Degree Program in Christian Counseling Biblical. Theological. Christ-Centered. Life-Changing.
Counseling Program at RTS Charlotte RTS Charlotte is pleased to announce a new degree program in Christian counseling. With a commitment to the authority and relevance of Scripture in all areas of life, this new degree offers a rich combination of theological and practical training which prepares students to effectively apply God s word to their own lives and also to the lives of others. This new degree program offers multiple options for the student that includes the MA in Christian Counseling, the MDIV with a counseling emphasis, and multiple dual degree options. Students are able to choose the degree program which best prepares them for their individual calling, whether it be pastoral ministry, pastoral counseling, chaplaincy, missions, youth ministry, adoption agencies, human services, or ministry in Christian counseling centers. Our Campus RTS Charlotte has become both a national and international training ground for pastors, missionaries, educators, and leaders in the church, attracting students from all across the country and the world. Founded more than twenty years ago in one of the most beautiful cities in the Southeast, RTS Charlotte has a scenic 17-acre campus, ten full-time residential faculty members, multiple degree programs, a library of over 55,000 volumes, and hundreds of alumni serving Christ all over the globe. The vision of RTS Charlotte is to train the next generation of leaders in the church to be pastorscholars who pursue the kingdom of God with sharpened minds and hearts aflame for the Gospel. Biblical fidelity, confessional integrity, academic excellence and the development of godly character are foundational to our program.
Philosophy of the Counseling Program We believe wise help and counsel should be at the heart of the life and purpose of the church. We have developed multiple Christian counseling degree options that integrate biblical and theological studies with relevant practical training, designed to equip students for counseling ministry in the local church and beyond. Biblical, theological, and historical courses unpack the content of our Christian faith, while counseling and ministry courses bring that content to bear on the situations and details of people in need. Our program equips our students in the careful study of Scripture and life, and how to bring these together to fulfill the mission of the church in the shepherding of its people. RTS Charlotte s program embodies a model of biblically-grounded care and counsel as manifested in organizations such as the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF). Wise biblical counseling should be one of the core ministries of every church. The desire of RTS to restore handson cure of souls to its proper place is a real advance for the kingdom, and I am looking forward to seeing the future fruitfulness. Program Distinctives Biblical and theological integrity. We believe true care and counsel in the church should derive its identity above all from the wisdom and ways of God revealed in Jesus Christ through all of Scripture. With at least 4 credit hours of Bible and theology classes in the masters degrees, our program emphasizes the Scripture as the foundation for understanding people and helping them find lasting change. Counseling and ministry wisdom. Real truth changes us. It gets into the details of our lives and transforms us. Our specialized counseling courses help you grow in the understanding, skills, and methods of wise and effective counsel. A vision for the local church. One of the most effective and needed places for wise counsel is the local church. While graduates use their degrees in multiple venues of ministry, the local church is at the heart of our mission and the primary place for the physician of the soul to communicate and apply the hope of the gospel. Hands-on experience in counseling and ministry. Practicing ministry is a vital component in learning to effectively help others. Our program involves internships and field opportunities for students to gain experience in the church and various counseling ministries. Further, it involves opportunities for mentorship with experienced leaders. Scholarships and support. RTS Charlotte is committed to giving generous support to help you make seminary possible. We offer scholarships through ministry partnerships, church partnerships, and more. Contact the Admissions Department for more information. David Powlison, Executive Director, CCEF
4 RTS Charlotte offers multiple counseling degree options Master of Arts in Christian Counseling The core Masters degree which includes all of the core counseling classes (66 credit hours). Master of Divinity (MDIV) The MDIV degree with an emphasis in Christian Counseling (106 credit hours). MA/MACC The dual degree that combines the MA (Biblical Studies) or MA (Theological Studies) and the MACC (99 credit hours). MDIV/MACC The dual degree that combines the MDIV and the MACC (19 credit hours). For specific classes for the dual degrees or MDIV with a Counseling emphasis, please see www.rts.edu/charlotte/christiancounseling.
5 Degree Requirements for Master of Arts in Christian Counseling (MACC) at RTS Charlotte Schedule Planning Sheet RTS Charlotte MACC Beginning Fall 014 FALL YEAR 1 FALL YEAR Gospels Systematic Theology I Intro to Theological Studies Genesis to Joshua Dynamics of Biblical Change Advanced Biblical Exegesis Counseling in the Local Church Counseling and Physiology Counseling Elective Intro to Christian Counseling Counseling Practicum I 15 14 WINTER YEAR 1 WINTER YEAR Acts/Romans Apologetics Counseling Elective Counseling Elective 4 4 SPRING YEAR 1 SPRING YEAR Pauline Epistles Hebrews to Rev Poets Systematic Theology III Systematic Theology II Judges-Esther Human Personality Crisis/Traumatic Stress Couns Marriage and Family Counseling Theology and Secular Psych Free Elective Counseling Practicum II 14 15 Field Ed Internship English Bible Exam Total Credit Hours : 66
6 Faculty RTS Charlotte s professors are widely known as experts in their fields with over 40 books and numerous academic articles published among them. In addition, they have extensive pastoral and ministry experience, regularly making time for students over meals, in prayer meetings, and personal appointments. The faculty of the counseling program is comprised of the Director of the program, regular adjuncts, and visiting faculty. We incorporate a variety of professors and counselors who each bring unique dynamics, experience, and strengths to the program. They all share the same biblical perspective on the counseling task as modeled in organizations like the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF). Counseling Field Experience Practicum The MACC degree includes a valuable internship component for you to develop practical experience under skilled oversight. Under the supervision of the Director, each student will be required to have 100 hours of experience and supervision in counseling in the local church. To meet this requirement, RTS Charlotte will work with area churches and ministries to line up opportunities for students. The Director will meet one-on-one with students to discuss their experience. Select Residential Faculty Dr. Michael J. Kruger Dr. John D. Currid Dr. Douglas F. Kelly Select Adjunct and Visiting Counseling Faculty We need biblical counseling as the lifeblood of church life... Perseverance of the saints is a community project. -John Piper Dr. Rod S. Mays Former National Coordinator of RUF, Executive Minister Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church Dr. Ed WelcH CCEF Faculty For a listing of the full faculty see www.rts.edu/charlotte/faculty
7 Frequently Asked Questions How much counseling experience must I have to start the program at RTS? While previous experience in counseling is valued and will be considered in the admissions process, it is not required for admission to the counseling program. What is the benefit of taking counseling classes? Graduates find that their counseling courses profoundly shape most ministries they pursue. Pastors, leaders, counselors, campus ministers, youth ministers, small group leaders, missionaries, chaplains, and educators are all shaped by growing in face-to-face ministry skills. Further, many students with non-vocational ministry goals benefit from classes parents, friends, business men and women, medical doctors, active church members and more, take courses to grow in wisely relating with people. How long will it take me to complete the MACC program? The program is designed to be completed in two years but can be done in a longer time period, not to exceed seven years. Am I eligible for financial aid? Financial aid is available in the form of church partnerships, ministry partnerships, and other forms of both merit and need-based scholarships. Will this degree prepare me for state licensure? The program is primarily designed to prepare students for settings where licensure is not required. However, the program can meet part of the state licensure requirements. Additional coursework and supervision are required to become licensed by the state. What can graduates do upon graduation? Graduates move in several directions after graduation from our program. Many go directly into ministry vocations using all they have learned, including pastoral ministry, counseling ministry, chaplaincy, campus ministry and more. Others pursue further education or training to build on what they received from us, pursuing licensure, specialized counseling training, or doctoral programs. Contact Us To speak to an admissions representative to learn more about the campus and programs, please feel free to contact us Web www.rts.edu/charlotte/contactus.aspx E-mail admissions.charlotte@rts.edu Phone 800.755.49 Facebook facebook.com/rtscharlotte Twitter twitter.com/rtscharlotte Please make plans to come visit us soon so that we can show you around our campus!
Go to www.rts.edu/charlotte/christiancounseling to begin your journey. 101 Carmel Road Charlotte, NC 86-699 p. 800.755.49 p. 704.66.5066 e. admissions.charlotte@rts.edu w. www.rts.edu/charlotte