally possess the following:
- the general admission requirements described in the Admission section of the Catalog, or if an applicant does not have an earned bachelor’s degree or its equivalent with the minimum GPA, intensive or extensive life experience with counseling, spiritual formation, or human service work in the church, parachurch other Christian organization, or in the recovery arena (generally five-plus years of full-time experience)
- formal, non-formal or informal preparation for theological study at the seminary graduate level (theological education in a church or parachurch environment)
- demonstrated academic ability through evaluation and interview by the Counseling Department (personal interview encompassing demonstrable skills, character, knowledge, and critical thinking)
- completion of the Certificate Application with accompanying requisite materials
Completion Requirements
- All 15 hours must be completed through Trinity with a cumulative GPA for course work of at least 2.0, with no course work graded below “C-“ applicable to the Certificate.
- All coursework applicable to the Certificate must be completed within a five-year period.
- When the Certificate is taken simultaneously with a TIU degree, all 15 hours must be in addition to program degree coursework.
- Evidence of Christian life and character and recommendation by the faculty.
- Completion of Certificate requirements required by the Catalog curricula in effect at the time of initial enrollment.
- Settlement of all financial obligations to Trinity and any other ACTS seminaries with Student Financial Services.
Advanced Standing in the Certificate Programs
Advanced Standing of up to three semester hours may be granted in a Certificate in Christian Counseling upon demonstration of competencies related to the Certificate of enrollment. Petition for assessment of advanced standing must be made after the first class, and before the seventh credit hour of enrollment. See the Counseling Department for details.
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This Certificate will expose students to counseling as implemented in mainstream professions yet interfaced and delivered under the authority of Scripture. This program explores evidence-based strategies through an orthodox Christian theological lens. This is not lay level training in the respected and valuable discipleship approach commonly referenced as biblical counseling.
CERTIFICATE IN CHRISTIAN COUNSELING REQUIREMENTS
Courses may be completed on the Bannockburn campus, through TEDS online courses, and at approved extension sites. Not all courses are available in all modes or every semester. The following requirements must be completed:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required | 9 | |
| Counseling Skills Training | ||
| Group Counseling | ||
| Biblical Theology and Interpretation 1 | ||
| Select Additional Courses 2 | 6 | |
| Counseling Strategies: Theory, Treatment, and Technique | ||
| Career Counseling | ||
| Addiction Counseling | ||
| Current Studies in Counseling 3 | ||
| Total | 15 | |
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When combining this Certificate with another TEDS degree, a biblical/theological course substitution is permitted for ID 5000.
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Course substitutions in counseling or from other departments are possible depending upon prior experience and ministry direction with permission of the CO department.
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This course covers areas of interest related to pastoral counseling and counseling in ministry settings. Topics vary and are on a rotating basis. They include Spiritual Formation and Counseling; Couples Counseling; Crisis Counseling; Bereavement Counseling; and Pastoral Counseling for Guilt, Shame, and Depression. May be repeated.