Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Counseling Dual Degree

A dual degree student will graduate with two masters degrees in less time than it would take to complete those degrees individually.

The dual degree master of divinity and master of arts in counseling combines the theological, biblical and pastoral training of a master of divinity with the psychologically and spiritually grounded professional counseling training of the master of arts in counseling degree.

Why EMS?

EMS and EMU's graduate counseling program are both accredited programs. The MDiv is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and The MA in Counseling is accredited by Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
You will chose to work from either a pastoral identity or a counselor identity throughout your program. Understanding your the primary identity of your practice will aid you in your development and service.

Curriculum (120 SH)

Degree Requirements
- 60 hours of course work for the master of divinity degree. Advisors will help students decide how the master of divinity core requirements will be reduced.
- 60 credit hours toward the master of arts in counseling degree. Three of these hours are designated as a counseling elective, which could occur in the seminary context.
The dual degree advisor will work with each student on a case-by-case basis to determine which course substitutions are more suitable in light of schedule constraints and individual needs.

Students will generally spend two full years in the master of arts in counseling program. The sequencing of the seminary studies will be decided on an individual basis.
Seminary core requirements (60 SH)
- FS 503 Formation in Spiritual Practices
- FS 504 Formation in Narrative Identity
- BVOT 511 Old Testament: Text in Context
- BVNT 512 New Testament: Text in Context
- CTH 501/512 Christian Tradition I and II
- FS 601/602 Formation in Ministry I and II
- CTT 634 Living Theology
- CM 643 Missio Dei in Cultural Context
- CTE 702 Christian Ethics
- 12 hours of Biblical languages or the alternate language track
Master of arts in counseling core requirements (60 SH)
- Professional Identity, Function & Ethics
- Counseling Techniques
- Psychopathology
- Counseling Theories
- Integrated Counseling Process
- Group Counseling
- Crisis Intervention & Trauma Healing
- Multicultural Counseling
- Counseling Children & Adolescents
- Expressive Therapies
- Counseling Research & Program Evaluation
- Marriage & Family Counseling
- Advanced Diagnosis & Treatment Planning
- Career Development
- Assessment & Evaluation Procedures
- Counseling Research & Program Evaluation
- Professional Seminar
- Addictions Counseling
Internship and practicum experiences are also required.

Admissions Requirements

To be admitted to the dual-degree program students must be accepted to both the master of divinity program and the master of arts in counseling program. Students may fill out one application for both programs. Applicants are strongly encouraged to communicate how they will integrate the two degrees in their essay. They must also choose an academic reference, a pastoral reference and a professional reference. Applications for the MDiv/MAC dual degree are requested by March 1. Applications may be accepted after this date.