Luther Rice College & Seminary

Equipped for Christ-centered, Biblically Faithful, and Clinically Informed Care

The Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling is a 100% online, 36-hour graduate program designed to equip students to provide biblical counseling and Christ-centered care in churches, ministries, and other Christian counseling settings. Rooted in Scripture and shaped by practical counseling preparation, the program begins with foundational study in the Old and New Testaments, biblical interpretation, theology, and spiritual development. Students also complete core counseling coursework in counseling theories, helping skills, counseling foundations, marriage and family counseling, ethics, crisis counseling, counseling methodology, and practicum-based experience.

While the program is not designed for state licensure, students are prepared to offer biblically faithful and clinically informed care in Christian counseling contexts. Through biblical and theological formation alongside practical counseling training, graduates are equipped to listen carefully, assess presenting concerns, provide clear guidance, and support individuals toward spiritual, emotional, and relational growth rooted in the hope of Jesus Christ.

 

Need a Shorter Starting Point? Consider the Biblical Counseling Certificate

All three courses in the certificate are fully transferable into the Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling program. This certificate allows students to begin with a focused sequence of credit-bearing courses that may be applied toward the full degree, providing a flexible pathway for continued academic and ministry preparation in biblical counseling. LEARN MORE

MABC Program Highlights

Begin with courses like Introduction to Counseling Theories and Foundations in Counseling to understand the core principles that undergird effective, biblically aligned care.

Learn to apply counseling approaches thoughtfully and effectively through Helping Skills and Methodology for Counseling, ensuring your ministry is both compassionate and competent.

Courses in Old Testament, New Testament, and Biblical Interpretation provide a theological foundation for your counseling philosophy and practice.

A supervised Counseling Practicum gives you the opportunity to serve in a real ministry setting, developing confidence and experience in biblically grounded care.

Explore key areas of ministry such as Marriage and Family Counseling, Crisis Counseling, and Applied Theology for Spiritual Development.

Gain insights into Issues, Ethics, and Legal Concerns for Counselors, equipping you to navigate sensitive situations with wisdom and integrity.

 

Program Course Listings

Download the program course listings (PDF)

Quick Facts

  • Accredited with SACSCOC, TRACS, and ABHE
  • 36 hour graduate degree program
  • Can be accelerated for completion in 16-24 months
  • 97% of graduates report that a Luther Rice education improved the quality of their ministry experience
  • Transfer in up to 6 credit hours
  • Available 100% online or through a combination of online and on-campus classes
  • Online Tuition $397 per credit hour | Technology Fee $195 per course | $1,386 Total per course

  • Includes practicum for hands-on learning

Entrance Requirements  

  • General Requirements: All graduate programs require the satisfactory completion of a bachelor's degree or its equivalent, with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

  • Bachelor's Degree Equivalency: Equivalency means the applicant has completed 120 semester hours of recognized college-level work with at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale). Note that no bachelor's degree will be awarded to an applicant entering a graduate program through equivalency.

  • Specific Requirement for Master of Divinity with Languages Track: Applicants must have obtained an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

 

All Master of Arts degrees are now a pathway to the PhD in Organizational Leadership and Doctor of Ministry degrees at Luther Rice College & Seminary. 

Potential Careers

  • Christian Counselor
  • Church Counselor
  • Christian Counseling Center
  • Ministry Staff
  • Lay Counselor
  • Jail/Prison Chaplain
  • Youth & Family Pastor
  • Pregnancy Resource Center
  • Education

Program Coordinator

Dr. Ann Kerlin

Ann.Kerlin@LutherRice.edu

770-484-1204 ext.5688

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Kerlin personally anytime, or you can reach the Enrollment Team at Admissions@LutherRice.edu or 770-484-1204 ext. 5758.